Endoscopy

Abstract

Provided is an endoscope capable of maintaining a desired direction of withdrawal of a treatment instrument, and performing a treatment while maintaining the withdrawal direction.　A lock mechanism (61) has: a locked member (62) provided on an erect operation lever (19b); and a spring member (63) that applies urging force to the locked member (62). When the erect operation lever (19b) is not operated, the erect operation lever (19b) is in a locked state in which the locked member (62) is locked by the lock piece (65). When operating the erect operation lever (19b), a locked claw (62B) is separated from the lock piece (65) by a lock release operation against the urging force, so that the locked state of the erect operation lever (19b) is released.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope that changes the direction in which a treatment tool is introduced. [Background technology]

[0002] Endoscopes used in the medical field are used not only for observing the inside of a subject but also for performing various treatments on the observed region. An endoscope includes an insertion section that is inserted into the subject and a control section connected to the proximal end of the insertion section. Various treatment tools, such as forceps and incision tools, are inserted through a treatment tool inlet provided in the control section of the endoscope, into a treatment tool channel in the insertion section, and then led out through a treatment tool outlet opening at the distal end of the insertion section, thereby performing various treatments, such as resection and collection, on the observed region.

[0003] The treatment tool delivered from the treatment tool outlet of the endoscope needs to have its delivery direction changed in order to treat a desired position inside the subject. Therefore, a stand that changes the delivery direction of the treatment tool is provided at the tip of the insertion section. By operating a stand operation lever provided in the operation section, the posture of the stand is moved between a collapsed position and an upright position. By moving the stand from the collapsed position to the upright position, the stand guides the treatment tool, and the delivery direction of the treatment tool can be changed (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, in the endoscope described in Patent Document 2, a slit into which a guide wire is inserted is formed in the raising table. The guide wire is inserted into the treatment tool channel together with the treatment tool and guides the treatment tool. When the raising table is in the raised position, the guide wire is inserted into the slit of the raising table, fixing the raising table. This also fixes the raising operation lever that is linked to the raising table.

[0005] On the other hand, in the endoscope described in Patent Document 3, a frictional resistance spring is attached to the raising operation lever. The frictional resistance spring rotates integrally with the raising operation lever while being pressed against a fixed wall formed in the operation section. A lubricant is also applied between the frictional resistance spring and the fixed wall. The frictional resistance spring is pressed against the fixed wall by its elastic force, generating frictional resistance. When the user releases the raising operation lever, the frictional resistance causes the raising operation lever to temporarily stop. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-137947 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-015018 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-072455 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When performing treatment using an endoscope, the user desires to be able to operate the raising operation lever with one hand to change the direction in which the treatment tool is delivered, and to reliably stop the raising table halfway between the raised and lowered positions to perform various treatments.

[0008] However, the endoscopes described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not take into consideration the possibility of operating the erection control lever with one hand and stopping the erection table midway between the erect position and the retracted position. In particular, the endoscope described in Patent Document 2 only fixes the guidewire so that the erection table and the erection control lever stop when the erection table reaches the erection position. In other words, the erection control lever cannot be fixed in a position other than the erection position, making it difficult to operate with one hand.

[0009] Furthermore, in the endoscope described in Patent Document 3, when the user releases the raising operation lever, the raising operation lever temporarily stops due to the frictional resistance between the frictional resistance spring and the fixed wall. However, when performing treatment, with highly rigid treatment tools such as stents and puncture needles, the reaction force from the treatment tool is large, and the stopped state cannot be maintained by the frictional resistance of the frictional resistance spring alone. Therefore, treatment cannot be performed stably when the raising table is in a position halfway between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an endoscope that can be easily operated with only one hand when changing the extraction direction of a treatment tool, and that can perform various treatments while maintaining the extraction direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The endoscope of the present invention comprises an insertion section, an operation section, a tip section main body, a raising platform, a raising operation lever, and a locking mechanism. The insertion section is inserted into a subject. The operation section is provided at the base end of the insertion section. The tip section main body is located at the tip of the insertion section and communicates with the treatment tool outlet. The raising platform is provided on the tip section main body and raises the treatment tool led out from the treatment tool outlet, and is provided so as to be movable between an upright position and a reclined position. The raising operation lever moves the raising platform to the upright position when rotated in a first direction, and moves the raising platform to the reclined position when rotated in a second direction. The locking mechanism locks the raising operation lever. The locking mechanism has a locking member and a biasing member. When the raising operation lever is not operated, the biasing force biases the locking member to the locked position, locking the raising operation lever. When the raising operation lever is operated, an unlocking operation against the biasing force releases the locked state of the raising operation lever. The locking member is provided on the raising operation lever. The biasing member applies a biasing force to the locking member.

[0012] The locking mechanism has a locking piece provided on the operating portion, an interlocked member as a locking member, which is slidably attached to the raising operation lever and is biased by a biasing force to an interlocked position where it is interlocked with the locking piece, and a pressing operation member provided integrally with the interlocked member, and when the pressing operation member is not subjected to pressure, the interlocked member is interlocked with the locking piece, and when the raising operation lever is operated, the pressing operation member is pressed against the biasing force and moves integrally with the interlocked member, and it is preferable that the interlocked member moves from the interlocked position to the unlocked position.

[0013] The locking mechanism has an engaging groove provided in the operating section, and an engaging member that forms part of the raising operation lever and is biased by the biasing force of the biasing member to an engaging position where it engages with the engaging groove, and is attached so as to be freely slidable relative to the main body of the raising operation lever; when the engaging member is not under pressure, the engaging member engages with the engaging groove, and when the raising operation lever is operated, the engaging member is pressed against the biasing force and moves, preferably moving from the engaging position to the disengaged position.

[0014] The fitting member preferably has a fitting protrusion extending in a direction parallel to the central axis of the raising operation lever, and the fitting groove is preferably an arc-shaped groove that fits into the fitting protrusion and is formed around the central axis.

[0015] The fitting member preferably has a fitting protrusion that protrudes in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis of the raising operation lever, and the fitting groove preferably includes a plurality of grooves that fit with the fitting protrusion and are arranged around the central axis.

[0016] It is preferred that at least some of the components are disposable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, when changing the lead-out direction of the treatment tool, the operation can be easily performed with only one hand, and various treatments can be performed while maintaining the lead-out direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of an endoscope and a treatment tool. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the tip portion of the endoscope. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tip portion of the endoscope. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operation unit of the endoscope. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a locked member and a locking piece. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts around the raising operation lever and the locking mechanism. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the locking mechanism, showing a locked state and an unlocked state. [Figure 12] 1A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the locking mechanism, showing a state in which the raising operation lever is rotated from the unlocked state, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a locked state after the raising operation lever is rotated. [Figure 13] This is a modified example in which the locking piece of the locking mechanism is formed in a gear shape. [Figure 14] This is a modified example in which the locking mechanism is made up of a plurality of locking pieces arranged in an arc shape. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an operating section in a second embodiment, in which a locking mechanism is in a locked state. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an operation unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an operating section in a second embodiment, in which a locking mechanism is in an unlocked state. [Figure 18]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an operating section in a third embodiment, in which a locking mechanism is in a locked state. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an operation unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are explanatory views illustrating the operation of a locking mechanism in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an operating section in a fourth embodiment, in which a locking mechanism is in a locked state. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an operation unit in a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] [First embodiment] As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 10 includes an endoscope 12, a treatment tool 13, a light source device 14, a processor device 15, a display 16, and a UI (User Interface) 17. The endoscope 12 captures an image of an observation target. The light source device 14 emits illumination light to irradiate the observation target. The processor device 15 performs system control of the endoscope system 10. The display 16 is a display unit that displays an observation image based on an endoscopic image, etc. The UI 17 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a microphone, etc., and accepts input operations from a doctor who is a user.

[0020] At least some of the components constituting the endoscope 12 are preferably made of a resin material, a rubber material, a metal material, or the like, and are discarded as disposables. In the case of a metal material, it is more preferable to form the components by metal injection molding.

[0021] The endoscope 12 is optically connected to the light source device 14 and electrically connected to the processor device 15. The endoscope 12 has an insertion section 18 that is inserted into the subject and an operation section 19 provided at the base end of the insertion section 18. The insertion section 18 is composed of a flexible section 18a, a bending section 18b, and a tip section 18c that are arranged in this order from the base end to the tip. By operating the angle knob 19a of the operation section 19, the bending section 18b is bent. As a result, the tip section 18c is oriented in a desired direction.

[0022] 2, the operation unit 19 is provided with an angle knob 19a, an erection operation lever 19b, a treatment tool introduction port 19c, an air / water supply button 19d, and a suction button 19e. The treatment tool introduction port 19c is an entrance for inserting the treatment tool 13. The treatment tool 13 inserted into the treatment tool introduction port 19c is guided to the erection table housing portion 41 (see FIG. 4) at the tip end 18c.

[0023] By operating the raising operation lever 19b, a treatment tool raising mechanism 45, which will be described later, is activated to rotate the raising table 33. By rotating the raising table 33, the treatment tool 13 guided into the raising table housing section 41 is changed in its traveling direction and guided in a direction toward the opening window 32C on the upper surface side of the raising table housing section 41, and the treatment tool 13 is led out from the opening window 32C.

[0024] When the air and water supply button 19d is operated, air and water are supplied to an air and water supply tube (not shown), and the air and water are sprayed from an air and water supply nozzle 42 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) provided on the tip portion main body 31. When the suction button 19e is operated, body fluids such as blood can be sucked through the treatment tool channel 18d from a suction port that also serves as a treatment tool outlet 18e (see FIGS. 3 and 4) provided on the tip portion main body 31.

[0025] The tip portion 18c is provided with an image sensor 43, an illumination optical system 44, etc., which will be described later. The image sensor 43 is preferably a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, or the like.

[0026] The processor device 15 is electrically connected to the display 16 and the UI 17. The processor device 15 performs image processing and the like on the endoscopic image captured by the image sensor 43 and causes the display 16 to display the image.

[0027] A treatment tool channel 18d for inserting the treatment tool 13 is provided inside the insertion section 18. One end of the treatment tool channel 18d is connected to the distal end body 31, and the other end is connected to a treatment tool introduction port 19c provided in the operation section 19.

[0028] The treatment tool 13 is an endoscopic treatment tool that is inserted into the subject through the treatment tool channel 18d together with the insertion section 18. The treatment tool 13 may be, for example, a biopsy forceps, a snare, a stent, a puncture needle, a high-frequency treatment tool, or an ultrasonic treatment tool, etc., that is combined with the endoscope 12.

[0029] The treatment tool 13 includes a flexible sheath 21, an operating wire (not shown), a tip portion 22, and an operating portion 23. The flexible sheath 21 is a tubular sheath made of a flexible material, such as a soft resin, and is inserted into the treatment tool channel 18d of the endoscope 12. The operating wire is provided integrally with the tip portion 22 and is inserted through the flexible sheath 21.

[0030] 3 and 4, the tip portion 18c has a tip portion body 31 and a cap 32, and is configured by attaching the cap 32 to the tip portion body 31. Note that the configuration of the tip portion 18c is not limited to this, and the tip portion body 31 and the cap 32 may be fixed integrally so that they cannot be removed by the user. The tip portion body 31 is provided on the tip side of the insertion section 18 (see FIG. 1), and this tip portion body 31 is provided with a stand 33.

[0031] The endoscope 12 is a side-viewing endoscope used, for example, as a duodenoscope, and the tip portion 18c shown in Figures 3 and 4 has the configuration of a side-viewing endoscope. Also shown in Figures 3 and 4 are a treatment instrument channel 18d, an erection operation wire 34, a signal cable 35, and a light guide 36 disposed inside the insertion portion 18 of the endoscope 12. The treatment instrument channel 18d guides the tip portion of the treatment instrument 13 to the tip portion main body 31. The erection operation wire 34 is an operation wire for rotating the erection table 33. To avoid complication, the air and water supply channel and the like connected to the air and water supply nozzle 42 are not shown.

[0032] The cap 32 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a sealed tip end, and has a peripheral surface 32A and an end surface 32B. A generally rectangular opening window 32C is formed in a portion of the peripheral surface 32A. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the opening window 32C is an opening cut out from the peripheral surface 32A to the end surface 32B. In the following description, the central axis of the tip portion main body 31 and the cap 32 is defined as the X-axis direction, the up-down direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the left-right direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis directions is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0033] When the cap 32 is attached to the tip portion main body 31, the cap 32 covers the elevator housing section 41 (described later), and the opening window 32C is opened in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the treatment tool outlet 18e of the treatment tool channel 18d communicates with the opening window 32C via the elevator housing section 41. The image sensor 43 and the illumination optical system 44 are exposed from the opening window 32C. The cap 32 is attached coaxially to the tip portion main body 31.

[0034] The cap 32 is made of an elastic material, for example, a rubber material such as fluororubber or silicone rubber, or a resin material such as polysulfone or polycarbonate. Note that the configuration of the tip portion 18c is not limited to this, and the tip portion body 31 and the cap 32 may be fixed together to prevent the user from removing them. The base end side of the cap 32 is provided with a convex engaging portion (not shown) that engages with a groove-shaped engaged portion (not shown) formed in the tip portion body 31, and the cap 32 is removably attached to the tip portion body 31 by engaging this engaging portion with the engaged portion.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the tip portion main body 31 has a disk portion 37 and a pair of partitions 38, 39. The tip portion main body 31 is made of, for example, a resin material. The pair of partitions 38, 39 protrude from the disk portion 37 in the X-axis direction. These partitions 38, 39 are arranged opposite each other in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the aforementioned stand housing portion 41 that houses the stand 33 is provided between the partitions 38 and 39. This stand housing portion 41 is open in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The erector housing 41 communicates with the treatment tool outlet 18e of the treatment tool channel 18d. The erector 33 erects the treatment tool 13 led out from the treatment tool outlet 18e. The erector 33 is rotatably attached to the interior of the erector housing 41 via a pivot member 40 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) and is movable between an erect position (position indicated by a two-dot chain line) and a collapsed position (position indicated by a solid line). The tip of the erector operation wire 34 is connected to the end of the pivot member 40. By pushing or pulling the erector operation wire 34, the erector 33 rotates from the collapsed position to the erect position. This allows the lead-out direction of the tip 22 of the treatment tool 13 led out to the treatment tool outlet 18e to be changed.

[0037] The disk portion 37 is coupled to the distal end side of the bending portion 18b. The bending portion 18b is formed by covering the outer periphery of a structure in which multiple bending pieces are rotatably connected with a cylindrical mesh body, a rubber outer skin, or the like. The disk portion 37 is fixed to the bending piece located furthest to the distal end of the multiple bending pieces that make up the bending portion 18b, for example, by screws or adhesive bonding.

[0038] The partition wall 38 is disposed adjacent to the stand housing section 41 in the Y-axis direction. The partition wall 38 includes an air / water nozzle 42, an image sensor 43, and an illumination optical system 44. The image sensor 43 is electrically connected to the signal cable 35, and the illumination optical system 44 is optically connected to the light guide 36. The air / water nozzle 42 is provided on the tip body 31 facing the image sensor 43 and the illumination optical system 44, so that the image sensor 43 and the illumination optical system 44 are cleaned by air and water sprayed from the air / water nozzle 42.

[0039] The signal cable 35 and light guide 36 are connected to the processor device 15 and light source device 14, respectively, via the insertion section 18, the operation section 19, a connector (not shown), etc. The processor device 15 performs image processing and the like on the imaging signal acquired by the image sensor 43, and displays the observation image on the display 16. The light guide 36 is composed of an optical fiber cable or the like, and transmits the illumination light emitted by the light source device 14, and irradiates the illumination light onto the observation object via the illumination optical system 44.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 5, the standing operation lever 19b is provided with an unlock button 64. The standing operation lever 19b is locked by a lock mechanism 61, which will be described later, and when the standing operation lever 19b is operated, the unlock button 64 is pressed to release the locked state. The unlock button 64 corresponds to the pressing operation member in the claims.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 6, the treatment tool erection mechanism 45 pushes and pulls the erection operation wire 34 in response to the rotational operation of the erection operation lever 19b. By pushing and pulling the erection operation wire 34, the above-mentioned rotating shaft member 40 and the erection base 33 rotate. The erection operation lever 19b is operated by the thumb T (see Fig. 8).

[0042] 7, the treatment tool erecting mechanism 45 includes an erecting operation lever 19b, a rotating ring 46, a crank member 47, a guide tube 48, a connecting head 49, a slider 51, a fixed ring 52, and a bearing member 53. The rotating ring 46 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0043] The bearing member 53 is provided with a rotating shaft 54. The rotating ring 46 is attached coaxially with and rotatably about the rotating shaft 54. That is, the central axis CL1 of the rotating ring 46 and the central axis CL2 of the rotating shaft 54 ​​coincide with each other. The bearing member 53 and the fixed ring 52 hold the rotating ring 46. The fixed ring 52 supports the outer peripheral surface of the rotating ring 46 and is fixed to a case 19f (see FIG. 8 ) that forms the exterior of the operating unit 19. The fixed ring 52 prevents the rotating ring 46 from falling off from the operating unit 19.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8 , the raising operation lever 19b is composed of a plate member 55 and a finger hook member 56. The plate member 55 is made of, for example, a metal plate and is bent into a generally L-shape. One end of the plate member 55 is formed in an annular shape and is connected to the rotation ring 46 by, for example, screwing with a screw 57. The finger hook member 56 is formed of, for example, a resin material and covers the other end of the plate member 55. The plate member 55 and the finger hook member 56 are fixed together by, for example, gluing or screwing. The finger hook member 56 is textured to form projections and depressions on the surface on which the user places their fingers. The textured surface formed on the finger hook member 56 may, for example, be formed by forming multiple rows of narrow grooves. This prevents the finger hook member 56 from slipping when the user places their fingers on it.

[0045] One end of a crank member 47 is rotatably connected to the raising operation lever 19b via a connecting pin 47A, and the other end of the crank member 47 is connected to a connecting head 49. A slider 51 has one end to which the connecting head 49 is attached, and the other end to which the raising operation wire 34 is connected. The slider 51 is slidably supported by a guide tube 48. The guide tube 48 is fixed to the case 19f.

[0046] The bearing member 53 is fixed to the case 19f via a frame member 58. The rotating shaft 54 ​​is hollow. An attachment shaft 59 of the angle knob 19a is inserted into and fixed to the rotating shaft 54. In this way, the angle knob 19a is attached to the rotating shaft 54 ​​via the attachment shaft 59. Note that in FIG. 8, the internal mechanism of the angle knob 19a, the mechanism for bending the bending portion 18b, etc. are omitted to avoid complication.

[0047] The crank member 47 and the slider 51 convert the rotation caused by the operation of the standing operation lever 19b into linear motion, i.e., a push-pull motion, of the standing operation wire 34. The standing operation lever 19b moves the standing table 33 to the standing position in accordance with the counterclockwise rotation (first direction) caused by the push-pull motion of the treatment tool standing mechanism 45, and moves the standing table 33 to the lying position in accordance with the clockwise rotation (second direction).

[0048] The locking mechanism 61 has a locked member 62, a spring member 63, an unlock button 64, and a locking piece 65. The locking piece 65 is fixed to the frame member 58. The locked member 62 corresponds to the locking member in the claims. In the following description, the direction parallel to the central axis CL3 of the unlock button 64 and perpendicular to the central axes CL1 and CL2 will be referred to as the radial direction R1 (see FIG. 8).

[0049] As shown in Fig. 9, the locking piece 65 is an arc-shaped protrusion disposed coaxially with the rotation shaft 54, i.e., around the central axis CL2. The locking piece 65 is provided inside the case 19f via the frame member 58. Note that in Fig. 9, the spring member 63 and the like are not shown to avoid complication.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 10, the locked member 62 is integral with the unlock button 64. The locked member 62 has a cylindrical portion 62A and a locked claw 62B formed at one end of the cylindrical portion 62A. The unlock button 64 is connected to the other end of the cylindrical portion 62A. The cylindrical portion 62A is attached to the standing operation lever 19b so as to be slidable in the radial direction R1. A groove 19g (see FIG. 5) is formed in the case 19f. The cylindrical portion 62A passes through the groove 19g and enters the interior of the case 19f. As the standing operation lever 19b rotates, the cylindrical portion 62A rotates along the groove 19g.

[0051] The finger hook member 56 is formed with a storage portion 56A and a through-hole 56B into which the unlock button 64 is inserted. The storage portion 56A stores a spring member 63 and a retaining portion 64A of the unlock button 64, which will be described later. The spring member 63 is, for example, a coil spring. The spring member 63 is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 62A. The unlock button 64 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and has a retaining portion 64A at one end to which the locked member 62 is connected, and a pressing surface 64B at the other end. The retaining portion 64A is a protrusion that protrudes from the end. The retaining portion 64A is engaged with the periphery of the through-hole 56B.

[0052] The spring member 63 is stored in the storage section 56A with one end abutting against the unlock button 64 and the other end abutting against the plate member 55. As a result, the spring member 63 applies a biasing force to the locked member 62 together with the unlock button 64. Note that, because the retaining portion 64A is locked to the periphery of the through-hole 56B, the unlock button 64 and the spring member 63 are prevented from coming off the raising operation lever 19b.

[0053] When the raising operation lever 19b is not operated, that is, when the lock release button 64 is not being pressed, the locked member 62 is urged outward in the radial direction R1 by the urging force of the spring member 63. As a result, the locked claw 62B of the locked member 62 abuts against the locking piece 65. Because the locked claw 62B is locked by the locking piece 65, the raising operation lever 19b is in a locked state. Hereinafter, the position where the locked piece 62B is locked by the locking piece 65 will be referred to as the locked position or the locked position (position indicated by a solid line).

[0054] In this embodiment, a friction member 66 is provided on the locked claw 62B so that the locking piece 65 can reliably lock the locked claw 62B and lock the raising operation lever 19b. The friction member 66 is disposed in a position facing the locking piece 65, and generates a frictional force between the locking piece 65 and the locking piece 65 when it comes into contact with the locking piece 65. The biasing force of the spring member 63 and the frictional force of the friction member 66 reliably lock the locked member 62B and restrict its rotation. This locks the raising operation lever 19b. The friction member 66 is made of, for example, rubber or soft resin.

[0055] On the other hand, when the standing operation lever 19b is operated, the unlock button 64 is pressed as an unlocking operation. When the unlock button 64 is pressed against the biasing force of the spring member 63, i.e., inward in the radial direction R1, the unlock button 64 moves integrally with the locked member 62, and the locked member 62 moves inward in the radial direction R1. As a result, the locked claw 62B moves away from the locking piece 65. Since the locked claw 62B is released from engagement with the locking piece 65, the locked state of the standing operation lever 19b is released. Hereinafter, the position where the locked claw 62B is released from engagement with the locking piece 65 will be referred to as the unlocked position or the unlocked position (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line).

[0056] 11 and 12, the operation when a doctor, who is a user, inserts a treatment tool 13 into the treatment tool channel 18d of the endoscope 12 and performs a treatment on a patient, who is a subject, will be described. The doctor inserts the insertion section 18 of the endoscope 12 into the patient's body. The doctor then inserts the treatment tool 13 into the treatment tool channel 18d through the treatment tool inlet 19c. The treatment tool 13 inserted into the treatment tool channel 18d is then led out into the subject through the treatment tool outlet 18e.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 11(A), when the raising operation lever 19b is not operated, the latched claw 62B is in the latching position and is latched by the latch piece 65, so that the raising operation lever 19b is in a locked state. When the raising table 33 is in the collapsed position, the treatment tool 13 is not raised at all. In this case, the treatment tool 13 is not present within the observation range captured by the image sensor 43. For example, in order to bring the treatment tool 13 into the observation range, the doctor rotates the raising operation lever 19b to move the treatment tool 13 from the collapsed position to the standing position.

[0058] 11(B), when operating the standing operation lever, the user presses the unlock button 64 inward in the radial direction R1 with the user's thumb T as an unlocking operation. The locked member 62 moves to the unlocked position against the biasing force of the spring member 63, and the locked claw 62B moves away from the locking piece 65. Since the locked claw 62B is released from the locking piece 65, the locked state of the standing operation lever 19b is released.

[0059] 12(A), the raised operation lever 19b is released from the locked state and can be rotated. The doctor can rotate the raised operation lever 19b in the desired direction by keeping the lock release button 64 pressed with the thumb T and rotating the raised operation lever 19b without releasing the thumb T. For example, when the distal end 22 of the treatment tool 13 enters the observation range imaged by the image sensor 43, the doctor determines that the extraction direction of the treatment tool 13 has been changed to the desired direction.

[0060] When the physician changes the extension direction of the treatment tool 13 to the desired direction, the raising platform 33 may end up in a position halfway between the collapsed position and the raised position. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the physician releases the thumb T pressing the lock release button 64 to stop the rotation of the raising operation lever 19b. The biasing force of the spring member 63 causes the locked member 62 to return from the unlocked position to the locked position. The locked member 62 is locked by the locking piece 65, so the raising operation lever 19b is locked. Because the raising operation lever 19b is locked, the physician can perform treatment while maintaining the extension direction of the treatment tool 13 in the desired direction. By extending the distal end 22 of the treatment tool 13 through the opening window 32C while maintaining the extension direction in the desired direction, the physician can perform various treatments, such as resection or collection of specimens from the observation site.

[0061] As described above, the doctor can use one hand to unlock and rotate the standing operation lever 19b when changing the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 13. Then, various treatments can be performed while the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 13 is maintained in the desired direction.

[0062] Furthermore, when the unlock button 64 is not pressed, the locked member 62 is locked to the locking piece, and when the raising operation lever 19b is operated, the unlock button 64 is pressed against the urging force of the spring member 63, causing it to move integrally with the locked member 62, and the locked member 62 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.As a result, even if the raising platform 33 is halfway between the raised position and the lowered position, the lock mechanism 61 operates and the raising operation lever 19b can be reliably stopped.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the engagement claw 62B is provided with a friction member 66 to ensure that the engagement piece 65 securely engages the engagement claw 62B. However, this is not limiting and any configuration may be used as long as the engagement piece 65 securely engages the engagement claw 62B. For example, in the modified example shown in FIG. 13 , the engagement claw 62B is formed with a protrusion 62C, and the engagement piece 65 is formed with multiple recesses 65A. In this case, the protrusion 62C is positioned facing the engagement piece 65 and is a mountain-shaped protrusion that protrudes toward the engagement piece 65. The engagement piece 65 is formed in a gear shape with multiple recesses 65A aligned with the protrusion 62C. When the unlock button 64 is not pressed, the engagement member 62 is biased outward in the radial direction R1 by the biasing force of the spring member 63. As a result, the protrusion 62C abuts against one of the recesses 65A. Since the locked claw 62B is locked by the locking piece 65, the raising operation lever 19b is put into a locked state.

[0064] Meanwhile, when the unlock button 64 is pressed against the biasing force of the spring member 63, i.e., toward the inside in the radial direction R1, the locked member 62 moves toward the inside in the radial direction R1. As a result, the convex portion 62C moves away from the concave portion 65A. The locked claw 62B is released from engagement with the locking piece 65, and the locked state of the raising operation lever 19b is released. As described above, even if the raising platform 33 is halfway between the raised position and the lowered position, the locking mechanism 61 operates and the raising operation lever 19b can be reliably stopped. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0065] 14, multiple locking pieces 65B may be arranged in an arc. In this case, the multiple locking pieces 65B are arranged along an arc around the central axis CL1. The spacing between adjacent locking pieces 65B is formed to match the width of the locked claws 62B. When the unlocking button 64 is not pressed, the locked member 62 is urged outward in the radial direction R1 by the biasing force of the spring member 63. As a result, the locked claws 62B enter between the adjacent locking pieces 65B. Because the locked claws 62B are locked by the locking pieces 65B, the raising operation lever 19b is locked.

[0066] Meanwhile, when the unlock button 64 is pressed against the biasing force of the spring member 63, i.e., toward the inside in the radial direction R1, the locked member 62 moves toward the inside in the radial direction R1. As a result, the locked claws 62B are released from between the adjacent locking pieces 65B. Because the locked claws 62B are released from engagement with the locking pieces 65B, the locked state of the raising operation lever 19b is released. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0067] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the endoscope is provided with a locking mechanism 61 in which the locked member 62 is biased to the locked position to lock the raising operation lever 19b, and the lock release button 64 is pressed against the biasing force to move the locked member 62 to the unlocked position, thereby releasing the locked state of the raising operation lever 19b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the second embodiment described below, an endoscope is described that is provided with a locking mechanism in which an engaging member engages with an engaging groove to lock the raising operation lever, and the engaging member moves from the engaged position to the unlocked position against the biasing force to release the locked state of the raising operation lever. Note that parts and members that are the same as those of the endoscope 12 in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] 15, the locking mechanism 71 has a fitting member 72, a spring member 73, and a fitting groove 74. The fitting member 72 corresponds to the locking member and the pressing operation member in the claims. The fitting member 72 constitutes a part of the standing operation lever 75. Similar to the standing operation lever 19b in the first embodiment, the standing operation lever 75 has one end of a crank member 47 rotatably connected thereto, and constitutes a treatment tool standing mechanism together with the rotating ring 46, the crank member 47, the guide tube 48, the connecting head 49, the slider 51, the fixed ring 52, the bearing member 53, etc.

[0069] The standing operation lever 75 is composed of a fitting member 72 and a standing operation lever main body 76. The standing operation lever main body 76 is connected to the rotation ring 46, similar to the standing operation lever 19b in the first embodiment. The fitting member 72 is textured to form recesses and protrusions on the surface on which the user places their fingers, similar to the finger hook member 56 in the first embodiment.

[0070] The fitting member 72 is attached to the raising operation lever main body 76 so as to be slidable along a direction parallel to the central axis CL1. The fitting member 72 is provided with a storage portion 72A and a fitting protrusion 72B. The fitting protrusion 72B is a protrusion that extends in a direction parallel to the central axis CL1. The fitting groove 74 is provided in the case 19f and is an arc-shaped groove formed around the central axis CL1 (see FIG. 16). The fitting groove 74 is located on the tip side of the fitting protrusion 72B and is formed to match the width W1 of the fitting protrusion 72B.

[0071] The spring member 73 is stored in the storage portion 72A with one end abutting against the fitting member 72 and the other end abutting against the raising operation lever main body 76. In this way, the spring member 73 applies a biasing force to the fitting member 72.

[0072] When the raising operation lever 75 is not operated, that is, when the fitting member 72 is not being pressed, the fitting member 72 is urged in a direction parallel to the central axis CL1 by the urging force of the spring member 73, and the fitting protrusion 72B fits into the fitting groove 74. This puts the raising operation lever 75 in a locked state. Hereinafter, the position where the fitting protrusion 72B fits into the fitting groove 74 will be referred to as the fitted position or the locked position (the state shown in FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0073] On the other hand, when the raising operation lever 75 is operated, the fitting member 72 is pressed toward the base end (upper side in FIG. 15) along the central axis CL1 as an unlocking operation. The fitting member 72 is pressed and moves against the biasing force of the spring member 73. As a result, the fitting protrusion 72B moves away from the fitting groove 74. As the fitting protrusion 72B is released from engagement with the fitting groove 74, the locked state of the raising operation lever 75 is released. Hereinafter, the position where the fitting protrusion 72B is released from engagement with the fitting groove 74 will be referred to as the disengaged position or unlocked position (the state shown in FIG. 17).

[0074] When changing the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 13, the doctor can press the fitting member 72 with the thumb T to perform the unlocking operation as described above, and then rotate the raising operation lever 75 without releasing the thumb T. That is, similar to the first embodiment, the raising operation lever 75 can be operated with one hand. Then, various treatments can be performed while the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 13 is maintained in the desired orientation.

[0075] [Third embodiment] In the second embodiment described above, a locking mechanism 71 is provided in which a fitting member 72 fits into an arc-shaped fitting groove 74 to lock the raising operation lever 75, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in the second embodiment described below, an endoscope is described that has a plurality of grooves in the operation section and is provided with a locking mechanism that is locked when the fitting member fits into any one of the grooves. Note that parts and members that are the same as those in the endoscope 12 of the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0076] 18, the locking mechanism 81 has a fitting member 82, a spring member 83, and a plurality of fitting grooves 84. The fitting member 82 corresponds to the locking member and the pressing operation member in the claims. The fitting member 82 constitutes a part of the raising operation lever 85. Similar to the raising operation levers 19b and 75 in the first and second embodiments, the raising operation lever 85 has one end of a crank member 47 rotatably connected thereto, and constitutes a treatment tool raising mechanism together with the rotating ring 46, the crank member 47, the guide tube 48, the connecting head 49, the slider 51, the fixed ring 52, the bearing member 53, etc.

[0077] The standing operation lever 85 is composed of a fitting member 82 and a standing operation lever main body 86. The standing operation lever main body 86 is connected to the rotation ring 46, similar to the standing operation lever 19b and the standing operation lever main body 76 of the first and second embodiments. The fitting member 82 is textured to form recesses and protrusions on the surface on which the user places their fingers, similar to the finger hook member 56 of the first embodiment.

[0078] The fitting member 82 is attached to the raising operation lever main body 86 so as to be slidable along a direction parallel to the central axis CL1. The fitting member 82 is provided with a storage portion 82A and a fitting protrusion 82B.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 20, the fitting protrusion 82B is a protrusion that protrudes in a radial direction R2 that is perpendicular to the central axis CL1. The fitting grooves 84 are provided in the case 19f and are a plurality of grooves that are arranged around the central axis CL1 (see Figs. 19 and 20). Specifically, the plurality of fitting grooves 84 are arranged at equal intervals along an arc that is positioned around the central axis CL1. The fitting groove 84 is located on the tip side of the fitting protrusion 82B and is formed to match the width W2 of the fitting protrusion 82B (see Fig. 20).

[0080] The spring member 83 is stored in the storage portion 82A with one end abutting against the fitting member 82 and the other end abutting against the raising operation lever main body 86. In this way, the spring member 83 applies a biasing force to the fitting member 82.

[0081] When the raising operation lever 85 is not operated, that is, when the fitting member 82 is not being pressed, the spring member 83 urges the fitting member 72 in a direction parallel to the central axis CL1, and the fitting protrusion 82B fits into one of the fitting grooves 84. This puts the raising operation lever 85 in a locked state. Hereinafter, the position where the fitting protrusion 82B fits into the fitting groove 84 will be referred to as the fitted position or the locked position (the state shown in FIGS. 18 and 19).

[0082] On the other hand, when the raising operation lever 85 is operated, as with the raising operation lever 75 of the second embodiment, the fitting member 82 is pressed toward the base end (upper side in FIG. 18) along the central axis CL1 as an unlocking operation. The fitting member 82 is pressed and moves against the biasing force of the spring member 83. As a result, the fitting protrusion 82B moves away from the fitting groove 84. Since the fitting protrusion 82B is released from engagement with the fitting groove 84, the locked state of the raising operation lever 85 is released. Hereinafter, the position where the fitting protrusion 82B is released from engagement with the fitting groove 84 will be referred to as the disengagement position or the unlocked position.

[0083] When changing the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 13, the doctor can press the fitting member 82 with the thumb T to perform the unlocking operation as described above, and then rotate the raising operation lever 85 without releasing the thumb T. That is, similar to the first embodiment, the raising operation lever 85 can be operated with one hand. Then, various treatments can be performed while the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 13 is maintained in the desired orientation.

[0084] [Fourth embodiment] In the second and third embodiments described above, the endoscope is provided with locking mechanisms 71, 81 that are locked when a fitting member is fitted into the arc-shaped fitting groove 74 or a plurality of fitting grooves 84 arranged in an arc shape, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the fourth embodiment described below will describe an endoscope provided with a locking mechanism that is locked when a pressing operation member is pressed against an arc-shaped friction member. Note that parts and members similar to those of the endoscope 12 of the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0085] 21, the locking mechanism 91 has a pressing operation member 92, a spring member 93, a first friction member 94, and a second friction member 95. The pressing operation member 92 corresponds to the locking member in the claims. The pressing operation member 92 constitutes a part of a standing operation lever 96. Similar to the standing operation levers 19b, 75, and 85 of the first to third embodiments, the standing operation lever 96 has one end of a crank member 47 rotatably connected thereto, and constitutes a treatment tool standing mechanism together with the rotating ring 46, the crank member 47, the guide tube 48, the connecting head 49, the slider 51, the fixed ring 52, and the bearing member 53.

[0086] The raising operation lever 96 is composed of a pressing operation member 92 and a raising operation lever main body 97. The raising operation lever main body 97 is connected to the rotation ring 46, similar to the raising operation lever 19b and the raising operation lever main bodies 76 and 86 of the first to third embodiments. The pressing operation member 92 is textured to form recesses and protrusions on the surface on which the user places their fingers, similar to the finger hook member 56 of the first embodiment. The pressing operation member 92 is attached to the raising operation lever main body 97 so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to the central axis CL1. The pressing operation member 92 is provided with a storage section 92A.

[0087] 22, the first friction member 94 is an arc-shaped friction member provided on the case 19f and arranged around the central axis CL1. The first friction member 94 is located on the tip side of the pressing operation member 92 and has a width greater than the width W3 (see FIG. 21) of the pressing operation member 92.

[0088] The spring member 93 is stored in the storage section 92A with one end abutting against the pressing operation member 92 and the other end abutting against the standing operation lever main body 97. As a result, the spring member 93 applies a biasing force to the pressing operation member 92. A second friction member 95 is provided at the tip of the pressing operation member 92. The second friction member 95 is disposed in a position facing the first friction member 94. The biasing force of the spring member 93 moves the pressing operation member 92 toward the first friction member 94. As a result, the second friction member 95 abuts against the first friction member 94. The first and second friction members 94, 95 are made of, for example, rubber or soft resin.

[0089] When the raising operation lever 96 is not operated, that is, when the pressing operation member 92 is not being pressed, the pressing operation member 92 is urged in a direction parallel to the central axis CL1 by the urging force of the spring member 93, and the second friction member 95 comes into contact with the first friction member 94. This puts the raising operation lever 96 in a locked state. Hereinafter, the position where the second friction member 95 comes into contact with the first friction member 94 will be referred to as the locked position (the state shown in FIGS. 21 and 22).

[0090] On the other hand, when the standing operation lever 96 is operated, the pressing operation member 92 is pressed toward the base end (upper side in FIG. 21) along the central axis CL1 as an unlocking operation, similar to the standing operation levers 75, 85 of the second and third embodiments. The pressing operation member 92 is pressed and moves against the biasing force of the spring member 93. As a result, the second friction member 95 moves away from the first friction member 94. The locked state of the standing operation lever 96 is released. Hereinafter, the position where the second friction member 95 moves away from the first friction member 94 will be referred to as the unlocking position.

[0091] When changing the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 13, the doctor can perform the unlocking operation by pressing the pressing operation member 92 with the thumb T as described above, and then rotate the raising operation lever 96 without releasing the thumb T. That is, similar to the first embodiment, the raising operation lever 96 can be operated with one hand. Then, various treatments can be performed while the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 13 is maintained in the desired orientation.

[0092] In the above-described embodiments, the case where the raising table 33 is rotated from the lying position to the standing position to orient the treatment tool 13 in a desired direction is illustrated. However, this is not limited to this. Similarly to the above-described embodiments, when the raising table 33 is rotated from the standing position to the lying position, the locking mechanism operates and the raising operation lever can be locked. Various treatments can then be performed while maintaining the lead-out direction of the treatment tool 13 in a desired direction. In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the first direction is counterclockwise and the second direction is clockwise, but the first direction may be clockwise and the second direction may be counterclockwise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10 Endoscopy System 12 Endoscopy 13 Treatment tools 14 Light source device 15 Processor unit 16 Display 17 UI (User Interface) 18 Insertion section 18a Soft part 18b Curved section 18c tip 18d Treatment tool channel 18e Treatment tool outlet 19 Control section 19a Angle Knob 19b Standing operation lever 19c Treatment tool introduction port 19d Air and water supply button 19e Suction button 19f Case 21 Flexible sheath 22 Tip 23 Control section 31 Tip body 32 Cap 32A Peripheral part 32B End face part 32C Opening window 33 Standing platform 34 Standing operation wire 35 Signal Cable 36 Light Guide 37 Disc Section 38 Bulkhead 39 Bulkhead 40 Rotating shaft member 41 Standing platform storage area 42 Air and water supply nozzle 43 Image Sensor 44 Illumination optical system 45 Treatment instrument erection mechanism 46 Rotating Ring 47 Crank parts 47A Connecting pin 48 Guide tube 49 Connecting Head 51 Slider 52 Fixed ring 53 Bearing materials 54 Rotating shaft 55 Plate members 56 Finger hook member 56A Storage section 56B Through hole 57 screws 58 Frame members 59 Mounting shaft 61 Locking mechanism 62 Locked member 62A Cylinder 62B Locked claw 62C convex part 63 Spring member 64 Unlock button 64A retaining part 64B Pressing surface 65 Locking piece 65A Recess 65B Locking piece 66 Friction members 71 Locking mechanism 72 Fitting member 72A Storage area 72B Fitting protrusion 73 Spring material 74 Fitting groove 75 Standing operation lever 76 Standing operation lever body 81 Locking mechanism 82 Fitting member 82A Storage area 82B Fitting protrusion 83 Spring material 84 Fitting groove 85 Standing operation lever 86 Standing operation lever body 91 Locking mechanism 92 Pressing operation member 92A Storage area 93 Spring material 94 First friction member 95 Second friction member 95 Standing operation lever 96 Standing operation lever 97 Standing operation lever body CL1 center axis CL2 center axis CL3 center axis R1 Radial direction R2 Radial direction T thumb W1 width W2 width W3 width

Claims

1. an insertion section to be inserted into a subject; an operation unit provided at a base end of the insertion unit; a distal end portion main body located at the distal end of the insertion portion and communicating with a treatment instrument outlet; a stand provided on the distal end portion main body for standing up the treatment tool led out from the treatment tool lead-out port, the stand being movable between an upright position and a laid-down position; a standing operation lever that moves the standing platform to the standing position when rotated in a first direction and moves the standing platform to the lying position when rotated in a second direction; A locking mechanism for locking the raising operation lever, a locking member provided on the raising operation lever; a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the locking member, an endoscope equipped with a locking mechanism in which, when the raising operation lever is not operated, the locking member is urged to a locked position by the urging force, thereby locking the raising operation lever, and, when the raising operation lever is operated, the locked state of the raising operation lever is released by an unlocking operation that resists the urging force.

2. The locking mechanism is A locking piece provided on the operation portion; a locking member as the locking member, the locking member being slidably attached to the raising operation lever and biased by the biasing force to a locking position where the locking member is locked by the locking piece; a pressing operation member provided integrally with the locked member, 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein when the pressing operation member is not subjected to pressure, the locked member is locked to the locking piece, and when the raising operation lever is operated, the pressing operation member is pressed against the biasing force and moves integrally with the locked member, so that the locked member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

3. The locking mechanism is a fitting groove provided in the operation portion; a fitting member that constitutes a part of the raising operation lever, that is biased to a fitting position where it fits into the fitting groove by the biasing force of the biasing member, and that is slidably attached to the main body of the raising operation lever, 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein when the engaging member is not subjected to pressure, the engaging member engages with the engaging groove, and when the raising operation lever is operated, the engaging member is subjected to pressure and moves against the biasing force, and the engaging member moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

4. The fitting member has a fitting protrusion extending in a direction parallel to the central axis of the raising operation lever, 4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the fitting groove is an arc-shaped groove that fits onto the fitting protrusion and is formed around the central axis.

5. The fitting member has a fitting protrusion that protrudes in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis of the raising operation lever, 4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the engagement groove is a plurality of grooves that are fitted with the engagement protrusions and are arranged around the central axis.

6. 6. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the components are disposable.

Images