Bias control device for medical machines

Abstract

To provide a highly operable deflection control device for medical devices that enables easy retention and release of the deflection direction of the movable parts of medical devices. [Solution] The deflection operating device 100 has a grippable housing 111 and sliding members 160 and 170 connected to the proximal end of the operating wire, with sliding body portions 161 and 171 that can slide in the axial direction of the operating wire within the housing 111. The device is configured to displace the operating wire along the axial direction in the deflection operating direction of the movable part 20 in accordance with the sliding of the sliding body portions 161 and 171. Housing-side engaging portions and sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 are provided at the locations where the housing 111 and the sliding body portions 161 and 171 face each other, and the housing-side engaging portions and sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 engage to restrict the sliding of the sliding members 160 and 170 that are subjected to tension from the operating wire.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a deflection operation device for a medical instrument capable of performing a deflection operation on a movable portion of the medical instrument, and more particularly to a deflection operation device for a medical instrument that performs a deflection operation on the movable portion of a medical instrument such as an endoscope or a catheter provided with an elongated member to be inserted into a living body.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional minimally invasive medical procedures, medical instruments such as endoscopes and catheters provided with elongated members suitable for being inserted into a living body and passed through a body lumen are used. The elongated member is generally formed of a flexible member with a small diameter, and by inserting the elongated member from outside the living body into the body lumen and making its distal end reach a desired site in the living body, various treatments, examinations and the like can be performed.

[0003] Conventionally, a bendable movable portion is provided at the distal end of an elongated member constituting a medical instrument, and a technology that enables the movable portion inserted into the living body to be deflected by a user's operation on the outside of the living body is known.

[0004] The following Patent Document 1 describes a medical device having, as an operation mechanism for performing a deflection operation on the movable portion of a medical instrument: a grippable case connected to a tubular member and having an opening formed on a side surface along the axial direction of an operation wire; a rotation operation member arranged to be rotatable relative to the case and having an operation arm portion protruding to the side of the case; and a slide member integrally provided with a slide main body portion connected to the proximal end portion of the operation wire and movable in the axial direction of the operation wire inside the case, and a side protruding portion protruding to the side of the case through the opening. In the medical device described in Patent Document 1, the side protruding portion of the slide member is engaged with the operation arm portion of the rotation operation member via an engagement shaft member, and the slide main body portion of the slide member moves in the axial direction of the operation wire in response to the rotation of the rotation operation member, so that the operation wire can be moved in the axial direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 191056 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] When a movable part of a medical device is set to a desired deflection direction, it is sometimes desirable to maintain that deflection direction even when the user releases their hand from the operating member of the medical device that controls the movable part. However, in the medical device described in Patent Document 1, when the user releases their hand from the rotating operating member having an operating arm, the tension of the operating wire causes the movable part to straighten out and return to a neutral position where it does not deflect, thus having a problem in that it is not possible to maintain the desired deflection direction.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a deflection control device for medical devices that is easy to operate and allows for easy retention and release of the deflection direction of the movable part of the medical device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The deflection control device for medical devices according to the present invention is a device for medical devices that can deflect a movable part of a medical device via an operating wire in order to achieve the above objective, and comprises a grippable housing and a sliding member connected to the proximal end of the operating wire and having a sliding body portion that can slide in the axial direction of the operating wire within the housing, wherein the device is configured to displace the operating wire along the axial direction in the direction of deflection of the movable part in accordance with the sliding of the sliding body portion, and a housing-side engaging portion and a sliding-side engaging portion are provided at opposing locations between the housing and the sliding body portion, and the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion engage to restrict the sliding of the sliding member that is subjected to tension from the operating wire.

[0009] With the above configuration, the engagement portion on the housing side and the engagement portion on the sliding side engage to maintain the position of the sliding member relative to the housing and restrict the sliding of the sliding member due to the tension of the operating wire. As a result, the deflection direction of the movable part can be stably held and released at the desired position, making it possible to realize a deflection operating device for medical devices with excellent operability.

[0010] In the deflection control device for medical devices according to the present invention, the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion may have a shape that allows them to fit together.

[0011] With the above configuration, the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion fit together to maintain the position of the sliding member relative to the housing and restrict the sliding of the sliding member due to the tension of the operating wire.

[0012] In the deflection control device for medical devices according to the present invention, in the above configuration, one of the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion may be configured to have a recess, and the other of the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion may be configured to have a protrusion.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the position of the sliding member relative to the housing can be maintained by the interlocking grooves, and the sliding of the sliding member due to the tension of the operating wire can be restricted. Furthermore, by communicating changes in the interlocking grooves to the user, the user's operating feel can be improved.

[0014] In the deflection control device for medical devices according to the present invention, the recesses serving as sliding engagement portions are provided in a plurality along the longitudinal direction of the sliding body, and may engage with the protrusions serving as housing engagement portions at any position within the sliding range of the sliding body.

[0015] With the above configuration, the sliding member can be securely held in place by the interlocking grooves of the housing at any position within the sliding range of the sliding member.

[0016] In the deflection control device for medical devices according to the present invention, the control wire is composed of at least a first control wire and a second control wire, and the sliding member may be composed of a first sliding member and a second sliding member connected to the first control wire and the second control wire, respectively.

[0017] With the above configuration, the sliding of the two sliding members, the first sliding member and the second sliding member, allows the movable part to be deflected via two operating wires, the first operating wire and the second operating wire.

[0018] In the deflection control device for medical devices according to the present invention, the first sliding member and the second sliding member are configured to slide in opposite directions to each other, and the first operating wire and the second operating wire may be moved in opposite directions to each other.

[0019] With the above configuration, the first sliding member and the second sliding member can be reciprocated in opposite directions, and the first operating wire and the second operating wire can be moved in opposite directions as a whole, thereby deflecting the movable part.

[0020] The deflection device for medical devices according to the present invention may have a rotating member that is rotatably mounted to the housing, and a lateral projection that connects to the rotating member may be integrally provided with the sliding member, and the sliding body portion connected via the lateral projection may be slidable by the rotation of the rotating member.

[0021] With the above configuration, the sliding member inside the housing can be slid by rotating the rotating member. In this case as well, the engagement between the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion maintains the position of the sliding member relative to the housing and restricts the sliding of the sliding member due to the tension of the operating wire. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1]This is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a medical device including a deflection operation device for medical equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a view showing the vicinity of the distal end of a tubular member according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of the distal end of the tubular member, and (b) is a transparent view for explaining the interior of the tubular member. [Figure 4] This is a diagram for explaining the deflection operation of the movable portion of the tubular member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the disk portion of the upper housing member of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below. [Figure 10] This is a bottom view of the vicinity of the disk portion of the upper housing member of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the lower surface side. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the sliding member of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of the sliding member of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the upper surface side. [Figure 13] This is a partially transparent plan view of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where the widened end portion of the rotating member is in a bilaterally symmetrical position. [Figure 14] This is a partially transparent plan view of the deflection operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where the widened end portion of the rotating member is rotated in one direction. [Figure 15]This is a partially transparent plan view of a deflection control device in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the widened end of the rotating member is rotated in the other direction. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 5. [Figure 17] The figures (a) to (c) are cross-sectional views illustrating the state of the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion when the rotating member is rotated in the deflection control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (a) to (c) schematically show how the fitting position between the convex portion constituting the housing-side engaging portion and the concave portion constituting the sliding-side engaging portion moves. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the user (practitioner) of a medical device equipped with the deflection control device for medical devices according to the present invention is considered the distal side, with the patient's internal side being the distal side and the user's hand side being the proximal side. The drawings referenced in this specification do not necessarily have an accurate scale to the actual dimensions and are partially exaggerated or simplified in order to schematically illustrate the configuration of the present invention.

[0024] First, the overall configuration of the medical device 1, which is a medical device including the deflection control device 100 for medical devices (hereinafter referred to as the deflection control device 100) in an embodiment of the present invention, will be described. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the medical device 1 including the deflection control device 100 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The medical device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a long tubular member 10, and is configured so that a movable part 20 (also called the operated part or deflection part) located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 can be deflected by a deflection operating device 100. In this embodiment, the deflection operating device 100 is configured so that the user can deflect the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 constituting the medical device 1 by operating a rotating member 150. The type of medical device of the medical device 1 equipped with the tubular member 10 is not particularly limited, but examples include endoscopes, catheters, cannulas, etc.

[0026] The deflection control device 100 of the medical device 1 shown in Figure 1 is designed to allow connection of various devices. As an example, a connecting member 190 is attached to the proximal end of the deflection control device 100, allowing connection of various devices via the connecting member 190. The devices connected to the deflection control device 100 are not particularly limited, nor are there any particular limitations on the method of connecting the devices to the deflection control device 100.

[0027] The tubular member 10 is made of a long, flexible tube, and has a movable part 20 at the distal end (upper side in Figure 1), which is the end that is inserted into the body, that is, the end that 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 location inside 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 lumen organ or endoscopic forceps channel inside the body.

[0028] The material of the tubular member 10 is preferably a flexible material that can be flexibly deformed when inserted into the body, and is also harmless to the human body. As the material of the tubular member 10, for example, a biocompatible polymer material such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, or fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene can be used.

[0029] The tubular member 10 has a tubular structure in which one or more lumens (or channels) are formed along its extending direction. For example, an image sensor or an optical output unit may be placed at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, and wiring for transmitting video signals from the image sensor or optical fibers for transmitting light to the optical output unit may be inserted into the lumen of the tubular member 10, and its operation may be controlled by various devices connected to the deflection control device 100. Furthermore, endoscopic treatment instruments such as forceps or snares may be inserted into the lumen of the tubular member 10, and fluids such as irrigation water, body fluids, or contrast agents may be circulated through it. Various ports and connectors of the deflection control device 100 are in communication with the lumen of the tubular member 10 connected to the deflection control device 100, and the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 can be placed inside the body to perform appropriate procedures as needed.

[0030] A tip 50 is attached to the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, and a movable part 20 is provided proximal to the tip 50, which can be deflected by the user using a deflection control device 100. The range of the movable part 20 can be appropriately set according to the target site of treatment or examination inside the body and is not particularly limited, but for example it can be set to a range of about 2 to 10 cm from the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10.

[0031] The movable part 20 located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 preferably has higher flexibility than the intermediate part 30 of the tubular member 10 (the tubular member 10 proximal to the movable part 20). The intermediate part 30 of the tubular member 10 preferably can be flexibly deformed to conform to the internal lumen, while the movable part 20 preferably can be flexibly deflected by operation by the user. In particular, when the user operates using the deflection operation device 100, it is preferable that the intermediate part 30 of the tubular member 10 does not bend in conjunction with it, and only the movable part 20 is able to deflect in conjunction. The movable part 20 and the intermediate part 30 may be made of the same type of material or different materials.

[0032] Operating wires (a first operating wire W1 and a second operating wire W2, described later) are inserted inside the tubular member 10. The operating wires are interposed between the movable part 20 and the deflection operating device 100 so as to transmit force. As the operating wires, wires made of metal (such as stainless steel) that have enough flexibility to bend in accordance with the curvature of the tubular member 10 including the movable part 20 can be used. The operating wires are moved to the proximal side in the axial direction by operation in the deflection operating device 100, thereby deflecting the movable part 20. Alternatively, operating wires that have rigidity in the axial direction and can transmit force from the proximal side to the distal side may be used.

[0033] The proximal end of the tubular member 10 is connected to the distal end (sleeve portion 113) of the deflection control device 100. The deflection control device 100 is placed outside the body when the user of the medical device 1 performs treatment or examination inside the body. The deflection control device 100 is configured to deflect the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 by displacing an operating wire attached to the distal end of the tubular member 10 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, when the user operates the rotating member 150 provided on the deflection control device 100, the operating wire moves in the axial direction in accordance with the rotation of the rotating member 150 within the deflection control device 100, thereby deflecting the movable portion 20 in a predetermined direction.

[0034] The tubular member 10, as well as the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2, will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1.

[0035] The distal end of the tubular member 10 is provided with a movable part 20 that can be deflected using a deflection control device 100. By operating the movable part 20 with the deflection control device 100, the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 can be deflected in a desired deflection direction.

[0036] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the tubular member 10 has a tubular structure with a lumen formed along its extending direction. A main lumen 13 is formed approximately in the center of the cross-section of the tubular member 10, along the axial direction of the tubular member 10. The main lumen 13 opens at the distal end 10a and the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10.

[0037] Wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b are formed in the tube wall between the outer surface of the tubular member 10 and the main lumen 13, for inserting the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2. As an example, as shown in Figure 2, the tubular member 10 has a pair of wire lumens 11a, 11b and a pair of wire lumens 12a, 12b, i.e., a total of four wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b. Each wire lumen 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b is formed to open at the distal end 10a and the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10, similar to the main lumen 13.

[0038] As described later, a first operating wire W1 is inserted through a pair of wire lumens 11a and 11b, and a second operating wire W2 is inserted through a pair of wire lumens 12a and 12b. The pair of wire lumens 11a and 11b and the pair of wire lumens 12a and 12b are positioned approximately 180° opposite each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of the tubular member 10.

[0039] To reinforce the tubular member 10 and suppress its twisting, a braided layer may be provided on the tubular member 10, which consists of a reinforcing member made of braided wire, such as stainless steel. The tubular member 10 may have multiple lumens other than the wire lumen, and may be a multilayer tube.

[0040] The configuration near the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 will be described with reference to Figures 3(a) and 3(b), and Figure 4. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the vicinity of the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 in an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic perspective view 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. Note that the main lumen 13 is omitted from the illustration in Figure 3(b). Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the deflection operation of the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 is provided with a tip 50 made of, for example, metal. The tip 50 protects the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 and, by being formed in a tapered shape, reduces the resistance to inserting the tubular member 10 into the body. The tip 50 is fixed to the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10.

[0042] The tip 50 is provided with a through hole 55a along its central axis. The through hole 55a communicates with the main lumen 13 of the tubular member 10, and the main lumen 13 of the tubular member 10 communicates with the outside through this through hole 55a.

[0043] The tip 50 has a pair of side recesses 56 and 57 formed on its proximal side surface. Wire insertion holes 56a and 56b are formed in the side recess 56. Similarly, wire insertion holes 57a and 57b are formed in the side recess 57. The wire insertion holes 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b are provided to 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, and the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2, which are inserted through the wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b, are inserted through the wire insertion holes 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b, respectively. The first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 constitute the operating wire of the present invention.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(b), a single operating wire (first operating wire W1) is inserted through the wire lumens 11a and 11b, and a single operating wire (second operating wire W2) is inserted through the wire lumens 12a and 12b.

[0045] The first operating wire W1, which is inserted through the wire lumens 11a and 11b, is inserted through wire insertion holes 56a and 56b of the tip 50, which are provided corresponding to the wire lumens 11a and 11b. The first operating wire W1 has a length slightly longer than about twice the length of the tubular member 10, and a folded intermediate portion W1c, which corresponds to approximately halfway along the axial direction of the wire, is folded back in the side recess 56 of the tip 50. With the folded intermediate portion W1c as a reference, the operating wire W1a at one end is inserted through the wire insertion hole 56a into the wire lumen 11a, and the operating wire W1b at the other end is inserted through the wire insertion hole 56b into the wire lumen 11b. When the operating wires W1a and W1b are pulled proximally, the folded intermediate portion W1c is configured to engage with the tip 50 due to the tensile force.

[0046] The second operating wire W2, which is inserted through the wire lumens 12a and 12b, is inserted through wire insertion holes 57a and 57b of the tip 50, which are provided corresponding to the wire lumens 12a and 12b. The second operating wire W2 has a length slightly longer than about twice that of the tubular member 10, and a folded intermediate portion W2c, which corresponds to approximately halfway along the axial direction of the wire, is folded back in the side recess 57 of the tip 50. With the folded intermediate portion W2c as a reference, the operating wire W2a at one end is inserted through the wire insertion hole 57a into the wire lumen 12a, and the operating wire W2b at the other end is inserted through the wire insertion hole 57b into the wire lumen 12b. When the operating wires W2a and W2b are pulled proximally, the folded intermediate portion W2c is configured to engage with the tip 50 due to the tensile force.

[0047] In this way, by folding the wire back at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of work required during manufacturing, and structural limitations can be minimized.

[0048] One end of the first operating wire W1, W1a, extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted through the wire lumen 11a, and the proximal end of operating wire W1a is guided into the deflection operating device 100. Similarly, the other end of the first operating wire W11, W1b, extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted through the wire lumen 11b, and the proximal end of operating wire W1b is guided into the deflection operating device 100. As will be described later, the proximal ends of operating wire W1a and the proximal ends of operating wire W1b are connected and fixed to the sliding member 160 of the deflection operating device 100. When the sliding member 160 moves to the proximal side, operating wires W1a and W1b are pulled to the proximal side, causing the movable part 20 to deflect towards the side where the side recess 56 of the tip 50 is located (in the direction of arrow α shown in Figure 4).

[0049] One end of the second operating wire W2, W2a, extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted through the wire lumen 12a, and the proximal end of operating wire W2a is guided into the deflection operating device 100. Similarly, the other end of the second operating wire W2, W2b, extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted through the wire lumen 12b, and the proximal end of operating wire W2b is guided into the deflection operating device 100. As will be described later, the proximal ends of operating wire W2a and the proximal ends of operating wire W2b are connected and fixed to the sliding member 170 of the deflection operating device 100. When the sliding member 170 moves to the proximal side, operating wires W2a and W2b are pulled to the proximal side, causing the movable part 20 to deflect towards the side where the side recess 57 of the tip 50 is located (in the direction of arrow β shown in Figure 4).

[0050] Next, the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figure 5 is a plan view of the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment viewed from above, and Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment viewed from below. Note that the first control wire W1 and the second control wire W2 are omitted from the illustration in Figures 7 and 8.

[0051] For convenience, in the following explanation, the side on which one component of the housing 111 (the upper housing component 120) is located will be referred to as the upper side, and the side on which the other component (the lower housing component 130) is located will be referred to as the lower side. However, users can operate the device without being aware of which side is the upper and which is the lower side.

[0052] The deflection control device 100 in this embodiment is generally composed of an upper housing member 120, a lower housing member 130, a rotating member 150, and a pair of sliding members 160 and 170. Each component of the deflection control device 100 can be made from, for example, a resin material, and these components can be combined to assemble the deflection control device 100.

[0053] The deflection control device 100 has a long, slender shape that extends from the proximal side to the distal side. The longitudinal direction, as used below, refers to the long length direction of the deflection control device 100. The lateral direction, as used below, refers to the direction from the longitudinal central axis of the deflection control device 100 outward when the deflection control device 100 is viewed from above (see Figure 5).

[0054] The upper housing member 120 is a member having an elongated shape along its longitudinal direction. The upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other to form the housing 111. The housing 111 has a shape and dimensions that allow the user to grasp it. The material of the housing 111 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a lightweight and strong material, and may be a polymer material such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, ABS, or PET.

[0055] In the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, a storage space is formed between the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 (inside the housing 111). The sliding members 160 and 170, the proximal ends of the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2, the approximate central part of the rotating member 150, etc. are housed in this storage space. The method of fixing the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 is not particularly limited; for example, the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 may be fixed by screw fastening, or they may be fixed by bonding methods such as adhesive bonding or ultrasonic bonding.

[0056] A disc portion 121 is provided in the longitudinal center of the upper housing member 120. The disc portion 121 is made up of a thin, flat, substantially circular member. The center of the disc portion 121 coincides with the pivot axis of the rotating member 150.

[0057] The disc portion 121 has two jig insertion holes 121a that penetrate through the disc portion 121. In the assembled deflection operating device 100, the tension of the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 can be adjusted by inserting a jig through the jig insertion holes 121a and tightening or loosening the bolts 184a of the sliding members 160 and 170.

[0058] The proximal end of the upper housing member 120 is provided with a semi-cylindrical portion 125 that extends smoothly in the longitudinal direction. As will be described later, the proximal end of the lower housing member 130 is also provided with a semi-cylindrical portion 135 formed in a similar shape. In the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, the semi-cylindrical portions 125 and 135 overlap to form a cylindrical gripping portion 115 with a cavity inside. This allows the user to easily operate the deflection control device 100 by gripping the gripping portion 115.

[0059] The distal end of the upper housing member 120 is provided with an upper sleeve portion 126 that protrudes distally. On the lower surface of the upper sleeve portion 126, a groove 126a with a semicircular cross-section is formed, extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the upper sleeve portion 126. As will be described later, the distal end of the lower housing member 130 is similarly provided with a lower sleeve portion 136 with a semicircular cross-section groove 136a. In the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, a thin tubular sleeve portion 113 is formed. The proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is inserted into and fixed in the sleeve portion 113.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, a pair of upper sliding grooves 122 and 123 are provided on the lower surface of the upper housing member 120, extending along its entire longitudinal direction. As will be described later, a pair of lower sliding grooves 132 and 133, formed in a similar shape, are also provided on the upper surface of the lower housing member 130. In the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, the pair of upper sliding grooves 122 and 123 and the pair of lower sliding grooves 132 and 133 form a pair of sliding grooves for the sliding members 160 and 170, respectively, which are capable of sliding each other. The sliding grooves restrict the sliding direction of the pair of sliding members 160 and 170, allowing them to slide along their longitudinal direction within a predetermined sliding range.

[0061] On the lower surface of the distal end of the upper housing member 120, a pair of curved protrusions 127a and 127b are formed, extending in a curved manner from the proximal end of a semicircular groove 126a formed in the upper sleeve portion 126 to the distal ends of a pair of upper sliding grooves 122 and 123, respectively. As will be described later, a pair of wire insertion grooves 137a and 137b, formed in a similar curved shape, are provided on the upper surface of the distal end of the lower housing member 130. The pair of curved protrusions 127a and 127b are fitted into the corresponding pair of wire insertion grooves 137a and 137b, respectively, creating gaps through which the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 can be inserted, thereby forming a pair of wire insertion holes that guide the pair of first operating wires W1 and the second operating wires W2, respectively. The pair of curved protrusions 127a and 127b define gaps large enough for a pair of first operating wires W1 and second operating wires W2 to be inserted through them, thereby suppressing the movement of the first operating wires W1 and second operating wires W2 inserted through the pair of wire insertion holes, and enabling the first operating wires W1 and second operating wires W2 to be held stably.

[0062] An opening groove 125a is formed at the proximal end of the semi-cylindrical portion 125 of the upper housing member 120. As will be described later, an opening groove 135a of a similar shape is also formed at the proximal end of the semi-cylindrical portion 135 of the lower housing member 130. In the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, an opening is formed at the proximal end of the housing 111 by the opening grooves 125a and 135a, and a connecting member 190 such as a Luer connector can be attached to this opening. The opening formed at the proximal end of the housing 111 passes through the inside of the housing 111 and further communicates from the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 attached to the sleeve portion 113, through the main lumen 13, to the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10.

[0063] A housing-side engaging portion 220 is provided on the lower surface of the disc portion 121. As will be described later, sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 are provided on the upper surfaces of the sliding members 160 and 170. In the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, the housing-side engaging portion 220 of the disc portion 121 engages with the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 of the sliding members 160 and 170. This maintains the position of the sliding members 160 and 170 relative to the housing 111, restricts the sliding of the sliding members 160 and 170, and maintains (fixes) the deflection direction of the movable portion 20. It is preferable that the housing-side engaging portion 220 is provided so as to engage with the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 regardless of the position of the sliding members 160 and 170 within their sliding range. Details of the housing-side engaging portion 220 will be described later.

[0064] The lower housing member 130 is a member having an elongated shape along its longitudinal direction. The upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other to form the housing 111. As described above, in the assembled state in which the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, a housing space is formed between the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 (inside the housing 111).

[0065] The proximal end of the lower housing member 130 is provided with a semi-cylindrical portion 135 that extends smoothly in the longitudinal direction. As described above, in the assembled state in which the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, the semi-cylindrical portions 125 and 135 overlap to form a cylindrical gripping portion 115 with a cavity inside.

[0066] The distal end of the lower housing member 130 is provided with a lower sleeve portion 136 that protrudes distally. On the upper surface of the lower sleeve portion 136, a groove 136a with a semicircular cross-section is formed, extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the lower sleeve portion 136. As described above, in the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, a thin tubular sleeve portion 113 is formed.

[0067] A pivot member support portion 131 is provided in the longitudinal center of the lower housing member 130. The pivot member support portion 131 is made up of a thin, flat, substantially circular member, except for the position of the stepped surface portion 131b that constitutes the rotation restricting portion. The pivot member 150 is positioned on the upper surface of the pivot member support portion 131 so as to be rotatable relative to the lower housing member 130 (housing 111).

[0068] A cylindrical member 131a is provided at approximately the center of the upper surface of the rotating member support portion 131, so as to be erected from the upper surface of the rotating member support portion 131. The cylindrical member 131a is sized to be insertable into a retaining hole 151a formed at approximately the center of the lower surface of the rotating member 150. The central axis of the cylindrical member 131a coincides with the rotation axis of the rotating member 150.

[0069] The distal and proximal portions of the lower housing member 130 are configured to be thicker than the pivot member support portion 131. A pair of lower sliding grooves 132 and 133 are provided in the thickened portion on the upper surface of the lower housing member 130. As described above, in the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, a pair of sliding grooves for the sliding members 160 and 170 are formed by the pair of upper sliding grooves 122 and 123 and the pair of lower sliding grooves 132 and 133, respectively, allowing the pair of sliding members 160 and 170 to slide. The distal and proximal lower sliding grooves 132 and 133 are separated by the pivot member support portion 131, but the separation distance is set to be smaller than the longitudinal length of the sliding body portions 161 and 171 of the sliding members 160 and 170.

[0070] The bottom surfaces of the pair of lower sliding grooves 132 and 133 are positioned higher than the top surface of the rotating member support portion 131. As a result, the sliding body portions 161 and 171 that slide in the sliding grooves of the sliding member pass at a position spaced apart from the top surface of the rotating member support portion 131, and a gap is formed between the bottom surfaces of the sliding members 160 and 170 and the top surface of the rotating member support portion 131, allowing the arm portions 152 and 153 of the rotating member 150 to be positioned.

[0071] In the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, the disc portion 121 and the rotating member support portion 131 are separated vertically and face each other, and openings are formed on both sides between the disc portion 121 and the rotating member support portion 131. As will be described later, the sliding body portions 161 and 171 that slide in the sliding groove of the sliding member each have lateral projections 162 and 172 integrally formed thereon. The lateral projections 162 and 172 are arranged to project outwards on both sides of the housing 111 through the openings formed between the disc portion 121 and the rotating member support portion 131.

[0072] Stepped surfaces 131b are formed on the distal and proximal sides of the rotating member support portion 131 (the boundary between the thickened distal and proximal sides and the rotating member support portion 131). These stepped surfaces 131b constitute a rotation restricting portion that abuts against the arm portions 152 and 153 of the rotating member 150. When the rotating member 150 rotates, the pair of arm portions 152 and 153 abut against the stepped surfaces 131b, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the rotating member 150.

[0073] On the upper surface of the distal end of the lower housing member 130, a pair of wire insertion grooves 137a and 137b are formed, which curve from the proximal end of the semicircular groove 136a formed in the lower sleeve portion 136 to the distal ends of the pair of lower sliding grooves 132 and 133, respectively. As described above, the pair of curved protrusions 127a and 127b are fitted into the corresponding pair of wire insertion grooves 137a and 137b, respectively, to create gaps through which the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 can be inserted, thereby forming a pair of wire insertion holes that guide the pair of first operating wires W1 and the second operating wires W2, respectively.

[0074] An opening groove 135a is formed at the proximal end of the semi-cylindrical portion 135 of the lower housing member 130. As described above, in the assembled state in which the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, an opening is formed at the proximal end of the housing 111 by the opening grooves 125a and 135a, and a connecting member 190 such as a Luer connector can be attached to this opening.

[0075] The rotating member 150 is composed of a pivoting center 151, a pair of arm portions 152 and 153, and a pair of widening ends 154 and 155. The rotating member 150 is rotatably mounted to the housing 111. In this embodiment, the user of the deflection operation device 100 rotates the rotating member 150 relative to the housing 111, thereby performing the deflection operation of the movable part 20.

[0076] The pivot center 151 and the pair of arm portions 152 and 153 are integrally constructed from an elongated flat plate member. The pivot center 151 is formed in a thin, approximately circular flat plate shape, and the pair of arm portions 152 and 153 extend from the pivot center 151 to both sides. The pair of arm portions 152 and 153 are formed to be approximately in a straight line and are connected at the pivot center 151.

[0077] A bottomed retaining hole 151a is formed on the lower side of the pivoting center 151. The retaining hole 151a of the pivoting center 151 is sized to allow insertion of the cylindrical member 131a provided on the pivoting member support portion 131 of the lower housing member 130. With the cylindrical member 131a inserted into the retaining hole 151a of the pivoting center 151, the pivoting member 150 can rotate relative to the lower housing member 130 (housing 111) using the cylindrical member 131a as the pivot axis.

[0078] At the tip ends of the pair of arm portions 152 and 153, engagement shaft fixing portions 152a and 153a are formed, respectively, which are capable of fixing engagement shaft members 182 and 183. The engagement shaft fixing portions 152a and 153a are composed of holes into which, for example, the lower ends of cylindrical engagement shaft members 182 and 183 are fitted and fixed. The engagement shaft members 182 and 183 are inserted through the engagement shaft insertion holes 162a and 172a of the sliding members 160 and 170, and then fixed to the engagement shaft fixing portions 152a and 153a by screws or the like.

[0079] The tips of the pair of arm portions 152 and 153 are provided with curved widened ends 154 and 155, respectively. The pair of widened ends 154 and 155 are members that extend outward along the direction of rotation around the pivot axis. The outer sides of the pair of widened ends 154 and 155 are formed to be wavy along the direction of extension of the widened ends 154 and 155. This makes it easier for the user's fingers to grip the widened ends 154 and 155 when rotating the rotating member 150, improving the operability of the rotation. The shape and size of the widened ends 154 and 155 are not particularly limited.

[0080] A pair of sliding members 160 and 170 are arranged inside the housing 111. The sliding members 160 and 170 are slidable within a predetermined sliding range inside the housing 111. The sliding member 160 is composed of a sliding body portion 161 and a lateral projection portion 162, and the sliding member 170 is composed of a sliding body portion 171 and a lateral projection portion 172. The sliding member 160 constitutes the first sliding member of the present invention, and the sliding member 170 constitutes the second sliding member of the present invention.

[0081] The sliding body portions 161 and 171 are substantially rectangular-shaped members that extend in the longitudinal direction. The sliding body portions 161 and 171 are respectively positioned in a pair of sliding grooves formed within the housing 111 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. The sliding body portions 161 and 171 are supported by the sliding grooves formed in the housing 111, and are able to reciprocate stably in the longitudinal direction within the housing 111.

[0082] The upper central portion of the sliding body portions 161 and 171 has grooves 161b and 171b that extend along their entire longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the side surfaces of the sliding body portions 161 and 171 have fastening holes 161c and 171c formed within the grooves 161b and 171b, allowing for the insertion of bolts 184a.

[0083] The proximal ends of the first operating wire W1a and the proximal ends of the operating wire W1b, which constitute the first operating wire W1, are guided by a groove 161b formed in the sliding body 161 and inserted into a metal tube 184c positioned in the groove 161b. Similarly, the proximal ends of the second operating wire W2a and the proximal ends of the second operating wire W2b, which constitute the second operating wire W2, are guided by a groove 171b formed in the sliding body 171 and inserted into a metal tube 184c positioned in the groove 171b. With the metal tube 184c passed through the female thread 184b from the side of the female thread 184b so as to penetrate the lumen, the bolt 184a is screwed in to crimp the metal tube 184c, thereby crimping and fixing the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 into the metal tube 184c, respectively. As a result, the first operating wire W1 is connected and fixed to the sliding member 160, and the second operating wire W2 is connected and fixed to the sliding member 170. However, the method of connecting the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 to the sliding members 160 and 170 is not limited to this method, and any connection method can be used as long as it moves the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 in the axial direction in accordance with the displacement of the sliding members 160 and 170 in the longitudinal direction.

[0084] Sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 are provided on the upper surfaces of the sliding body portions 161 and 171. As described above, a housing-side engaging portion 220 is provided on the lower surface of the disc portion 121, and in the assembled state where the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other, the housing-side engaging portion 220 of the disc portion 121 and the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 of the sliding members 160 and 170 engage. This maintains the position of the sliding members 160 and 170 relative to the housing 111, restricts the sliding of the sliding members 160 and 170, and maintains (fixes) the deflection direction of the movable portion 20. It is preferable that the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 are provided so as to engage with the housing-side engaging portion 220 regardless of the position of the sliding members 160 and 170 within the sliding range. Details of the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 will be described later.

[0085] Lateral projections 162 and 172 are integrally formed on the sides of the sliding body portions 161 and 171, respectively, extending laterally. The lateral projections 162 and 172 are positioned to protrude laterally from the housing 111 through an opening formed between the disc portion 121 and the rotating member support portion 131.

[0086] The lateral projections 162 and 172 each have engagement shaft insertion holes 162a and 172a that penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the lateral projections 162 and 172, respectively. The engagement shaft insertion holes 162a and 172a extend along the projection direction of the lateral projections 162 and 172, and the engagement shafts 182 and 183 inserted into the engagement shaft insertion holes 162a and 172a, respectively, are able to move within the engagement shaft insertion holes 162a and 172a that extend in the projection direction of the lateral projections 162 and 172 in the direction of extension of the engagement shaft insertion holes 162a and 172a (the projection direction of the lateral projections 162 and 172). The widths of the engaging shaft insertion holes 162a and 172a are slightly larger than the diameters of the engaging shafts 182 and 183, and are set to dimensions that allow the side surfaces of the engaging shafts 182 and 183 to contact the inner surfaces of the engaging shaft insertion holes 162a and 172a.

[0087] An engaging shaft member 182 is inserted through an engaging shaft member insertion hole 162a formed in the lateral projection 162. The lower end of the engaging shaft member 182 is fitted and fixed to an engaging shaft member fixing portion 152a formed on the tip side of the arm portion 152. Similarly, an engaging shaft member 183 is inserted through an engaging shaft member insertion hole 172a formed in the lateral projection 172. The lower end of the engaging shaft member 183 is fitted and fixed to an engaging shaft member fixing portion 153a formed on the tip side of the arm portion 153.

[0088] In this way, the rotating member 150 is rotatably mounted to the housing 111. The engaging shaft members 182 and 183 are fixed to the rotating member 150 and rotate together with the rotating member 150 relative to the housing 111, while they are not fixed to the lateral protrusions 162 and 172 that constitute the sliding members 160 and 170, and are able to move within the engaging shaft member insertion holes 162a and 172a.

[0089] In the deflection control device 100, when the sliding members 160 and 170 slide to deflect the movable part 20, the deflection direction of the movable part 20 can be maintained. In this embodiment, the deflection direction holding mechanism that maintains the deflection direction of the movable part 20 is composed of a housing-side engaging portion 220 provided on the lower surface side of the upper housing member 120 and sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 provided on the upper surfaces of the sliding members 160 and 170.

[0090] The housing-side engaging portion 220 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a perspective view from below of the vicinity of the disc portion 121 of the upper housing member 120 of the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment. In Figure 9, a part of the upper housing member 120 is shown transparently, revealing the convex portion Pr that constitutes the housing-side engaging portion 220. Figure 10 is a bottom view from below of the vicinity of the disc portion 121 of the upper housing member 120 of the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment.

[0091] A pair of upper sliding grooves 122 and 123 are provided on the lower surface of the upper housing member 120. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the housing-side engaging portion 220 is provided within the upper sliding grooves 122 and 123 located on the back side of the disc portion 121.

[0092] More specifically, multiple semi-cylindrical protrusions Pr projecting downward are provided on the upper surface 122a of the upper sliding groove 122 (the back surface of the upper housing member 120). As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the multiple protrusions Pr are arranged at predetermined intervals so as to be aligned in two rows in the longitudinal direction within the upper sliding groove 122. One row of protrusions Pr within the upper sliding groove 122 constitutes the housing-side engaging portion 220a, and the other row of protrusions Pr constitutes the housing-side engaging portion 220b.

[0093] Similarly, multiple semi-cylindrical protrusions Pr projecting downward are provided on the upper surface 123a of the upper sliding groove 123 (the back surface of the upper housing member 120). As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the multiple protrusions Pr are arranged in two rows at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction within the upper sliding groove 123. One row of protrusions Pr within the upper sliding groove 123 constitutes the housing-side engaging portion 220c, and the other row of protrusions Pr constitutes the housing-side engaging portion 220d.

[0094] The sliding engagement portions 260 and 270 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the sliding members 160 and 170 of the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment, viewed from above. Figure 12 is a plan view of the sliding members 160 and 170 of the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment, viewed from the top side.

[0095] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the sliding engagement portions 260 and 270 are provided on the upper surfaces of the sliding body portions 161 and 171.

[0096] A groove 161b is formed in the center of the upper surface of the sliding body portion 161, extending along its entire longitudinal direction, and the upper surface 161a of the sliding body portion 161 is divided into two halves by the groove 161b. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a plurality of semicircular groove-shaped recesses Re are formed at predetermined intervals along the entire longitudinal direction on each of the two divided upper surfaces 161a. The row of recesses Re formed on one of the two divided upper surfaces 161a constitutes the sliding-side engagement portion 260a, and the row of recesses Re formed on the other constitutes the sliding-side engagement portion 260b.

[0097] Similarly, in the sliding body portion 171, multiple semicircular groove-shaped recesses Re are formed at predetermined intervals along the entire longitudinal direction on each of the upper surfaces 171a, which are divided into two by the groove 171b. The rows of recesses Re formed on one of the divided upper surfaces 171a constitute the sliding-side engagement portion 270a, and the rows of recesses Re formed on the other constitute the sliding-side engagement portion 270b.

[0098] In the assembled state of the deflection control device 100, the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 constitute the housing 111, and the sliding members 160 and 170 are housed in the housing space formed inside the housing 111.

[0099] The sliding member 160 is fitted into the upper sliding groove 122 provided on the lower surface side of the upper housing member 120, and is positioned so that the upper surface 122a of the upper sliding groove 122 and the upper surface 161a of the sliding member 160 face each other. The housing-side engaging portion 220a and the sliding-side engaging portion 260a are formed so that at least a portion of them faces each other, and the convex portion Pr included in the housing-side engaging portion 220a and the concave portion Re included in the sliding-side engaging portion 260a can be fitted together at least a portion of them. In addition, the housing-side engaging portion 220b and the sliding-side engaging portion 260b are formed so that at least a portion of them faces each other, and the convex portion Pr included in the housing-side engaging portion 220b and the concave portion Re included in the sliding-side engaging portion 260b can be fitted together at least a portion of them.

[0100] The sliding member 170 is fitted into the upper sliding groove 123 provided on the lower surface side of the upper housing member 120, and is positioned so that the upper surface 123a of the upper sliding groove 123 and the upper surface 171a of the sliding member 170 face each other. The housing-side engaging portion 220c and the sliding-side engaging portion 270a are formed so that at least a portion of them faces each other, and the convex portion Pr included in the housing-side engaging portion 220c and the concave portion Re included in the sliding-side engaging portion 270a can be fitted together at least a portion of them. In addition, the housing-side engaging portion 220d and the sliding-side engaging portion 270b are formed so that at least a portion of them faces each other, and the convex portion Pr included in the housing-side engaging portion 220d and the concave portion Re included in the sliding-side engaging portion 270b can be fitted together at least a portion of them.

[0101] The mechanism for converting the rotational motion of the rotating member 150 into the reciprocating displacement motion of the sliding members 160 and 170 will be described below with reference to Figures 13 to 15. Figure 13 is a partially transparent plan view of the deflection operating device 100 in this embodiment, showing the state in which the widened ends 154 and 155 of the rotating member 150 are in symmetrical positions. Figure 14 is a partially transparent plan view of the deflection operating device 100 in this embodiment, showing the state in which the widened ends 154 and 155 of the rotating member 150 are rotated in one direction. Figure 15 is a partially transparent plan view of the deflection operating device 100 in this embodiment, showing the state in which the widened ends 154 and 155 of the rotating member 150 are rotated in the other direction. In Figures 13 to 15, the state as seen through the upper housing member 120 is illustrated in order to explain the positions of the pair of sliding members 160 and 170 to which the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 are connected, respectively. Furthermore, the proximal side of the deflection control device 100 is omitted from the illustration in Figures 13 to 15.

[0102] For example, the user can perform a deflection operation on the movable part 20 located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 by gripping the housing 111 that constitutes the deflection operation device 100 and rotating the rotating member 150 by operating the widened ends 154 and 155.

[0103] As shown in Figure 13, the pair of arm portions 152 and 153 of the rotating member 150 are in a state that is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lower housing member 130 (housing 111) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the neutral state). When the arm portions 152 and 153 are in symmetrical positions, the pair of sliding members 160 and 170 are also positioned symmetrically. In this neutral state, the movable portion 20 located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 extends straight without deflection. In this neutral state, both the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2, which extend from the pair of sliding members 160 and 170 along the tubular member 10 to the distal end of the tubular member 10, are adjusted so that they are not slack.

[0104] As shown in Figure 14, when the user moves the widened ends 154 and 155 to rotate the rotating member 150 in one direction (direction D1 of the arrow in Figure 14), the rotating member 150 rotates relative to the lower housing member 130 (housing 111). At the same time, the engaging shaft members 182 and 183 fixed to the rotating member 150 also rotate in one direction (direction D1 of the arrow in Figure 14). The rotating member 150 can rotate in one direction (direction D1 of the arrow in Figure 14) until the arm portions 152 and 153 come into contact with the stepped surface portion 131b, and further rotation is restricted.

[0105] The engaging shaft member 182 is inserted through an engaging shaft member insertion hole 162a formed in the lateral projection 162 that constitutes the sliding member 160. A force acts on the inner surface of the engaging shaft member insertion hole 162a from the side surface of the engaging shaft member 182 in the rotational direction (arrow direction D1 in Figure 14).

[0106] The sliding body portion 161 of the sliding member 160 is positioned to reciprocate within the housing 111, and the direction of reciprocating displacement is restricted to the longitudinal direction only. A rotational force acting on the lateral projection 162 of the sliding member 160 acts as a force pushing the sliding body portion 161 in the longitudinal direction, causing the sliding member 160 to slide proximally (in the direction of the arrow L11 in Figure 14). As a result, the first operating wire W1 connected to the sliding member 160 moves in conjunction with the sliding member 160 so as to be pulled proximally along the axial direction.

[0107] Furthermore, the engaging shaft member 183 is inserted through an engaging shaft member insertion hole 172a formed in the lateral projection 172 that constitutes the sliding member 170. A force acts on the inner surface of the engaging shaft member insertion hole 172a from the side surface of the engaging shaft member 183 in the rotational direction (arrow direction D1 in Figure 14).

[0108] The sliding body portion 171 of the sliding member 170 is positioned to reciprocate within the housing 111, and the direction of reciprocating displacement is restricted to the longitudinal direction only. A rotational force acting on the lateral projection 172 of the sliding member 170 acts as a force pushing the sliding body portion 171 in the longitudinal direction, causing the sliding member 170 to slide distally (in the direction of the arrow L12 in Figure 14). As a result, the second operating wire W2 connected to the sliding member 170 moves in conjunction with the sliding member 170 so as to be pushed distally along the axial direction.

[0109] As a result, the movable part 20 located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 is deflected towards the side where the side recess 56 of the tip 50 is located (in the direction of arrow α shown in Figure 4).

[0110] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15, when the user moves the widened ends 154 and 155 to rotate the rotating member 150 in the other direction (arrow direction D2 in Figure 15), the rotating member 150 rotates relative to the lower housing member 130 (housing 111). At this time, the engaging shaft members 182 and 183 fixed to the rotating member 150 also rotate in the other direction (arrow direction D2 in Figure 15). The rotating member 150 can rotate in the other direction (arrow direction D2 in Figure 15) until the arm portions 152 and 153 come into contact with the stepped surface portion 131b, and further rotation is restricted.

[0111] The engaging shaft member 182 is inserted through an engaging shaft member insertion hole 162a formed in the lateral projection 162 that constitutes the sliding member 160. A force acts on the inner surface of the engaging shaft member insertion hole 162a from the side surface of the engaging shaft member 182 in the rotational direction (arrow direction D2 in Figure 15).

[0112] The sliding body portion 161 of the sliding member 160 is positioned to reciprocate within the housing 111, and the direction of reciprocating displacement is restricted to the longitudinal direction only. A rotational force acting on the lateral projection 162 of the sliding member 160 acts as a force pushing the sliding body portion 161 in the longitudinal direction, causing the sliding member 160 to slide distally (in the direction of the arrow L21 in Figure 15). As a result, the first operating wire W1 connected to the sliding member 160 moves in conjunction with the sliding member 160 so as to be pushed distally along the axial direction.

[0113] Furthermore, the engaging shaft member 183 is inserted through an engaging shaft member insertion hole 172a formed in the lateral projection 172 that constitutes the sliding member 170. A force acts on the inner surface of the engaging shaft member insertion hole 172a from the side surface of the engaging shaft member 183 in the rotational direction (arrow direction D2 in Figure 15).

[0114] The sliding body portion 171 of the sliding member 170 is positioned to reciprocate within the housing 111, and the direction of reciprocating displacement is restricted to the longitudinal direction only. A rotational force acting on the lateral projection 172 of the sliding member 170 acts as a force pushing the sliding body portion 171 in the longitudinal direction, causing the sliding member 170 to slide proximally (in the direction of the arrow L22 in Figure 15). As a result, the second operating wire W2 connected to the sliding member 170 moves in conjunction with the sliding member 170 so as to be pulled proximally along the axial direction.

[0115] As a result, the movable part 20 located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 is deflected towards the side where the side recess 57 of the tip 50 is located (in the direction of arrow β shown in Figure 4).

[0116] Thus, in the deflection control device 100 of this embodiment, the lateral projections 162 and 172 constituting the pair of sliding members 160 and 170 are engaged with the arm portions 152 and 153 of the rotating member 150 via engaging shaft members 182 and 183, respectively.

[0117] The rotating member 150 has a retaining hole 151a formed on the lower side of the pivoting center 151. A cylindrical member 131a, which is provided on the rotating member support portion 131 of the lower housing member 130, is inserted into the retaining hole 151a, and the rotating member 150 is configured to rotate relative to the lower housing member 130 (housing 111) with the cylindrical member 131a as the pivot axis. On the other hand, the pair of sliding members 160 and 170 are configured to move in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the connected first operating wire W1 and second operating wire W2.

[0118] The rotational force applied to the rotating member 150 by the user's rotational operation is transmitted to the lateral projections 162 and 172 via the engaging shaft members 182 and 183 located at the engagement points, and converted into a force that moves the sliding body parts 161 and 171 in the longitudinal direction. The first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 are connected to the sliding body parts 161 and 171, respectively, and in conjunction with the longitudinal movement of the sliding body parts 161 and 171, the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 also move in the axial direction, and as a result, the deflection of the movable part 20 located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 is made possible.

[0119] In the deflection control device 100, when the rotating member 150 is used as the reference, the engaging shaft members 182 and 183, which are the positions of the engagement points, are fixed to the rotating member 150 and move along the circumference of the rotating axis without changing their radial distance from the rotating axis. On the other hand, when the sliding members 160 and 170 are used as the reference, the engaging shaft members 182 and 183, which are the positions of the engagement points, are free from the sliding members 160 and 170 and move along the direction of the protrusion within the engaging shaft member insertion holes 162a and 172a that extend along the direction of the protrusion of the lateral protrusions 162 and 172. Therefore, in the deflection control device 100, the engaging shaft member insertion holes 162a and 172a are shaped to extend long along the direction of the protrusion of the lateral protrusions 162 and 172 in order to allow the movement of the engaging shaft members 182 and 183 along the direction of the protrusion of the lateral protrusions 162 and 172.

[0120] Furthermore, in order to convert the rotational force applied to the rotating member 150 into a force that moves the sliding members 160 and 170 in the longitudinal direction, it is necessary to generate torque at the engagement point. In order to generate torque at the engagement point, the engagement shaft members 182 and 183, which are the positions of the engagement point, are positioned at a distance from the rotation center (rotation axis).

[0121] The greater the distance between the engaging shaft members 182 and 183, which are the engagement points, and the pivot center (rotation axis), the smaller the force required to rotate the rotating member 150, which is inversely proportional to the distance between them. In this embodiment, the deflection operating device 100 has a configuration in which lateral projections 162 and 172, which are integrally formed with a pair of sliding members 160 and 170 housed in the housing 111, protrude to both sides, and the engaging shaft members 182 and 183, which are the engagement points, are positioned to the side of the housing 111, away from the pivot center (rotation axis). As a result, a compact deflection operating device 100 is realized that minimizes lateral spread while increasing the distance between the engaging shaft members 182 and 183 and the pivot center (rotation axis).

[0122] The deflection direction holding mechanism of the movable part 20, which is composed of the housing-side engaging part 220 and the sliding-side engaging parts 260 and 270, will be described below with reference to Figures 16 and 17.

[0123] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB shown in Figure 5. The line BB shown in Figure 5 is a line that passes through the opposing points of the housing-side engaging portion 220a and the sliding-side engaging portion 260a. Figure 16 shows how the convex portion Pr of the housing-side engaging portion 220a and the concave portion Re of the sliding-side engaging portion 260a fit together, but the housing-side engaging portion 220b and the sliding-side engaging portion 260b, the housing-side engaging portion 220c and the sliding-side engaging portion 270a, and the housing-side engaging portion 220d and the sliding-side engaging portion 270b also fit together in a similar manner.

[0124] As shown in Figure 16, the housing-side engaging portion 220a is composed of a plurality (5) of protrusions Pr arranged in the longitudinal direction, and the sliding-side engaging portion 260a is composed of a plurality of recesses Re arranged along the entire longitudinal direction of the sliding body portion 161.

[0125] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the multiple recesses Re constituting the sliding engagement portion 260a are each formed as semicircular groove-shaped depressions with a cross-section of a semicircle with radius R1. On the other hand, the multiple protrusions Pr constituting the housing-side engagement portion 220a are each formed as semi-cylindrical projections with a cross-section of a semicircle with radius R2.

[0126] Multiple recesses Re are arranged at equal intervals (equal pitch) along the longitudinal direction. Similarly, multiple protrusions Pr are also arranged at equal intervals (equal pitch) along the longitudinal direction. The distance S1 between adjacent recesses Re in the longitudinal direction and the distance S2 between adjacent protrusions Pr in the longitudinal direction are set to be the same.

[0127] The cross-sectional radius R1 of the recess Re is set to be larger than the cross-sectional radius R2 of the convex portion Pr. This ensures that the recess Re and the convex portion Pr are securely fitted together. However, the cross-sectional radius R1 of the recess Re may be approximately the same size as the cross-sectional radius R2 of the convex portion Pr, or it may be smaller than the cross-sectional radius R2 of the convex portion Pr.

[0128] In this embodiment, all recesses Re are formed to have the same cross-sectional shape, but the cross-sectional radius R1 of each recess Re may be different. Similarly, the cross-sectional radius of each convex Pr may also be different. Furthermore, the cross-sections of the recesses Re and convex Pr are not limited to a semicircular shape. For example, the recesses Re and convex Pr may have a peak-and-valley shape that allows them to interlock with each other.

[0129] In this embodiment, a protrusion Pr is provided on the housing-side engaging portion 220 and a recess Re is provided on the sliding-side engaging portion 260. However, the orientation may be reversed, with the recess Re provided on the housing-side engaging portion 220 and the protrusion Pr on the sliding-side engaging portion 260. The number of recess Re and protrusion Pr can be set as appropriate; for example, the number of protrusion Pr may be set to one. By making the number of recess Re greater than the number of protrusion Pr, the protrusion Pr can be accommodated within the recess Re when the recess and protrusion are engaged.

[0130] The housing-side engaging portion 220 and the sliding-side engaging portion 260 may be provided to engage with each other throughout the entire sliding range of the sliding members 160 and 170, that is, even at the position of the sliding members 160 and 170 when the rotating member 150 is rotated to its maximum extent relative to the housing 111. In this embodiment, the sliding members 160 and 170 slide in the longitudinal direction as the rotating member 150 rotates, but multiple recesses Re are formed along the entire longitudinal direction of the sliding members 160 and 170 so that the recesses Re and protrusions Pr fit together even when the rotating member 150 is rotated to its maximum extent. This allows the recesses Re and protrusions Pr to fit together at any position within the entire sliding range of the sliding members 160 and 170. Alternatively, for example, a position for fixing the sliding members 160 and 170 may be defined, and the housing-side engaging portion 220 and the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 may engage with each other only at that position.

[0131] Referring to Figure 17, the operation of the movement of the engagement position between the protrusion Pr of the housing-side engagement portion 220 and the recess Re of the sliding-side engagement portions 260 and 270 will be explained. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the housing-side engagement portion 220 and the sliding-side engagement portions 260 and 270 when the rotating member 150 is rotated in the deflection operating device 100 in this embodiment, and (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing how the sliding members 160 and 170 slide and the engagement position between the recess Re and the protrusion Pr moves. Similar to Figure 16, Figure 17 also shows how the protrusion Pr of the housing-side engaging portion 220a and the recess Re of the sliding-side engaging portion 260a engage in a concave-concave fitting. The housing-side engaging portion 220b and the sliding-side engaging portion 260b, the housing-side engaging portion 220c and the sliding-side engaging portion 270a, and the housing-side engaging portion 220d and the sliding-side engaging portion 270b also engage in a concave-concave fitting.

[0132] Figure 17(a) shows the sliding member 160 in an arbitrary position. In this state, the protrusion Pr of the housing-side engaging portion 220a is fitted into the recess Re of the sliding-side engaging portion 260a.

[0133] Suppose that, starting from the state shown in Figure 17(a), the user moves the widened ends 154 and 155 to rotate the rotating member 150 in one direction (direction D1 of the arrow in Figure 14). The force that rotates the rotating member 150 in one direction is transmitted to the sliding members 160 and 170 via the engaging shaft members 182 and 183. A force acts on the sliding member 160 to move it to the right relative to the upper housing member 120 (housing 111) in the cross-section shown in Figure 17(a). As a result, as shown in Figure 17(b), the recess Re constituting the sliding engaging portion 260 moves to the right so as to ride on the convex portion Pr, and the interface H between adjacent recesses Re comes into contact with the vicinity of the apex of the convex portion Pr.

[0134] As the rotation of the rotating member 150 continues, the interface H between the recesses Re, which has ridden onto the protrusions Pr, moves further to the right, and as shown in Figure 17(c), the recess Re fits into another protrusion Pr located to the right of the protrusion Pr it was fitted into before the movement. In other words, the protrusion Pr moves over the interface H between the recesses Re and fits into another recess Re located to the left of the recess Re it was fitted into before the movement.

[0135] When the fitting position between the recess Re and the protrusion Pr moves, the protrusion Pr needs to overcome the interface H between the recesses Re. Therefore, it is desirable that the sliding members 160 and 170 have a certain amount of vertical play so that the interface H can overcome the protrusion Pr. By transmitting the vertical movement of the sliding members 160 and 170 that occurs when the protrusion Pr overcomes the interface H between the recesses Re to the user, the change in the fitting position between the recesses Re and the protrusion Pr is communicated to the user, and the feel of operating the rotating member 150 can be improved. Alternatively, the height of the interface H between adjacent recesses Re may be lowered, or the interface H may be made into a smooth curved surface, so that the movement of the protrusion Pr over the interface H between the recesses Re can be performed more smoothly.

[0136] When the rotating member 150 is rotated to a position deviated from the neutral position, the sliding members 160 and 170 slide, causing the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2 to move along the axial direction. As a result, the movable part 20 is deflected in accordance with the movement of the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2. For example, when Figure 17(a) is the neutral position, when the rotating member 150 rotates in one direction (arrow direction D1 in Figure 14) and the sliding member 160 moves to the proximal side, the first operating wire W1 connected to the sliding member 160 moves in a manner that pulls it towards the proximal side. As a result, the movable part 20 is deflected towards the side where the side recess 56 of the tip 50 is located (arrow direction α shown in Figure 4).

[0137] When the movable part 20 is deflected in a desired direction by a desired angle, the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2 is pulled proximal, and a force acts on the sliding members 160, 170 and the rotating member 150 to return them to the neutral state. For example, if Figure 17(a) is the neutral state, in the state shown in Figure 17(c), tension is generated in the first operating wire W1, and a force acts on the sliding member 160 to return it distally.

[0138] At this time, the protrusion Pr constituting the housing-side engaging portion 220 and the recess Re constituting the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 are fitted together, and the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion Pr abuts against and engages with the inner circumferential surface of the recess Re, thereby restricting the sliding of the sliding members 160 and 170. The sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 remain in the desired rotational position against the tension of the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2 generated by the deflection of the movable portion 20, and as a result, the deflected state of the movable portion 20 can be maintained.

[0139] When the user intentionally rotates the rotating member 150, as shown in Figures 17(a) to (c), the convex portion Pr moves over the interface H between the recesses Re and re-engages with the adjacent recess Re, allowing the deflection direction of the movable portion 20 to be easily released.

[0140] In this embodiment, the deflection control device 100 is configured to allow the sliding members 160 and 170 to slide when the user applies force to intentionally rotate the rotating member 150, causing the convex portion Pr to overcome the interface H between the concave portion Re. On the other hand, when the user releases their hand from the rotating member 150 and only the tension of the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2 generated by the deflection of the movable portion 20 acts on the sliding members 160 and 170, the device is configured to restrict the sliding of the sliding members 160 and 170. For example, by appropriately designing the shape, size, and number of the convex portion Pr and the concave portion Re, it is possible to prevent the sliding members 160 and 170 from sliding when only the tension of the first operating wire W1 or the second operating wire W2 acts, and to allow the sliding members 160 and 170 to slide when force is applied by the user's operation.

[0141] In this embodiment, the deflection control device 100 has a configuration in which a rotating member 150 and sliding members 160 and 170 are connected, and the rotation of the rotating member 150 causes the sliding members 160 and 170 to reciprocate in the longitudinal direction, thereby enabling deflection control of the movable part 20. However, the deflection control device 100 is not limited to this configuration, and the present invention is also applicable to configurations in which the sliding members 160 and 170 are reciprocated in the longitudinal direction without using the rotating member 150.

[0142] The operation of the deflection control device 100 in this embodiment will be described below.

[0143] The deflection control device 100 in this embodiment is an operating device used to deflect the movable part 20 of a medical device via a first operating wire W1 and a second operating wire W2, which are operating wires, and is configured to have a housing 111 and sliding members 160 and 170.

[0144] The housing 111 is configured to be graspable by the user. In this embodiment, the upper housing member 120 and the lower housing member 130 overlap each other to form the housing 111.

[0145] The sliding members 160 and 170 are connected to the proximal ends of the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2, and have sliding body portions 161 and 171 that are slidable in the axial direction of the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2. The deflection operating device 100 is configured to displace the operating wire along the axial direction in the deflection operating direction of the movable part 20 in accordance with the sliding of the sliding body portions 161 and 171.

[0146] Housing-side engaging portion 220 and sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 are provided at the opposing points between the housing 111 and the sliding body portions 161 and 171. The housing-side engaging portion 220 and the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 engage with each other and restrict the sliding of the sliding members 160 and 170, which are subjected to tension from the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2.

[0147] With the above configuration, the housing-side engaging portion 220 and the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 engage to maintain the positions of the sliding members 160 and 170 relative to the housing 111, and restrict the sliding of the sliding members 160 and 170 due to the tension of the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2. As a result, the deflection operation direction of the movable portion 20 can be stably held and released at a desired position, and a deflection operation device 100 with excellent operability can be realized.

[0148] In this embodiment, the deflection operating device 100 may have a housing-side engaging portion 220 and sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 that can fit together. By fitting together the housing-side engaging portion 220 and the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270, the positions of the sliding members 160 and 170 relative to the housing 111 can be maintained, and the sliding of the sliding members 160 and 170 due to the tension of the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 can be restricted.

[0149] One of the housing-side engaging portion 220 and the sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270 may have a convex portion Pr and the other may have a concave portion Re. This allows the sliding of the sliding members 160 and 170 to be restricted by the interlocking of the concave and concave parts, and also improves the user's feel of operation by communicating the change in the interlocking to the user.

[0150] Furthermore, multiple recesses Re, which serve as sliding-side engaging portions 260 and 270, are provided along the longitudinal direction of the sliding body portions 161 and 171, and may engage with protrusions Pr, which serve as housing-side engaging portions 220, at any position within the sliding range of the sliding body portions 161 and 171. This ensures that the sliding members 160 and 170 are securely held by the housing 111 through recess-recess engagement at any position within the sliding range of the sliding members 160 and 170.

[0151] Furthermore, the deflection control device 100 may have a rotating member 150 that is rotatably mounted to the housing 111, and the rotating member 150 may be connected to lateral protrusions 162 and 172 that are integrally provided with the sliding main body portions 161 and 171, so that the sliding main body portions 161 and 171 can slide when the rotating member 150 is rotated. As a result, the user can rotate the rotating member 150 to slide the sliding members 160 and 170 inside the housing 111, thereby deflecting the movable part 20.

[0152] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. Each component disclosed in the embodiments described above is intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0153] 1. Medical devices (medical equipment) 10 Tubular member 10a Distal end 10b Proximal end Lumens for 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b wires 13 main lumens 20 Moving parts 30 Middle section 50 tip tips 55a through hole 56, 57 side recess 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b Wire insertion holes 100 Deflection operation device (Deflection operation device for medical equipment) 111 cabinets 113 Sleeve section 115 Gripping part 120 Upper housing member 121 Disc section 121a Jig insertion hole 122, 123 Upper sliding groove 122a, 123a, 161a, 171a top surface 125, 135 Half cylinder part 125a, 135a opening groove 126 Upper sleeve section 126a, 136a groove 127a, 127b Curved protrusions 130 Lower housing member 131 Rotating member support 131a Cylindrical member 131b Step surface part 132, 133 Lower sliding groove 136 Lower sleeve section 137a, 137b Wire insertion groove 150 Rotating Member 151 Rotation center 151a retaining hole 152, 153 Arm section 152a, 153a Engagement shaft member fixing part 154, 155 Widening ends 160, 170 Sliding members 161, 171 Sliding body 161b, 171b groove 161c, 171c fastening hole 162, 172 Lateral projection 162a, 172a Engaging shaft insertion hole 182, 183 Engagement shaft material 184a Bolt 184b Female thread 184c metal tube 190 Connecting Member 220, 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d Housing-side engaging portion 260, 260a, 260b, 270, 270a, 270b Sliding side engagement part H boundary surface Pr convex part Re recess W1 First operating wire (operating wire) W1a, W1b, W2a, W2b operating wires W1c, W2c folded middle part W2 Second operating wire (operating wire)

Claims

1. A deflection control device for medical devices that can deflect the movable part of a medical device via a control wire, A grippable housing, The device includes a sliding member connected to the proximal end of the operating wire, which has a sliding body portion that is slidable within the housing in the axial direction of the operating wire, The operating wire is configured to be displaced along the axial direction in the direction of deflection of the movable part in accordance with the sliding of the sliding body portion. A deflection control device for medical devices, characterized in that a housing-side engaging portion and a sliding-side engaging portion are provided at opposing locations between the housing and the sliding body portion, and the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion engage to restrict the sliding of the sliding member that is subjected to tension from the operating wire.

2. Deflection control device for medical devices according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion have a shape that allows them to fit together.

3. Deflection control device for medical devices according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion has a recess, and the other of the housing-side engaging portion and the sliding-side engaging portion has a protrusion.

4. The deflection control device for medical devices according to claim 3, characterized in that a plurality of recesses, which serve as sliding-side engaging portions, are provided along the longitudinal direction of the sliding body, and that they engage with the protrusions, which serve as housing-side engaging portions, at any position within the sliding range of the sliding body.

5. The deflection control device for medical devices according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating wire is composed of at least a first operating wire and a second operating wire, and the sliding member is composed of a first sliding member and a second sliding member connected to the first operating wire and the second operating wire, respectively.

6. The deflection control device for medical devices according to claim 5, characterized in that the first sliding member and the second sliding member are configured to slide in opposite directions to each other, and the first operating wire and the second operating wire are moved in opposite directions to each other.

7. It has a rotating member that is rotatably attached to the housing, The sliding member is provided with a lateral projection that connects to the rotating member, integrally with the sliding member. The deflection control device for medical devices according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sliding main body connected via the lateral projection is configured to slide when the rotating member rotates.

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