Nasal speculum

Abstract

To provide a nasal speculum for restraining or reducing deterioration of workability and handleability caused by changes over time or frequency of use.SOLUTION: In a nasal speculum 1, a first arm member 10 and a second arm member 20 are pivotally supported by a shaft support mechanism. The first arm member 10 comprises: a first expansion part 11 disposed on a tip side of the first arm member 10, and expanding nares; a first handle part 12 disposed on a rear end side of the first arm member 10; and a first shaft support part 13 disposed between the first expansion part 11 and the first handle part 12. The second arm member 20 comprises: a second expansion part 21 disposed on a tip side of the second arm member 20, and expanding the nares; a second handle part 22 disposed on a rear end side of the second arm member 20; and a second shaft support part 23 disposed between the second expansion part 21 and the second handle part 22. An energization part 30 is disposed between the first handle part 12 and the second handle part 22, and the first expansion part 11 and the second expansion part 21 stay in an elastically deformed state and make pressing force act on each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nasal speculum suitable for expanding the nostrils during nasal treatment, examination, etc.

Background Art

[0002] In nasal treatment, examination, etc., a nasal speculum is used as a medical instrument for expanding the nostrils. Examples of conventional nasal speculums include the Washio type, Matano type, Hartmann type, Frankel type, Sakita type, Takahashi type, and Killian type. Among these nasal speculums, the Washio type, Matano type, Hartmann type, Takahashi type, and Killian type are provided with protrusions for expanding the nostrils in pairs on the tip sides of a pair of arm members, and on the handle side of the arm members, there is a structure provided with a leaf spring or the like that biases the handle portion in a separating direction.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a nasal speculum device composed of a single material made of a flexible synthetic resin. According to this nasal speculum device, a pair of protrusions for expanding the nostrils are provided at both ends, these protrusions are rotatable at a fulcrum, and the grip portion has a loop-shaped configuration. Also, a tongue depressor is protruded on one side of the grip portion. And according to Patent Document 1, it is described that by using a flexible synthetic resin, it can be disposable and manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, it is said that not only the nostrils but also the examination of the oral cavity can be performed, and the complexity of the examination and the shortening of the examination time can be expected.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a nasal speculum device in which a first arm and a second arm each made of plastic are pivotally supported rotatably, and further, a substantially arc-shaped elastic piece made of plastic is provided between the first arm and the second arm. According to this nasal speculum device, it is lighter than a metal nasal speculum and is said to improve the workability of the examination. Also, by making it of plastic, it can be manufactured at low cost and can be disposable.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a nasal speculum in which two arms having a gripping portion to be held by hand and an expanding portion of the nostrils are fixed at a fulcrum. According to this nasal speculum, by forming the two arms and the spring from synthetic resin, it is inexpensive, disposable, and considered to be hygienic even in mass screening etc. Also, by configuring the spring inside the two arms to be detachable, it can be replaced even when the spring deteriorates, without hindering workability etc. when performing nasal examination and treatment etc., and it is said that the spring can be removed and sterilization and boiling disinfection can be repeatedly performed.

[0006] However, in conventional nasal speculums, when the elastic restoring force such as a leaf spring decreases due to changes over time and the frequency of use, as a result, the biasing force that biases the handle sides of the arm members in a direction to separate from each other deteriorates, and there is a problem that the workability during nasal treatment and examination decreases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a nasal speculum that suppresses or reduces a decrease in workability and handleability due to changes over time and the frequency of use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the nasal speculum of the present invention is a nasal speculum in which a first arm member and a second arm member that can be elastically deformed are pivotally supported by a pivot mechanism. The first arm member is provided on the distal end side of the first arm member, and includes a first expansion part for expanding the nostril, a first handle part provided on the rear end side of the first arm member, and a first pivot part provided between the first expansion part and the first handle part. The second arm member is provided on the distal end side of the second arm member, forms a pair with the first expansion part, and includes a second expansion part for expanding the nostril together with the first expansion part, a second handle part provided on the rear end side of the second arm member, and a second pivot part provided between the second expansion part and the second handle part. The pivot mechanism pivotally supports the first arm member and the second arm member by the first pivot part and the second pivot part so as to be rotatable without intersecting. Further, between the first handle part of the first arm member and the second handle part of the second arm member, a biasing part that biases the first handle part and the second handle part in a direction away from each other is provided. The first expansion part and the second expansion part are each in a state of being elastically deformed with the first pivot part or the second pivot part as a fulcrum, and a pressing force is applied to each other by the elastic restoring force of the first expansion part and the second expansion part.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the first arm member and the second arm member, each of which is elastically deformable, are pivotally supported by a pivot mechanism. This pivot mechanism pivotally supports the first arm member and the second arm member by a first pivot portion and a second pivot portion in a rotatable manner without intersecting them. And a biasing portion provided between the first handle portion and the second handle portion biases both the first handle portion and the second handle portion in a direction away from each other. Further, the first extension portion and the second extension portion are each in a state of being elastically deformed with the first pivot portion or the second pivot portion as a fulcrum, and thereby, the first extension portion and the second extension portion exert pressing forces on each other due to elastic restoring forces and are in a close contact state. That is, with the above configuration, by utilizing the biasing force exerted by the biasing portion on the first handle portion and the second handle portion and the elastic restoring force resulting from the elastic deformation of the first extension portion and the second extension portion, the first extension portion and the second extension portion can be brought into a state of being in close contact with each other. Thereby, compared with a conventional nasal speculum using a leaf spring or the like, it is possible to provide a nasal speculum that suppresses or reduces the deterioration of workability due to changes over time and the frequency of use.

[0011] In the above configuration, the first pivot portion includes a base portion and a rotation shaft portion erected vertically on the base portion, the second pivot portion includes a shaft hole portion through which the rotation shaft portion is rotatably inserted, and it is preferable that the rotation shaft portion is inserted into the shaft hole portion such that the first arm member and the second arm member are pivotally supported in a state where the first extension portion and the second extension portion are elastically deformed.

[0012] According to the above configuration, in a state where the first extension portion and the second extension portion are elastically deformed, the rotation shaft portion of the first pivot portion is inserted into the shaft hole portion of the second pivot portion. Thereby, the first extension portion and the second extension portion can be brought into close contact with each other while exerting pressing forces on each other by their respective elastic restoring forces.

[0013] In the above configuration, the biasing portion is a leaf spring at least partially elastically deformed in a substantially arc shape, and one end portion of the leaf spring is joined to an arbitrary position of the first handle portion, and the other end portion of the leaf spring can be joined to an arbitrary position of the second handle portion.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that a convex reinforcing portion is provided on the outer surface of the portion of the leaf spring that is convex due to elastic deformation.

[0015] By providing a reinforcing portion on the outer surface of the portion of the leaf spring that is convex due to elastic deformation, mechanical strength can be imparted, and plastic deformation of the leaf spring caused by aging, usage frequency, etc. can be reduced or prevented.

[0016] In the above configuration, the nose piece is an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin produced by injection molding, and the reinforcing portion may be provided with a gate mark that is a mark of the gate during the injection molding.

[0017] The formation position of the gate mark is determined by the gate position when injecting the molten resin of the synthetic resin, which is the raw material of the nose piece, into the cavity of the mold when molding the nose piece using the mold. In the above configuration, by configuring the nose piece to have a gate mark formed in the reinforcing portion, the fluidity of the molten resin in the cavity is improved, and for example, the formation of weld lines on the leaf spring or the like is prevented. Thereby, compared with a leaf spring having a weld line formed thereon, a decrease in the mechanical strength of the leaf spring can be suppressed, and a decrease in the elastic restoring force due to aging, usage frequency, etc. can be suppressed.

Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the nasal speculum of the present invention, the first arm member and the second arm member are pivotally supported by a first pivot support portion and a second pivot support portion so as to be rotatable without intersecting. Further, a biasing portion provided between the first handle portion and the second handle portion biases both the first handle portion and the second handle portion in a direction away from each other. Furthermore, each of the first expansion portion and the second expansion portion is in a state of being elastically deformed with the first pivot support portion or the second pivot support portion as a fulcrum. As a result, the first expansion portion and the second expansion portion exert pressing forces on each other due to the biasing force of the biasing portion and the elastic restoring forces of the first expansion portion and the second expansion portion, and are in a close contact state. As a result, compared with the conventional nasal speculum, it is possible to provide a nasal speculum that suppresses or reduces a decrease in workability and handleability due to changes over time and the frequency of use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] (Nasal speculum) A nasal speculum according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. However, parts unnecessary for the description are omitted, and there are parts illustrated with magnification, reduction, etc. for ease of explanation.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2(a), 2(b) and 3, the nasal speculum 1 according to the present embodiment is a Wada-type nasal speculum, and has a structure in which a first arm member 10 and a second arm member 20 are pivotally supported by a pivot mechanism. Further, in the nasal speculum 1 of the present embodiment, an urging portion 30 for urging the first holding portion 12 of the first arm member 10 and the second holding portion 22 of the second arm member 20 in a direction to separate them from each other is provided between them. The nasal speculum 1 of the present embodiment is an integrally molded product and can be used as a medical instrument for expanding the nostrils in nasal treatment and examination.

[0022] Note that FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the nasal speculum 1. FIG. 2(a) is a plan view showing the nasal speculum 1, and FIG. 2(b) is a bottom view showing the nasal speculum 1. FIG. 3(a) is a plan view showing a state before the first arm member 10 and the second arm member 20 are pivotally supported by a pivot mechanism in the nasal speculum 1, and FIG. 3(b) is a bottom view thereof.

[0023] The first arm member 10 is elastically deformable and includes at least a first expansion portion 11 provided on the distal end side of the first arm member 10, a first holding portion 12 provided on the rear end side of the first arm member 10, and a first pivot portion 13 provided between the first expansion portion 11 and the first holding portion 12. Further, the second arm member 20 is also elastically deformable and includes at least a second expansion portion 21 provided on the distal end side of the second arm member 20, a second holding portion 22 provided on the rear end side of the second arm member 20, and a second pivot portion 23 provided between the second expansion portion 21 and the second holding portion 22.

[0024] The first extension part 11 and the second extension part 21 are respectively provided with a first protrusion 111 and a second protrusion 211 at their respective tip parts (see FIGS. 3 and 4). FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first protrusion 111 of the first arm member 10 in the nasal speculum 1.

[0025] When using the nasal speculum 1 of the present embodiment, the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 211 are inserted into the nostrils and have the function of expanding the nostrils. The first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 211 are paired with each other, and are erected perpendicularly in the same direction with respect to the extending direction of the first extension part 11 and the second extension part 21 respectively. Further, when the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 211 are in close contact with each other, they have an outer shape that is substantially frustoconical and tapers as they move away from the first extension part 11 and the second extension part 21. Thereby, the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 211 can be inserted to the back of the nostrils, and the occurrence of lacerations or the like within the nostrils can be prevented. Furthermore, in the inner shape formed when the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 211 are in close contact with each other, as shown in FIG. 2(b), a through hole 40 is formed. With such an inner shape, not only when the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 211 are inserted into the nostrils to expand the nostrils, but also when they are inserted into the nostrils in a state of being in close contact with each other, the inside of the nostrils can be observed well.

[0026] The first holding part 12 and the second holding part 22 are the parts that the user grips when using the nasal speculum 1.

[0027] Further, the shaft support mechanism pivotally supports the first arm member 10 and the second arm member 20 by the first shaft support part 13 and the second shaft support part 23 without intersecting them. Also, by pivotally supporting the first arm member 10 and the second arm member 20 with such a shaft support mechanism, the first extension part 11 and the second extension part 21 are in close contact with each other in a state of being elastically deformed with the first shaft support part 13 or the second shaft support part 23 as a fulcrum respectively. And the first extension part 11 and the second extension part 21 generate an elastic restoring force with the first shaft support part 13 and the second shaft support part 23 as fulcrums respectively by elastically deforming them, and exert a pressing force on each other.

[0028] Here, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5(a), and 5(b), the first-axis support portion 13 includes at least a base portion 131, a rotating shaft portion erected vertically on one disk surface of the base portion 131, and an arcuate wall portion 135. Note that FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view showing the main part of the first-axis support portion 13 of the first arm member 10 in the nose mirror 1, and FIG. 5(b) is a plan view showing the main part of the first-axis support portion 13.

[0029] The base portion 131 is substantially disk-shaped and supports the rotating shaft portion 132 and the wall portion 135.

[0030] The rotating shaft portion 132 includes at least a pair of columnar portions 133 capable of elastic deformation and a guide portion 134 for guiding the rotation of the second-axis support portion 23. The rotating shaft portion 132 pivotally supports the first arm member 10 and the second arm member 20 by being inserted into a shaft hole portion (details will be described later) provided in the second-axis support portion 23.

[0031] The columnar portion 133 has a locking portion 133a protruding outward at its tip end. When the rotating shaft portion 132 is inserted into the shaft hole portion, the columnar portion 133 elastically deforms, so that the insertion can be easily performed. Further, a locking portion 133a is provided at the tip of the columnar portion 133. After the rotating shaft portion 132 is inserted into the shaft hole portion, it is locked to an annular protrusion portion (details will be described later) provided inside the shaft hole portion, and as a result, the rotating shaft portion 132 can be prevented from coming off the shaft hole portion.

[0032] The guide portion 134 includes a pair of guide wall portions 134a arranged annularly together with the pair of columnar portions 133 on the base portion 131, and a reinforcing portion 134b connecting the pair of guide wall portions 134a to each other. The guide wall portion 134a functions as a guide when the rotating shaft portion 132 is inserted into the shaft hole portion and when the rotating shaft portion 132 rotates in the shaft hole portion. Further, the reinforcing portion 134b imparts mechanical strength so that the guide wall portion 134a does not elastically deform when the guide wall portion 134a functions as a guide.

[0033] The arc-shaped wall portion 135 functions as a guide when inserting the rotating shaft portion 132 into the shaft hole portion and when the rotating shaft portion 132 rotates within the shaft hole portion.

[0034] Also, as described above, the second shaft support portion 23 includes an annular shaft hole portion 231 through which the rotating shaft portion 132 is rotatably inserted. Further, an annular protrusion portion 232 that protrudes annularly toward the inside is provided in the shaft hole portion 231. This annular protrusion portion 232 enables engagement with the locking portion 133a of the first shaft support portion 13.

[0035] The biasing portion 30 is composed of a leaf spring that is elastically deformed into a substantially arc shape. The cross-sectional shape of the biasing portion 30 (the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the biasing portion 30) is rectangular as shown in FIG. 6(a). FIGS. 6(a) to 6(e) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the cross-sectional shape of the biasing portion. One end of the biasing portion 30 is joined to the rear end portion of the first handle portion 12, and the other end is joined to the rear end portion of the second handle portion 22. By providing the biasing portion 30, a biasing force can be applied to the first handle portion 12 and the second handle portion 22 in a direction in which they are separated from each other. As a result, in the present embodiment, elastic deformation can be caused with the first shaft support portion or the second shaft support portion as a fulcrum for each of the first expansion portion 11 and the second expansion portion 21. The direction in which the leaf spring is elastically deformed into a substantially arc shape is a direction convex toward the first expansion portion 11 and the second expansion portion 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. For example, it may be elastically deformed so as to be convex in a direction opposite to the direction toward the first expansion portion 11 and the second expansion portion 21.

[0036] Note that the length, width, and thickness of the biasing portion 30 are not particularly limited and can be appropriately set according to the degree of the biasing force to be applied to the first handle portion 12 and the second handle portion 22. Also, the joining positions of the biasing portion 30 are not limited to the rear end portions of the first handle portion 12 and the second handle portion 22, and can be joined at arbitrary positions respectively.

[0037] Further, at the central portion of the biasing portion 30, a substantially quadrangular prism-shaped reinforcing portion 31 is provided that protrudes toward the first extension portion 11 and the second extension portion 21 (that is, the direction perpendicular to the convex surface of the biasing portion 30) (see FIGS. 1 to 3). In the case of this embodiment, the stress due to the elastic deformation of the biasing portion 30 is most applied to the central portion of the biasing portion 30. By providing the reinforcing portion 31 at the central portion, mechanical strength can be imparted, and the elastic limit of the biasing portion 30 can be improved. As a result, it is possible to suppress or reduce the decrease in the biasing force (elastic restoring force) of the biasing portion 30 or the occurrence of plastic deformation due to changes over time and the frequency of use. Note that the length, width, and thickness of the biasing portion 30 are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. Further, the shape of the reinforcing portion 31 is not limited to the case of a substantially quadrangular prism shape and may be convex.

[0038] Also, in this embodiment, the biasing portion 30 is provided with a gate mark 32 that becomes a gate mark during injection molding (details will be described later). The gate mark 32 is substantially cylindrical and protrudes perpendicular to the extending direction of the biasing portion 30. Further, the protruding direction of the gate mark 32 is the direction opposite to the standing direction of the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 211. By providing the gate mark 32 on the biasing portion 30, for example, when the nose guard 1 of this embodiment is integrally molded by injection molding, the formation of a weld line on the biasing portion 30 can be prevented, and the fluidity of the molten resin in the cavity formed in the mold can be improved. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in mechanical strength compared to a leaf spring in which a weld line is formed, and to suppress a decrease in the elastic restoring force due to changes over time, the frequency of use, and the like.

[0039] In the present specification, the "gate mark" refers to a convex shape formed on a molded article (in this embodiment, for example, it means the nasal speculum 1) as a trace of the gate which is the injection port of the molten resin into the cavity of the mold. In the present invention, the shape of the gate mark 32 is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, it may be substantially frustoconical, substantially prismatic, or substantially frustopyramidal. Also, the size of the gate mark 32 (that is, the height in the direction in which the gate mark 32 protrudes and the diameter in the cross-sectional shape of the gate mark 32) is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

[0040] The material constituting the nasal speculum 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a synthetic resin, but those with established safety for medical use are preferred. By making the nasal speculum 1 of synthetic resin, weight reduction can be achieved compared to a metal nasal speculum, and the handling property can be improved. Also, since it can be manufactured at low cost, it can be disposable, and for example, good hygiene can be maintained even in mass screening etc. Furthermore, a metal nasal speculum is not suitable for electron beam sterilization or gamma ray sterilization, and after performing high-pressure steam sterilization, there is a problem that corrosion of the nasal speculum progresses due to residual moisture unless sufficient drying or wiping is done. However, if the nasal speculum 1 is made of synthetic resin as in the present invention, there are no problems such as deformation or damage even when electron beam sterilization or gamma ray sterilization is performed, and there is no concern about corrosion due to residual moisture even when high-pressure steam sterilization is performed. Moreover, some patients may have preconceived notions such as pain when a metal product comes into contact with the human body, but such mental stress can be reduced or suppressed with the synthetic resin nasal speculum 1.

[0041] Examples of the synthetic resin include thermoplastic resins. More specifically, resins conventionally used in medical applications such as polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyphenylsulfone resin, acrylonitrile-styrene resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, cyclic olefin copolymer resin, and cycloolefin copolymer resin can be mentioned. Among these thermoplastic resins, from the viewpoint of being able to impart high transparency to the nasal speculum 1, polypropylene resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, polycarbonate resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyphenylsulfone resin, acrylonitrile-styrene resin, cyclic olefin copolymer resin, and cycloolefin polymer resin are preferable. By using these thermoplastic resins, when observing the inside of the nasal cavity, light from the outside passes through the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 211, so that the inside of the nasal cavity becomes clearer. Further, when the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 211 expand the nostrils, the nasal wall in contact with the first protrusion 111 or the second protrusion 211 can be observed through the first protrusion 111 or the second protrusion 211. Further, optional components such as a coloring agent may be added to the nasal speculum 1. Incidentally, the biasing portion 30 may be a leaf spring made of metal in addition to the case where it is made of a synthetic resin.

[0042] The nose mirror 1 configured as described above is normally in a state where the first holding part 12 and the second holding part 22 are separated from each other and open due to the elastic restoring forces of the first expansion part 11 and the second expansion part 21, and the biasing force of the biasing part 30, and the first expansion part 11 and the second expansion part 21 are in close contact with each other and closed (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, when the first holding part 12 and the second holding part 22 are closed against the elastic restoring forces of the first expansion part 11 and the second expansion part 21, and the biasing force of the biasing part 30, the first expansion part 11 and the second expansion part 21 are in a state of being separated from each other and open (see FIG. 7). And when shifting from the open state to the closed state of the first expansion part 11 and the second expansion part 21, as a result of the elastic restoring forces of the first expansion part 11 and the second expansion part 21, and the biasing force of the biasing part 30 acting on the first holding part 12 and the second holding part 22, it can be easily performed, and good workability and handleability can be realized.

[0043] In addition, FIG. 7(a) is a plan view showing a state in which the first expansion part 11 and the second expansion part 21 of the nose mirror 1 are in an open state, and FIG. 7(b) is a bottom view thereof.

[0044] (Method for manufacturing a nose mirror) The nose mirror 1 according to the present embodiment can be manufactured by a known method such as an injection molding method. For example, when molding the nose mirror 1 which is an integrally molded product by injection molding, first, a pair of molds is prepared and closed to form a cavity in the mold. Next, molten resin is injected into the cavity. In the case of the present embodiment, the injection of the molten resin is set so that the gate position of the gate for injecting the molten resin is the tip of the reinforcing part 31 provided in the biasing part 30. The gate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a pin point gate, an open gate, and a valve gate.

[0045] After injecting the molten resin, the molten resin is cooled for a predetermined time. After cooling, the nose mirror 1 of the present embodiment is molded. In addition, the injection pressure of the molten resin is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate according to necessity. Also, the cooling time of the molten resin is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate according to necessity. Finally, when the pair of molds is opened, the nose mirror 1 according to the present embodiment is obtained.

[0046] (Other matters) In the embodiments described above, the case where the nasal speculum of the present invention is the Wadatsumi type has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect, and for example, a nasal speculum such as the Hartmann type may be used.

[0047] Regarding the outer shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, in the above embodiment, the case where they are substantially frustoconical in a state where they are in close contact with each other has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect, and for example, they may be cylindrical in a state where the first protrusion and the second protrusion are in close contact with each other, or the entire first protrusion and the second protrusion may be in the shape of a long plate (spatula shape). Further, the tip side may be in the shape of a long plate (spatula shape), and the rear end side may form a substantially conical outer shape that tapers as it moves away from the first expansion part and the second expansion part.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the case where the biasing part is a leaf spring made of synthetic resin, with one end joined to the rear end of the first handle part and the other end joined to the rear end of the second handle part, has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. For example, the biasing part may be composed of a first leaf spring part made of metal and a second leaf spring part made of metal. One end of the first leaf spring part is connected to the rear end of the first handle part, and one end of the second leaf spring part is connected to the rear end of the second handle part. Further, the other end of the first leaf spring part and the other end of the second leaf spring part may be locked to each other in the vicinity of the first shaft support part and the second shaft support part.

[0049] Also, regarding the cross-sectional shape of the biasing portion, in the above-described embodiment, the biasing portion 30 made of a rectangular leaf spring was described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. For example, a biasing portion 33 made of a leaf spring having a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 6(b) may be used. In this biasing portion 33, the cross-sectional shape has a thicker central portion on the front and back surfaces compared to both ends, and is convex. With such a cross-sectional shape of the biasing portion 33, the biasing force can be increased compared to the rectangular biasing portion 30 as shown in FIG. 6(a). Also, a biasing portion 34 made of a leaf spring having a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 6(c) may be used. In this biasing portion 34, the cross-sectional shape has a convex shape with a thicker central portion on only one surface compared to both ends, and the other surface is a flat surface. Even with such a cross-sectional shape of the biasing portion 34, the biasing force can be increased compared to the rectangular biasing portion 30 as shown in FIG. 6(a). Incidentally, the biasing portion 34 is preferably joined to the rear end portion of the first holding portion 12 and the rear end portion of the second holding portion 22 such that the surface having the convex shape with the thicker portion becomes the inner surface of the biasing portion 34 that becomes substantially arc-shaped due to elastic deformation. Also, a biasing portion 35 made of a leaf spring having a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 6(d) may be used. In this biasing portion 35, the cross-sectional shape has a curved surface shape with a thicker central portion on only one surface compared to both ends, and the other surface is a flat surface. Even with such a cross-sectional shape of the biasing portion 35, the biasing force can be increased compared to the rectangular biasing portion 30 as shown in FIG. 6(a). Incidentally, the biasing portion 35 is preferably joined to the rear end portion of the first holding portion 12 and the rear end portion of the second holding portion 22 such that the surface having the curved surface shape with the thicker central portion becomes the inner surface of the biasing portion 35 that becomes substantially arc-shaped due to elastic deformation. Also, a biasing portion 36 made of a leaf spring having a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 6(e) may be used. In this biasing portion 36, the cross-sectional shape has a curved surface shape with a thicker central portion on the front and back surfaces compared to both ends. Even with such a cross-sectional shape of the biasing portion 36, the biasing force can be increased compared to the rectangular biasing portion 30 as shown in FIG. 6(a).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0050] 1 Nasal speculum 10 First arm member 11 First extension part 12 First holding part 13 First shaft support part 20 Second arm member 21 Second extension part 22 Second holding part 23 Second shaft support part 30, 33 - 36 Biasing part 31 Reinforcement part 32 Gate mark 40 Through hole 111 First protrusion 131 Base part 132 Rotation shaft part 133 Columnar part 133a Locking part 134 Guide part 134a Guide wall part 134b Reinforcement part 135 Wall part 211 Second protrusion 231 Shaft hole part 232 Annular rib part

Claims

1. A nasal speculum in which a first arm member and a second arm member, each capable of elastic deformation, are pivotally supported by a pivot mechanism, wherein the first arm member, is provided on the distal end side of the first arm member, and has a first expansion part for expanding the nostril, a first handle part provided on the rear end side of the first arm member, and a first pivot part provided between the first expansion part and the first handle part, wherein the second arm member, is provided on the distal end side of the second arm member, forms a pair with the first expansion part, and has a second expansion part for expanding the nostril together with the first expansion part, a second handle part provided on the rear end side of the second arm member, and a second pivot part provided between the second expansion part and the second handle part, wherein the pivot mechanism pivotally supports the first arm member and the second arm member by the first pivot part and the second pivot part so as to be rotatable without intersecting each other, furthermore, between the first handle part of the first arm member and the second handle part of the second arm member, there is provided a biasing part that biases the first handle part and the second handle part in a direction in which they are separated from each other, the first expansion part and the second expansion part are each in a state of being elastically deformed with the first pivot part or the second pivot part as a fulcrum, and a pressing force is applied to each other by the elastic restoring forces of the first expansion part and the second expansion part, the biasing part is a leaf spring in which at least a part is elastically deformed in a substantially arc shape, one end of the leaf spring is joined to an arbitrary position of the first handle part, and the other end of the leaf spring is joined to an arbitrary position of the second handle part, a convex reinforcing part is provided on the outer surface of the part of the leaf spring that is convex due to elastic deformation, the nasal speculum is an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin produced by injection molding, and the nasal speculum in which a gate mark that becomes a mark of the gate during the injection molding is provided on the reinforcing part.

2. The first pivot part includes a base part and a rotating shaft part erected vertically on the base part, the second pivot part includes a shaft hole part through which the rotating shaft part is rotatably inserted, The nasal speculum according to claim 1, wherein the rotating shaft part is inserted into the shaft hole part so that the first arm member and the second arm member are pivotally supported in a state where the first expansion part and the second expansion part are elastically deformed.

Images