Rotation drive mechanism and endoscope

Abstract

To provide a rotary drive mechanism capable of improving load resistance, and an endoscope.SOLUTION: A rotary drive mechanism comprises: a rotary shaft part that can rotate on a rotary shaft; a rotary member that is connected to the rotary shaft part; a fitting recess that is provided in the rotary member; and a fitting projection that is provided on the rotary shaft part and fitted into the fitting recess in a relatively unrotatable manner. The rotary member has an extension part that extends in a direction orthogonal to the rotary shaft. The fitting projection has the center of gravity in a position eccentric to the extension-direction side of the extension part from the rotary shaft in a cross-section perpendicular to the rotary shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment instrument erection mechanism and an ultrasonic endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, endoscopes have been known that are equipped with a stand at the tip of the insertion section that is inserted into a body cavity, and the stand allows the treatment tool that is inserted through the treatment tool insertion channel and led out of the treatment tool lead-out section at the tip to be erected, and the erection angle of the stand can be changed to adjust the lead-out direction of the treatment tool.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 listed below describes an ultrasonic endoscope in which a stand is provided in the treatment tool outlet section, a stand lever is connected via the rotation axis of the stand, and the stand is displaced by pushing and pulling an operating wire connected to the stand lever by operating the operating section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-287593 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The standing lever and the standing base are connected, for example, by fitting a mating shaft of a rotating shaft portion provided on one of the standing lever or the standing base into a mating hole provided on the other of the standing lever or the standing base.

[0006] However, in recent years, as treatment tools have become more multifunctional and larger in diameter, the load applied to the fitting shaft and fitting hole when moving the erector has increased. While it is possible to increase the size of the fitting shaft to improve load resistance, there is a concern that increasing the diameter of the endoscope by increasing the size of the fitting shaft would increase the burden on the patient.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a treatment tool erection mechanism and an ultrasonic endoscope that can prevent the diameter of the endoscope from becoming too large and improve load resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The treatment tool erection mechanism of the first aspect comprises a rotating shaft portion rotatably supported around a rotating shaft, a standing base connected to one end of the rotating shaft portion so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft portion, and a standing lever connected to the other end of the rotating shaft portion so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft portion, in which a rotational force is applied to the standing lever and transmitted to the standing base via the rotating shaft portion, and the mating member of at least one of the standing lever and the standing base has a mating recess that opens toward the rotating shaft portion, the rotating shaft portion has a mating convex portion that mates with the mating recess so as not to rotate relative to the rotating shaft, and the mating convex portion has a center of gravity at a position eccentric from the rotation axis in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0009] In the treatment tool erecting mechanism of the second aspect, the fitted member is an erecting base.

[0010] In the third aspect of the treatment tool standing mechanism, the standing base has a treatment tool support portion extending from the rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and the fitting convex portion has a center of gravity at a position eccentric from the rotation axis in the extension direction of the treatment tool support portion in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0011] In the treatment tool erecting mechanism of the fourth aspect, the fitted member is an erecting lever.

[0012] In the treatment tool raising mechanism of the fifth aspect, the raising lever has a lever portion extending from the rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and the fitting convex portion has a center of gravity at a position eccentric from the rotation axis in the extension direction of the lever portion in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0013] In the treatment tool erection mechanism of the sixth aspect, the engaged members are an erection base and an erection lever, the engaging recess has a first engaging recess provided on the erection base and opening toward the rotating shaft portion, and a second engaging recess provided on the erection lever and opening toward the rotating shaft portion, the engaging convex portion has a first engaging convex portion provided on one end of the rotating shaft portion and engaging with the first engaging recess so as not to rotate relative to the first engaging recess, and a second engaging convex portion provided on the other end of the rotating shaft portion and engaging with the second engaging recess so as not to rotate relative to the first engaging convex portion, and the first engaging convex portion and the second engaging convex portion have centers of gravity eccentric to the rotation shaft in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation shaft.

[0014] In the treatment tool standing mechanism of the seventh aspect, the standing base has a treatment tool support portion extending from the rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, the standing lever has a lever portion extending from the rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, the first mating convex portion has a center of gravity at a position eccentric from the rotation axis in the extension direction of the treatment tool support portion in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis, and the second mating convex portion has a center of gravity at a position eccentric from the rotation axis in the extension direction of the lever portion in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0015] In the treatment tool erecting mechanism of the eighth aspect, a seal portion is provided between the erecting base and the erecting lever.

[0016] The treatment tool erection mechanism of the ninth aspect includes a holding portion having a holding hole that rotatably holds the rotating shaft portion, and the seal portion is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft portion and the inner peripheral surface of the holding hole.

[0017] In the treatment tool erecting mechanism of the tenth aspect, when the fitting convex portion and the rotation shaft portion are projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation shaft, the fitting convex portion is included in the formation area of ​​the rotation shaft portion.

[0018] In the treatment tool erecting mechanism of the eleventh aspect, the fitting recess has a closed shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0019] An ultrasonic endoscope according to a twelfth aspect includes any one of the treatment tool erection mechanisms described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a treatment tool erecting mechanism and an ultrasonic endoscope that can prevent the diameter of the endoscope from becoming thicker and improve load resistance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic inspection system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the distal end of the insertion section. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the tip of the insertion section. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an elevator assembly including a first embodiment of the treatment tool erecting mechanism. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a left perspective view of the entire elevator assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the entire elevator assembly from the right side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view of the standing lever, the standing base, and the rotating shaft portion, seen from the left side in a direction parallel to the rotating shaft. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the treatment tool erecting mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a treatment tool erection mechanism according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a treatment tool erecting mechanism according to an embodiment and an ultrasonic endoscope equipped with the treatment tool erecting mechanism will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an ultrasonic inspection system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0024] The ultrasound examination system 1 comprises an ultrasound endoscope 2 that captures endoscopic images and ultrasound images of the inside of the body, an ultrasound processor unit 3 that generates ultrasound images, an endoscope processor unit 4 that generates endoscopic images, a light source device 5 that supplies illumination light to the ultrasound endoscope 2 to illuminate the inside of the body, and a monitor 6 that displays the endoscopic images and ultrasound images.

[0025] The ultrasonic endoscope 2 is a convex type ultrasonic endoscope, and has a tip and a base end. It comprises an insertion section 10 that is inserted into the body, an operation section 11 connected to the base end of the insertion section 10, and a universal cord 14 whose base end is connected to the operation section 11. The tip of the universal cord 14 is provided with connectors 14A, 14B, and 14C for connecting the ultrasonic endoscope 2 to the ultrasonic processor unit 3, the endoscope processor unit 4, and the light source device 5, respectively. The ultrasonic examination system 1 further comprises a water tank 17A that stores cleaning water and the like, and a suction pump 17B that sucks up the aspirated material from within the body cavity (including the supplied cleaning water, etc.).

[0026] The insertion section 10 is composed of a flexible section 15, a bending section 16, and a tip section 20, which are arranged in this order from the base end to the tip.

[0027] The flexible section 15 is flexible and can bend in any direction along the insertion path of the insertion section 10. The bending section 16 can be bent in any direction, up and down and left and right, by operating the angle knob 21 of the operation section 11.

[0028] The tip section 20 is equipped with an ultrasound observation section 100 that transmits and receives ultrasound waves to and from its tip, converts the received ultrasound waves into ultrasonic signals, which are electrical signals, and outputs them. The ultrasonic signals output by the ultrasound observation section 100 are sent to an ultrasound processor unit 3 connected by a universal cord 14, and the ultrasound processor unit 3 generates, as an ultrasound image, a tomographic image of the cellular tissue present in the depth direction of the body wall portion irradiated with ultrasound.

[0029] The distal end portion 20 is further provided with an endoscopic observation section 38 that captures images of an internal body site to be observed, on the proximal side of the ultrasonic observation section 100. The image captured by the endoscopic observation section 38 is sent as an observation image (endoscopic image) to the endoscope processor unit 4 connected by the universal cord 14, and the illumination light emitted by the illumination section is propagated from the light source device 5 connected by the universal cord 14 through a light guide inside the ultrasonic endoscope 2.

[0030] Furthermore, the distal end portion 20 is provided with a treatment tool lead-out portion 41 on the proximal side of the ultrasonic observation portion 100. The treatment tool lead-out portion 41 leads the treatment tool 150 inserted into the treatment tool insertion channel inside the insertion portion 10 from the treatment tool introduction port 25 of the operation portion 11 to the outside of the insertion portion 10. The treatment tool lead-out portion 41 is provided with a stand 50 (described later) that adjusts the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 150.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the tip portion 20. Figures 2 and 3 are a perspective view and a plan view (top view) showing the appearance of the tip portion 20.

[0032] The tip section 20 includes an exterior case 30 (also called a housing) that corresponds to the tip section main body. The exterior case 30 houses the ultrasound observation section 100 and the endoscopic observation section 38, which will be described later, as well as a stand assembly 49.

[0033] The portion of the exterior case 30 closer to the base end than the ultrasound observation unit 100 is divided into two parts in the vertical direction in the figure. Therefore, the exterior case 30 is composed of an exterior case main body 30A located on the lower side in the figure and an exterior case lid 30B located on the upper side in the figure.

[0034] A lever accommodating lid 59 is provided on the R-direction side of the outer case main body 30A and the outer case lid 30B, facing the lever accommodating section 56 (see Figure 6) described below, so as to straddle the outer case main body 30A and the outer case lid 30B.

[0035] Here, when viewed from a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the insertion section 10 in a direction from the base end side to the tip end side of the insertion section 10, among directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the insertion section 10, the direction in which the ultrasound observation section 100 and the treatment tool outlet section 41 are arranged is defined as up, and the opposite direction is defined as down, and terms relating to the directions of up (U), down (D), left (L), and right (R) are used.

[0036] Although details are omitted, a portion of the exterior case 30 can be removed as a separate block, and with the separate block removed, each component can be assembled into a predetermined housing section. After assembling each component into the housing section, the separate block is attached to the exterior case 30 (for example, the exterior case main body 30A, the exterior case lid 30B, etc.), whereby each component is housed and held in the housing section and fixed to the tip portion 20.

[0037] The exterior case 30 is made of an insulating material having insulating properties, such as a resin material, for example, a plastic such as methacrylic resin or polycarbonate.

[0038] 2 and 3, the distal end portion 20 is composed of a base portion 32 on the base end side and an extension portion 33 extending from the base portion 32 toward the distal end side.

[0039] An endoscopic observation unit 38 is provided on the base 32. The above-mentioned ultrasound observation unit 100 is provided on the upper surface side of the extension 33. The ultrasound observation unit 100 has a convex-type ultrasound transducer 102 in which a number of ultrasound vibrators that transmit and receive ultrasound are arranged in a convex shape.

[0040] The endoscopic observation section 38 has a first inclined surface 40A on the left side and a second inclined surface 40B on the right side facing diagonally upward toward the tip, and a concave treatment tool outlet section 41 provided in the central part between the first inclined surface 40A and the second inclined surface 40B.

[0041] The first inclined surface 40A is provided with an observation window 42, a first illumination window 43A, and an air / water supply nozzle 44. The second inclined surface 40B is provided with a second illumination window 43B.

[0042] The observation window 42 is for obtaining an optical image of the subject, and an image of the observation site is obtained as an observation image. An imaging system unit, which is an integral assembly of an imaging optical system and a solid-state image sensor (a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type solid-state image sensor), which are components of the optical observation section, is housed and disposed inside the base 32, which is on the back side of the observation window 42. The imaging system unit is electrically connected to the endoscope processor unit 4, which is connected to the universal cord 14.

[0043] The first illumination window 43A and the second illumination window 43B irradiate the observation site with illumination light. A light emitting unit, which is a component of the illumination unit and emits illumination light through the first illumination window 43A and the second illumination window 43B, is housed and disposed inside the base 32 on the back side of each of the first illumination window 43A and the second illumination window 43B. The light emitting unit is optically connected via a light guide to the light source device 5, which is connected to the universal cord 14.

[0044] The air and water nozzle 44 sprays water or air toward the observation window 42 by operating the air and water button 22 (see FIG. 1) of the operation unit 11, thereby cleaning the observation window 42 and the like.

[0045] The treatment tool outlet section 41 has a stand-up table 50 disposed therein, and a stand-up table storage space 45 having an opening 45A on the side (upper side) of the outer case 30 as a slit-shaped space in which the stand-up table 50 is disposed, and a treatment tool insertion hole 55A is provided on the base end side thereof.

[0046] The treatment tool insertion hole 55A communicates with the treatment tool introduction port 25 (see FIG. 1) of the operation unit 11 through a treatment tool insertion channel (pipe) that passes through the inside of the insertion unit 10. Therefore, the treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool introduction port 25 is guided from the treatment tool insertion hole 55A into the stand accommodating space 45. Then, the lead-out direction (lead-out angle) is bent by the stand 50 in the stand accommodating space 45, and the treatment tool is led out from the treatment tool lead-out portion 41 toward the side (upper side) of the insertion unit 10.

[0047] The treatment tool insertion channel is also connected to a suction channel, and by operating a suction button 23 (see FIG. 1) of the operation section 11, body fluids and the like are suctioned from the treatment tool insertion hole 55A.

[0048] The erector 50 is provided rotatably about an axial rotation axis including a component in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the insertion section 10, and has a treatment tool support section 50A that serves as a treatment tool guide surface that guides the treatment tool led out from the treatment tool insertion channel. The treatment tool support section 50A is formed on the upper surface side of the erector 50 in a concave shape (arc shape) that curves upward from the base end side to the tip end side of the distal end section 20.

[0049] The treatment tool introduced from the treatment tool insertion hole 55A into the stand storage space 45 curves upward along the treatment tool support portion 50A in the axial direction of the tip portion 20 (the longitudinal axis LA direction of the insertion portion 10) and is introduced to the outside from the upper opening 45A of the stand storage space 45, which serves as a treatment tool introduction port.

[0050] In addition, the stand 50 is configured to be raised and lowered by operating the stand operation lever 24 (see Figure 1) of the operating unit 11, and by raising and lowering the stand 50 to adjust the angle at which it stands up from the collapsed state, the direction (discharge angle) of the treatment tool discharged from the treatment tool discharge unit 41 can be adjusted.

[0051] First Embodiment Next, a first embodiment of the treatment tool erecting mechanism will be described. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the erector assembly 49, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the erector assembly 49 seen from the left side, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the entire erector assembly 49 seen from the right side.

[0052] The elevator assembly 49 is assembled as a single unit as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, and is housed and held in a predetermined housing portion of the exterior case 30 and fixed inside the tip portion 20.

[0053] 4, the elevator assembly 49 includes an assembly main body 51 that defines the elevator accommodation space 45 and supports the components, and a treatment tool elevator mechanism 70. The treatment tool elevator mechanism 70 includes a rotatably supported rotation shaft 80, an elevator 50 connected to one end of the rotation shaft 80, and an elevator lever 52 connected to the other end of the rotation shaft 80. In the treatment tool elevator mechanism 70, as will be described later, when a rotational force is applied to the elevator lever 52, the rotational force is transmitted to the elevator 50 via the rotation shaft 80. In the first embodiment, the elevator 50 constitutes a fitted member having a fitting recess 61.

[0054] The assembly main body 51 is composed of a base part 53 that forms the lower part of the assembly main body 51, a partition part 54 that is arranged on the right side surface of the base part 53, and a treatment tool insertion part 55 that forms the base end part. The base part 53 and the partition part 54 form a partition between the erector 50 and the erector lever 52. Note that these components are integrally formed, but may also be formed as separate bodies and connected together.

[0055] The base portion 53 is positioned below the stand-up platform storage space 45 when the stand-up platform assembly 49 is stored within the tip portion 20 (a designated storage section of the outer case 30) as shown in Figures 2 and 3, based on the area of ​​the stand-up platform storage space 45.

[0056] A recess 53B is formed in an area along the left side surface of the base portion 53. The recess 53B can accommodate the stand 50 in a rotatable manner.

[0057] A partition 54 extends upward along the right edge of the upper surface 53A of the base 53, and the right wall surface of the stand storage space 45 is formed by a left side surface 54A of the partition 54.

[0058] A treatment tool insertion section 55 is provided adjacent to the base end side of the base section 53 and the partition section 54 , and the treatment tool insertion section 55 is disposed on the base end side of the elevator housing space 45 .

[0059] The treatment tool insertion portion 55 has a treatment tool insertion hole 55A that opens toward the erector housing space 45. A duct member 110 that forms a treatment tool insertion channel is connected to the proximal end side of the treatment tool insertion portion 55, and the treatment tool insertion hole 55A communicates with the treatment tool insertion channel.

[0060] A lever accommodating portion 56 is provided in an area along the right side surface of the base portion 53 and the partition portion 54 (see FIG. 6). A cylindrical holding hole 57 is provided in the base portion 53, which passes through the lever accommodating portion 56 and the recess 53B of the base portion 53. The base portion 53 functions as a holding portion having the holding hole 57 that rotatably holds the rotation shaft portion 80.

[0061] The rotating shaft 80 has a cylindrical shape with one end and the other end. The stand 50 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 80 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft 80, and the stand lever 52 is connected to the other end of the rotating shaft 80 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft 80.

[0062] The rotating shaft 80 has a mating protrusion 81 that fits into a mating recess 61 of the stand 50, which will be described later, so that the mating protrusion 81 cannot rotate relative to the stand 50. The mating protrusion 81 protrudes parallel to the rotation axis AR of the rotating shaft 80. The rotating shaft 80 has a circumferentially extending accommodation groove 82 on its outer circumferential surface. A seal 90 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, is disposed in the accommodation groove 82.

[0063] The rotation shaft portion 80 has a circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. On the other hand, the fitting protrusion 81 has a non-circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, and as an example, has a substantially rectangular shape in FIG.

[0064] The above-described holding hole 57 of the base part 53 holds the rotating shaft part 80 rotatably about the rotation axis AR. The outer diameter of the rotating shaft part 80 (excluding the accommodating groove 82) and the inner diameter of the holding hole 57 are substantially the same.

[0065] The standing lever 52 is formed in the shape of a long plate. The standing lever 52 is connected to the other end of the rotating shaft 80 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft 80. The rotating shaft 80 is connected to one end (base end) of the standing lever 52 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the rotating shaft 80 is connected so as to be approximately perpendicular to the wide surface 52A of the standing lever 52 that faces the partition 54. The standing lever 52 and the rotating shaft 80 may be connected by integral molding, or the standing lever 52 and the rotating shaft 80 may be separate members that are fixed together with adhesive, screws, or the like. The standing lever 52 includes a lever portion 58 that extends from the rotation axis AR in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. A wire connecting portion 116, which will be described later, is provided to the lever portion 58.

[0066] The elevator 50 has a symmetrical elevator main body 60 with an arc-shaped treatment tool support portion 50A formed therein, and a fitting recess 61 formed on the opposite side of the elevator main body 60 from the treatment tool support portion 50A and opening toward the rotation shaft portion 80. The fitting recess 61 has a non-circular rectangular shape, the same as the fitting protrusion 81, when viewed parallel to the rotation axis AR. In FIG. 4, the fitting recess 61 penetrates the elevator main body 60 when viewed parallel to the rotation axis AR. Meanwhile, the fitting recess 61 has a closed shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. Therefore, the closed shape means that the entire periphery of the fitting recess 61 is surrounded by the elevator main body 60, and does not have a cutout portion such as a C-shape or a U-shape.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the elevator assembly 49 is assembled as a single unit. During assembly, the rotating shaft 80 provided on the elevator lever 52 is inserted into the retaining hole 57 from the lever housing portion 56 side (see Figure 6) toward the recessed portion 53B. The rotating shaft 80 is rotatably supported in the retaining hole 57. Only the fitting protrusion 81 of the rotating shaft 80 protrudes from the retaining hole 57 into the recessed portion 53B (see Figure 8).

[0068] The erector 50 is placed from the recess 53B side, and the mating protrusion 81 of the rotating shaft 80 is mated with the mating recess 61 of the erector 50 so as not to rotate relative to one another. By mating the mating protrusion 81 with the mating recess 61, the erector 50 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 80 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft 80. When the rotating shaft 80 is inserted into the retaining hole 57 and the mating protrusion 81 of the rotating shaft 80 is mated with the mating recess 61 of the erector 50, the rotating shaft 80 is positioned within the retaining hole 57.

[0069] Before the rotary shaft portion 80 is inserted into the holding hole 57, a seal portion 90 such as an O-ring is placed on the outer circumferential surface of the accommodation groove 82 (see FIG. 8).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the lever housing portion 56 is provided in an area along the right side surface of the base portion 53 and the partition portion 54, and houses the standing lever 52 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotation shaft portion 80.

[0071] A control cable 112 is connected to the proximal end side of the lever housing portion 56 at the proximal end portion of the treatment tool insertion portion 55 of the assembly body 51. The control cable 112 is composed of a guide tube 114 and an operation wire 113 that passes through the guide tube 114.

[0072] One end (base end) of the operation wire 113 is connected to the erection operation lever 24 of the operation unit 11, and is pushed or pulled by operating the erection operation lever 24. The other end (tip) of the operation wire 113 is inserted into the lever housing part 56 and connected to the lever part 58 of the erection lever 52 via the wire connecting part 116.

[0073] In FIG. 6, the lever housing cover 59 that covers the lever housing portion 56 in which the standing lever 52 is housed is omitted.

[0074] According to the treatment tool erection mechanism 70, when the operation wire 113 is pushed or pulled by operating the erection operation lever 24, a rotational force is applied to the erection lever 52, and the erection lever 52 and the rotation shaft 80 rotate integrally about the rotation axis AR. The rotational force is transmitted to the erection base 50 via the rotation shaft 80. The erection base 50 rotates integrally with the rotation shaft 80, and the erection base 50 performs an elevation movement.

[0075] The operation wire 113 is provided from the operation unit 11 to the exterior case 30 via the insertion unit 10, and is a form of a transmission member that transmits the amount of displacement generated in the raising operation lever 24 to the raising lever 52. Any other form of transmission member that transmits the amount of displacement to the raising lever 52 may be used.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a view of the standing lever 52, the standing base 50, and the rotation shaft portion 80, seen from the left side in a direction parallel to the rotation axis AR.

[0077] 7(A) shows the state before the mating recess 61 and the mating protrusion 81 are mated. A rotation shaft 80 extends parallel to the rotation axis AR (perpendicular to the paper surface) from the standing lever 52. The rotation shaft 80 has a cylindrical shape and is circular in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, with the rotation axis AR coinciding with the center of the circular cross section of the rotation shaft 80.

[0078] The fitting protrusion 81 has a substantially rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. Two opposing sides have the same length, and two adjacent sides have different lengths. As shown in FIG. 7(A), the intersection of two imaginary lines connecting the centers of the two opposing sides of the fitting protrusion 81 is the center of gravity G of the fitting protrusion 81. As shown in FIG. 7(A), the fitting protrusion 81 has the center of gravity G at a position eccentric from the rotation axis AR in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7(A), the elevator 50 has, as already described, an elevator main body 60 on which a treatment tool support portion 50A is formed, and a fitting recess 61 that opens toward the rotation shaft portion 80.

[0080] 7(B), the fitting convex portion 81 is fitted into the fitting recess 61 so as not to rotate relative to each other, and the treatment tool erection mechanism 70 is assembled in which the standing lever 52, the rotating shaft 80, and the erection base 50 are rotatably connected together. As described above, by operating the standing operation lever 24 to push and pull the operation wire 113, a rotational force is applied to the standing lever 52 in the direction indicated by the arrow, and the rotating shaft 80 rotates around the rotation axis AR. The rotational force is transmitted to the erection base 50 via the rotating shaft 80. Because the fitting convex portion 81 and the fitting recess 61 are fitted into each other so as not to rotate relative to each other, the erection base 50 is displaced (standing up and lying down) in conjunction with the rotational direction of the standing lever 52.

[0081] When a rotational force is transmitted to the stand 50 via the rotating shaft 80, a load is applied to the mating convex portion 81 and the mating concave portion 61, which are mated so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. As the treatment tools used have become more multifunctional and larger in diameter, the load applied to the mating convex portion 81 and the mating concave portion 61 has become greater.

[0082] Conventionally, when the center of gravity of the fitting protrusion coincides with the rotation axis, there is a concern that increasing the size of the fitting protrusion to improve load resistance will result in an increase in the diameter of the endoscope.

[0083] In the embodiment, by decentering the center of gravity G of the mating convex portion 81 from the rotation axis AR in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, the mating convex portion 81 can be enlarged in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR without increasing the diameter of the endoscope, thereby improving load resistance.

[0084] 7(B), the treatment tool support part 50A of the elevator 50 extends from the rotation axis AR in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. The fitting protrusion 81 preferably has a center of gravity G at a position eccentric from the rotation axis in the extension direction of the treatment tool support part 50A in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. Even if the center of gravity G is eccentric in the extension direction of the treatment tool support part 50A, the thickness (in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR) around the fitting recess 61 that fits with the fitting protrusion 81 can be ensured, and a decrease in load resistance can be suppressed.

[0085] Since the mating protrusion 81 has a rectangular shape with two adjacent sides of different lengths, it is less likely to slip between it and the mating recess 61, and the rotational force of the standing lever 52 can be reliably transmitted to the standing platform 50 via the mating protrusion 81 and mating recess 61 of the rotating shaft 80.

[0086] Although a rectangular shape of the fitting convex portion 81 is shown as an example, the shape is not limited as long as it can be fitted into the fitting recess 61 so as not to rotate relative to the fitting recess 61 and the center of gravity of the fitting convex portion 81 can be eccentric from the rotation axis AR. For example, a gear shape with concave and convex portions on the periphery or a polygonal shape can be applied.

[0087] As described above, the fitting recess 61 has a closed shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, so that deformation is suppressed even when a load is applied to the fitting recess 61.

[0088] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 8, the standing lever 52 and the rotary shaft 80 have a substantially L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0089] The rotating shaft 80 is supported in the holding hole 57 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis AR. A ring-shaped sealing portion 90 is disposed between the standing lever 52 and the standing base 50, in a housing groove 82 that constitutes the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 80. Because the rotating shaft 80 is supported by the holding hole 57, the sealing portion 90 is disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 80 (housing groove 82) and the inner circumferential surface of the holding hole 57.

[0090] Even if a liquid such as blood or water (hereinafter simply referred to as liquid) enters between the holding hole 57 and the rotating shaft portion 80 from within the stand storage space 45, the sealing portion 90 prevents the liquid from entering the lever storage portion 56, thereby preventing the operating wire 113, which is difficult to clean, from becoming contaminated.

[0091] As described above, the fitting protrusion 81 has the center of gravity G at a position eccentric to the rotation axis AR of the rotation shaft portion 80, so that the load resistance can be improved without increasing the diameter.

[0092] 7 and 8, when the fitting protrusion 81 and the rotating shaft portion 80 are projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, it is preferable that the fitting protrusion 81 be included in the formation area of ​​the rotating shaft portion 80. Since the fitting protrusion 81 does not affect the insertion or removal of the rotating shaft portion 80 into the retaining hole 57, assembly and repair are easier.

[0093] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the treatment tool erecting mechanism will be described with reference to the drawings. Components similar to those in the first embodiment of the treatment tool erecting mechanism will be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0094] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a treatment tool erecting mechanism. As shown in Fig. 9, a treatment tool erecting mechanism 70A of the second embodiment includes a rotatably supported rotating shaft 80, an erecting base 50 connected to one end of the rotating shaft 80, and an erecting lever 52 connected to the other end of the rotating shaft 80, similar to the treatment tool erecting mechanism 70. Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment differs in that the erecting lever 52 constitutes a fitted member having a fitting recess 71.

[0095] The rotating shaft 80 has a mating protrusion 81 that fits into the mating recess 71 of the standing lever 52 so as not to rotate relative to the rotating shaft 80. The mating protrusion 81 protrudes parallel to the rotation axis AR of the rotating shaft 80. The rotating shaft 80 has an accommodating groove 82 on its outer circumferential surface that extends along the circumferential direction. The above-mentioned seal portion 90 is disposed in the accommodating groove 82.

[0096] The rotating shaft portion 80 has a circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. On the other hand, the fitting protrusion 81 has a non-circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. The holding hole 57 holds the rotating shaft portion 80 rotatably about the rotation axis AR.

[0097] As in the first embodiment, the fitting protrusion 81 has a center of gravity G at a position eccentric from the rotation axis AR in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR.

[0098] By decentering the center of gravity G of the fitting convex portion 81 from the rotation axis AR in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, the fitting convex portion 81 can be enlarged in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR without increasing the diameter of the endoscope.

[0099] The standing lever 52 is formed in a long plate shape, and has a fitting recess 71 at one longitudinal end (base end) that opens toward the rotation shaft portion 80, and includes a lever portion 58 extending from the rotation axis AR in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis AR, the fitting recess 71 has a non-circular rectangular shape that is the same as the fitting protrusion 81. The fitting recess 71 penetrates the standing lever 52. Meanwhile, the fitting recess 71 has a closed shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. Therefore, the closed shape means that the entire periphery of the fitting recess 71 is surrounded by the standing lever 52, and does not have a cutout portion such as a C-shape or U-shape.

[0100] The elevator 50 includes a symmetrical elevator body 60 having an arc-shaped treatment tool support section 50A. On the side of the elevator body 60 opposite the treatment tool support section 50A, one end of a rotation shaft section 80 is connected to the elevator 50 so as to be rotatable integrally. The elevator 50 and the rotation shaft section 80 may be connected by integral molding, or the elevator 50 and the rotation shaft section 80 may be separate members that are fixed together with adhesive, screws, or the like. The elevator 50 and the rotation shaft section 80 have a substantially L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA (not shown).

[0101] When the mating protrusion 81 is mated with the mating recess 71 so that it cannot rotate relative to the rotating shaft 80, the standing lever 52 is connected to the other end of the rotating shaft 80 so that it can rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 80, and the treatment tool standing mechanism 70 is assembled in which the standing lever 52, the rotating shaft 80, and the standing base 50 are connected so that they can rotate integrally.

[0102] In the second embodiment, it is preferable that the center of gravity of the fitting protrusion 81, in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, is located at a position eccentric from the rotation axis AR in the extension direction of the lever portion 58. Even if the center of gravity G is eccentric in the extension direction of the lever portion 58, it is possible to ensure a sufficient thickness (in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR) around the fitting recess 71 that fits with the fitting protrusion 81, and to suppress a decrease in load resistance.

[0103] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the treatment tool erecting mechanism will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in the first and second embodiments of the treatment tool erecting mechanism will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted in some cases.

[0104] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a treatment tool erecting mechanism. As shown in Fig. 10, a treatment tool erecting mechanism 70B of the third embodiment, like the treatment tool erecting mechanisms 70 and 70A, includes a rotatably supported rotating shaft 80, an erector 50 connected to one end of the rotating shaft 80, and an erector lever 52 connected to the other end of the rotating shaft 80. Unlike the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment includes, as fitting recesses, a first fitting recess 61A in which the erector 50 opens toward the rotating shaft 80, and a second fitting recess 71A in which the erector lever 52 opens toward the rotating shaft 80. Furthermore, the rotating shaft 80 has, as fitting protrusions, a first fitting protrusion 81A that is provided at one end of the rotating shaft 80 and fits into the first fitting recess 61A so as to be non-rotatable relative to the first fitting recess 61A, and a second fitting protrusion 81B that is provided at the other end of the rotating shaft 80 and fits into the second fitting recess 71A so as to be non-rotatable relative to the first fitting recess 61A. The retaining hole 57 (not shown) holds the rotating shaft 80 rotatably about the rotation axis AR.

[0105] The rotating shaft 80 has a first fitting protrusion 81A provided at one end and a second fitting protrusion 81B provided at the other end. The first fitting protrusion 81A and the second fitting protrusion 81B protrude parallel to the rotation axis AR of the rotating shaft 80. The rotating shaft 80 has a circumferentially extending housing groove 82 on its outer circumferential surface. The above-mentioned seal portion 90 is disposed in the housing groove 82.

[0106] The rotation shaft portion 80 has a circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, whereas the first fitting protrusion 81A and the second fitting protrusion 81B have a non-circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR.

[0107] The standing lever 52 is formed in a long plate shape, and has a second fitting recess 71A that opens toward the rotation shaft 80 at one end side (base end side) in the longitudinal direction, and includes a lever portion 58 that extends from the rotation axis AR in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR. The second fitting recess 71A penetrates the standing lever 52. Meanwhile, the second fitting recess 71A has a closed shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR.

[0108] The elevator 50 includes a symmetrical elevator body 60 having an arc-shaped treatment tool support portion 50A. On the side of the elevator body 60 opposite the treatment tool support portion 50A, a first fitting recess 61A is provided that opens toward the rotation shaft portion 80. The first fitting recess 61A penetrates the elevator 50. Meanwhile, the first fitting recess 61A has a closed shape in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR.

[0109] When the first mating protrusion 81A is mated with the first mating recess 61A so as not to be rotatable relative to the first mating recess 61A and the second mating protrusion 81B is mated with the second mating recess 71A so as not to be rotatable relative to the first mating recess 61A, the stand-up table 50 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 80 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft 80, and the stand-up lever 52 is connected to the other end of the rotating shaft 80 so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft 80, thereby assembling the treatment tool stand-up mechanism 70B in which the stand-up lever 52, the rotating shaft 80, and the stand-up table 50 are connected so as to be rotatable integrally.

[0110] The enlarged view shows the first fitting convex portion 81A viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis AR from the side of the stand 50. In the third embodiment, the first fitting convex portion 81A and the second fitting convex portion 81B have centers of gravity G1 and G2 at positions eccentric from the rotation axis AR in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR.

[0111] By decentering the center of gravity G1 of the first fitting convex portion 81A from the rotation axis AR in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, the first fitting convex portion 81A can be enlarged in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR without increasing the diameter of the endoscope.

[0112] Furthermore, by decentering the center of gravity G2 of the second fitting convex portion 81B from the rotation axis AR in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AR, the second fitting convex portion 81B can be enlarged in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis AR without increasing the diameter of the endoscope. As in the first and second embodiments, the center of gravity G1 is preferably decentered from the rotation axis AR in the extension direction of the treatment tool support portion 50A, and the center of gravity G2 is preferably decentered from the rotation axis AR in the extension direction of the lever portion 58.

[0113] Although the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Ultrasonic inspection system 2. Ultrasound endoscope 3 Ultrasonic processor unit 4. Endoscope processor unit 5 Light source device 6 monitors 10 Insertion section 11 Control section 14 Universal Code 14A Connector 14B Connector 14C Connector 15 Soft part 16 Curved section 17A Water tank 17B Suction pump 20 Tip 21 Angle knob 22 Air and water supply button 23 Suction button 24 Standing operation lever 25 Treatment tool introduction port 30 outer case 30A outer case body 30B outer case lid 32 Base 33 Nobube 38 Endoscopic observation section 40A First Slope 40B 2nd slope 41 Treatment tool outlet 42 Observation window 43A First lighting window 43B Second lighting window 44 Air and water supply nozzle 45 Standing platform storage space 45A opening 49 Elevator Assembly 50 Standing platform 50A Treatment tool support part 51 Assembly body 52 Standing lever 52A Wide Face 53 Base 53A Top 53B Recess 54 Partition 54A left side 55 Treatment tool insertion part 55A Treatment tool insertion hole 56 Lever housing 57 Retaining hole 58 Lever part 59 Lever storage cover 60 Standing Table 61 Fitting recess 61A First fitting recess 70 Treatment instrument erection mechanism 70A Treatment tool erection mechanism 70B Treatment tool erection mechanism 71 Fitting recess 71A Second mating recess 80 Rotating shaft 81 mating protrusion 81A First mating protrusion 81B Second mating protrusion 82 Storage groove 90 Seal part 100 Ultrasound observation section 102 Ultrasonic Transducer 110 Pipeline components 112 control cable 113 Control wire 114 Guide tube 116 Wire connection part 150 Treatment tools AR rotation axis G, G1, G2 Center of gravity LA Longitudinal Axis

Claims

1. A rotation drive mechanism provided in a medical instrument, a rotation shaft portion rotatable around a rotation shaft; a rotating member connected to the rotating shaft portion; a mating recess provided in the rotating member; a mating convex portion provided on the rotating shaft portion and mated with the mating concave portion so as to be non-rotatable relative to the rotating shaft portion; Equipped with the rotating member has an extending portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, the fitting protrusion has a center of gravity at a position eccentric to the rotation axis toward the extension direction of the extension portion in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis. Rotation drive mechanism.

2. The rotating member includes a driven member that rotates in response to rotation of the rotating shaft portion. The rotary drive mechanism according to claim 1 .

3. the medical instrument is an endoscope having an erector; The driven member is the stand. The rotary drive mechanism according to claim 2 .

4. The rotating member includes a driving member for rotating the rotating shaft portion. The rotary drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the medical instrument is an endoscope having a lever member for rotating a stand via the rotation shaft portion, The drive member is the lever member. The rotary drive mechanism according to claim 4 .

6. An endoscope comprising the rotation drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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