Endoscope

Abstract

Provided is an endoscope that enables uniform setting of a wire fixing position through a simple operation, with no effects from a change in the wire length. A wire fixing mechanism (78) comprises: a wire catch (100); a catch guard (102); and a slide lever (80). The wire catch (100) comprises: a catch body (104); and a fixing member (106). When the fixing member (106) moves to a position which is close to the catch body (104), locking of the base end side of a wire (38) by the catch body (104) is fixed by the fixing member (106), and when the slide lever (80) is operated, the fixing member (106) and the catch body (104) move integrally to the base end side in the wire axis direction and pull the wire (38).

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and particularly to an endoscope provided with a riser for changing the leading direction of a treatment tool on the tip side of an insertion portion.

Background Art

[0002] In an endoscope, various treatment tools are introduced from a treatment tool introduction port provided in an operation portion, and the treatment tools are led out to the outside from a treatment tool leading-out port opened at the tip portion of the insertion portion and used for treatment. For example, in a duodenoscope, treatment tools such as a guide wire or a contrast tube are used. In an ultrasonic endoscope, treatment tools such as a puncture needle are used. In other direct-view endoscopes and oblique-view endoscopes, treatment tools such as forceps or a snare are used. Such treatment tools need to change the leading direction at the tip portion in order to treat a desired position in the subject. For this reason, a riser for changing the leading direction of the treatment tool is provided on the tip body of the tip portion. The endoscope is provided with a treatment tool rising mechanism for displacing the posture of the riser between a rising position and a falling position.

[0003] The endoscopes of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 include a riser disposed on the tip side of a working channel, a wire having its tip side connected to the riser and its base end side fixed to a collet, and a rod having its tip side connected to an operation member and its base end side connected to the collet.

[0004] According to the endoscopes of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, by operating the rod with an operation member, the rod pushes and pulls the wire through the collet to displace the posture of the riser between a rising position and a falling position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] However, in endoscopes like those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, where the wire is inserted from the tip and fixed at the proximal end with a collet, the fixing position of the proximal end of the wire may change depending on the length of the wire. Also, the fixing position of the proximal end of the wire may change depending on the curvature of the insertion section of the endoscope. When the position of the proximal end of the wire changes in this way, the positional relationship between the operating member (erecting lever) and the erection platform changes, which may affect the operation of the erection platform. Furthermore, complicated operations are required to maintain a constant positional relationship between the operating member and the erection platform.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and provides an endoscope that can maintain a constant wire fixing position with simple operation, without being affected by changes in wire length. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the endoscope of the present invention comprises an operating section provided with an operating member, an insertion section provided on the tip side of the operating section and inserted into the subject, a treatment instrument standing platform provided on the tip side of the insertion section, a standing operation wire whose tip is connected to the treatment instrument standing platform and which operates the treatment instrument standing platform by being pushed and pulled in accordance with the operation of the operating member, and a wire fixing mechanism that fixes the base end of the standing operation wire. The operating section has a link member that operates in conjunction with the operation of the operating member, and the wire fixing mechanism has a wire catch that detachably locks and fixes the base end of the standing operation wire, a catch guide that guides the wire catch in the wire axis direction of the standing operation wire, and operates in conjunction with the operation of the operating member. The wire catch is a sliding lever that moves the wire catch forward and backward in the wire axis direction, and has a lever connecting part that can be detachably connected to a link member, and a sliding lever that can be rotated when the connection between the link member and the lever connecting part is released, and the wire catch has a catch body that locks the base end of the upright operation wire, and a fixing member that fixes the lock by the catch body, the fixing member is movable in the wire axis direction, and when the fixing member moves toward the tip side in the wire axis direction and moves to a position close to the catch body, the lock is fixed by the fixing member, and when the sliding lever is operated, the fixing member and the catch body move together toward the base end side in the wire axis direction and pull up the upright operation wire.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the fixing member is movable in the wire axis direction in conjunction with the operation of the sliding lever.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the catch guide has a catch guide groove extending in the wire axis direction, the catch body has a catch body shaft that is guided to engage with the catch guide groove, and a catch body groove that is provided at a position overlapping with the catch guide groove and extends in the wire axis direction, the fixing member has a fixing member shaft that is inserted into the catch body groove and moves back and forth along the catch body groove, the sliding lever has a lever bearing hole that is rotatably connected to the catch body shaft, and a cam groove into which the fixing member shaft is slidably engaged, the cam groove preferably has a shape in which a linear first cam groove portion and a curved second cam groove portion are continuous, the first cam groove portion changes the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member, and the second cam groove portion maintains the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sliding lever has a first lever contact portion, and the catch guide has a first restricting surface to which the first lever contact portion can contact. The first restricting surface contacts the first lever contact portion when the fixed member shaft is in the first cam groove portion, thereby restricting the movement of the sliding lever, which preferably allows the sliding lever to rotate around the catch body shaft and changes the relative distance between the catch body and the fixed member.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first regulating surface is preferably composed of an arc-shaped surface centered on the axis of the catch body.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sliding lever has a second lever contact portion at a position different from the first lever contact portion, the catch guide has a second restricting surface that can contact the second lever contact portion when the restriction on the sliding lever by the first restricting surface is released, and the second restricting surface contacts the second lever contact portion when the fixed member shaft is in the second cam groove of the cam groove, thereby restricting the movement of the sliding lever, thereby allowing the sliding lever to rotate around the second lever contact portion while moving the second lever contact portion along the second restricting surface, and preferably moving the catch body and the fixed member together.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the erection operation wire is located on the base end side of a long wire body and has a locking portion formed to be larger in shape than the wire body, the catch body has a locking hole through which the locking portion can be inserted and locked, and the fixing member is preferably movable between a fixing position that fixes the locked state between the locking portion and the locking hole and a release position that releases the locking state between the locking portion and the locking hole.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking hole preferably has an opening shape in which a first hole of a size that allows the locked portion to be inserted and a second hole of a size that is larger than the outer diameter of the wire body and smaller than the outer diameter of the locked portion are continuous.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the fixing member has a locking hole and a restricting surface that restricts movement of the locked portion in a direction perpendicular to the wire axis direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing member has a fixing hole in which an opening capable of receiving the locking portion is formed, and it is preferable that at least a part of the inner wall surface of the fixing hole is configured as a restricting surface.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the fixing hole has a conical guide surface that tapers toward the inside of the fixing hole.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the fixing member is movable between a fixed position and a released position in conjunction with the lever coupling operation that connects the lever coupling portion to the link member.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing member is movable between a fixed position that fixes the locking by the catch body and a released position that releases the locking by the catch body, and the wire fixing mechanism preferably has an operation restricting unit that can selectively switch between a restricting state that restricts the lever coupling operation that connects the lever coupling unit to the link member when the fixing member is in the released position and an allowable state that allows the lever coupling operation when the fixing member is in the fixed position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the endoscope of the present invention, it is possible to make the wire fixing position constant with a simple operation without being affected by the change in the wire length.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of an endoscope system equipped with an endoscope [Figure 2] Assembly perspective view of the distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1 [Figure 3] Perspective view showing an enlarged proximal end portion of the operation unit main body [Figure 4] Perspective view showing an enlarged proximal end portion of the operation unit main body [Figure 5] Explanatory drawing of attaching the first embodiment of the wire fixing mechanism to the operation unit main body [Figure 6] Explanatory drawing of attaching the first embodiment of the wire fixing mechanism to the operation unit main body [Figure 7] Explanatory drawing of attaching the first embodiment of the wire fixing mechanism to the operation unit main body [Figure 8] Explanatory drawing of attaching the first embodiment of the wire fixing mechanism to the operation unit main body [Figure 9] Explanatory drawing of connecting the sliding lever to the standing operation lever [Figure 10] Front view of the operation unit main body in which the sliding lever is connected to the standing operation lever [Figure 11] Front view of the operation unit main body in which the standing operation lever is in the standing operation position [Figure 12] Front view of the wire fixing mechanism [Figure 13] Main part perspective view of removing the cap from the wire fixing mechanism shown in FIG. 12 <{ [Figure 14] Main part perspective view showing the configuration of the sliding lever [Figure 15] Perspective view of attaching the wire fixing mechanism shown in FIG. 13 to the operation unit main body [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the wire fixing mechanism along the XVI-XVI line of FIG. 15 [Figure 17]An explanatory diagram showing the locked portion protruding from the locking hole. [Figure 18] Diagram showing the wire protruding from the locking hole. [Figure 19] Diagram showing the wire secured in the second hole. [Figure 20] Front view of the wire catch in the state shown in Figure 19. [Figure 21] Front view showing the wire fixing mechanism attached to the main body of the control unit. [Figure 22] Front view showing the state when the lever coupling operation has started. [Figure 23] This diagram illustrates the state in which the locking part engages with the recess during the lever coupling operation. [Figure 24] Front view showing the state after the first half of the lever coupling operation has been completed. [Figure 25] Cross-sectional view of the wire fixing mechanism in the state shown in Figure 24. [Figure 26] Front view showing the state when the second half of the lever coupling operation has begun. [Figure 27] Front view showing the state after the lever coupling operation has been completed. [Figure 28] Diagram illustrating the wire fixing range and driving range. [Figure 29] Perspective view showing a second embodiment of the wire fixing mechanism. [Figure 30] Front view of the wire fixing mechanism shown in Figure 29 [Figure 31] Cross-sectional view of the wire fixing mechanism shown in Figure 30. [Figure 32] Front view of the wire fixing mechanism with the fixing member moved in the Y(+) direction. [Figure 33] Cross-sectional view of the wire fixing mechanism shown in Figure 32. [Figure 34] Front view of the wire fixing mechanism when the lever coupling operation is initiated. [Figure 35] Front view of the wire fixing mechanism with the second axis in contact with the regulating surface. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the endoscope of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system 12 equipped with an endoscope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope system 12 comprises an endoscope 10, an endoscope processor device 14, and a display 18.

[0025] The endoscope 10 comprises a handheld control unit 22 equipped with an upright operation lever 20, and an insertion unit 24 provided at the tip of the handheld control unit 22 and inserted into the patient. This handheld control unit 22 functions as the control unit of the present invention.

[0026] The insertion portion 24 has a longitudinal axis Ax extending from the base end to the tip end, and comprises a flexible portion 26, a curved portion 28, and a tip portion 30 in order from the base end to the tip end. The detailed configuration of the tip portion 30 will be described later, but first, the general configuration of the tip portion 30 will be explained.

[0027] Figure 2 is an enlarged assembled perspective view of the tip portion 30. Here, the endoscope 10 of the embodiment (see Figure 1) is a side-viewing endoscope used, for example, as a duodenoscope, and the tip portion 30 in Figure 2 has the configuration of a side-viewing endoscope.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the tip portion 30 is constructed by attaching a cap 34 to the tip portion body 32. The cap 34 is provided with a treatment instrument standing base 36 (hereinafter referred to as the standing base 36) having a treatment instrument guiding surface 36A, and the figure shows the standing base 36 in the reclined position.

[0029] Figure 2 shows various contents arranged inside the insertion section 24 of the endoscope 10 (see Figure 1), in addition to the tip section 30. Specifically, Figure 2 shows a treatment instrument channel 37 that guides the tip of a treatment instrument (not shown) to the tip section body 32, an upright operation wire 38 (hereinafter referred to as wire 38) for changing the direction in which the tip of the treatment instrument is led out from the tip section body 32, a wire channel 40 made of a tight-fitting spring through which the wire 38 is inserted, an air and water supply tube 42, and a cable insertion channel 44. In addition, contents such as a light guide insertion channel 45 that guides illumination light supplied from the light source device 15 (see Figure 1) to the tip section body 32, and an angle wire (not shown) for bending the bending section 28 (see Figure 1) are also arranged inside the insertion section 24.

[0030] In this specification, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) is used for explanation. That is, when viewing the tip 30 from the hand-operated section 22, and considering the direction in which the treatment instrument (not shown) is led out by the standing stand 36 as the upward direction, the upward direction is defined as the Z(+) direction, and the opposite direction, the downward direction, is defined as the Z(-) direction. In this case, the rightward direction is defined as the X(+) direction, and the leftward direction is defined as the X(-) direction. In this case, the forward direction (the direction of the tip side in the direction of the long axis Ax of the insertion section 24) is defined as the Y(+) direction, and the backward direction (the direction of the base end in the direction of the long axis Ax of the insertion section 24) is defined as the Y(-) direction. Note that the Y-axis direction, which encompasses the Y(+) and Y(-) directions, is parallel to the direction of the long axis Ax of the insertion section 24 and the wire axis direction of the wire 38. Furthermore, the Y(+) direction refers to the tip side in the direction of the wire axis direction, and the Y(-) direction refers to the base end side in the direction of the wire axis direction. Furthermore, the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the major axis direction Ax, and the X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, respectively.

[0031] Returning to Figure 1, the handheld control unit 22 is configured in a generally cylindrical shape. The handheld control unit 22 has a control unit body 46 on which an upright operation lever 20 is provided, and a gripping part 48 connected to the control unit body 46. The gripping part 48 is the part that is grasped by the operator when operating the endoscope 10, and the base end of the insertion part 24 is connected to the tip side of the gripping part 48 via a bend-prevention tube 50.

[0032] The base end of the universal cable 52 is connected to the main body 46 of the control unit, and a connector device 54 is provided at the tip of the universal cable 52. The connector device 54 is connected to the endoscope processor device 14.

[0033] The endoscope processor unit 14 comprises a light source unit 15 and an image processing unit 16. The light source unit 15 is equipped with a processor-side connector 15A to which a connector unit 54 is connected. The image processing unit 16 is connected to a display 18 that displays images processed by the image processing unit 16. This endoscope system 12 has a configuration that transmits power and optical signals, etc., non-contactually between the endoscope 10 and the endoscope processor unit 14 via a connector unit consisting of the connector unit 54 and the processor-side connector 15A. As a result, light from the light source unit 15 is transmitted via an optical fiber cable (not shown) and irradiated from an illumination window 74 (see Figure 2) provided on the tip surface of the tip unit 30. The optical signal obtained by capturing the light taken in from the observation window 76 (see Figure 2) with an image sensor is processed by the image processing unit 16 and displayed as an image on the display 18.

[0034] The control unit body 46 has an air / water supply button 57 and a suction button 59 arranged side by side. The air / water supply button 57 is a two-stage button; the first stage allows air to be supplied to the air / water supply nozzle 58 (see Figure 2) via the air / water supply tube 42, and the second stage allows water to be supplied to the air / water supply nozzle 58 via the air / water supply tube 42. When the suction button 59 is operated, body fluids such as blood can be aspirated from the treatment instrument outlet 60 (Figure 2) via the treatment instrument channel 37.

[0035] The operating unit body 46 is equipped with a pair of angle knobs 62, 62 for bending the curved section 28. The pair of angle knobs 62, 62 are rotatably mounted coaxially. For example, four angle wires (not shown) are connected to the angle knobs 62, 62 and the curved section 28. By rotating the angle knobs 62, 62, these angle wires are pushed and pulled, causing the curved section 28 to bend up, down, left, and right.

[0036] The main body 46 of the operating unit is rotatably mounted on the angle knobs 62, 62, with a standing operation lever 20 mounted coaxially. The standing operation lever 20 is rotated by the operator's hand that is gripping the gripping unit 48. This standing operation lever 20 functions as the operating member of the present invention.

[0037] A wire fixing mechanism 78, which is a first embodiment of the wire fixing mechanism of the present invention, is provided on the outside of the operating unit body 46. This wire fixing mechanism 78 has a sliding lever 80 and a fixing unit 82, and is configured to fix the base end of the wire 38 (see Figure 2), as will be described later. One end of the sliding lever 80 is detachably connected to the upright operation lever 20 and moves (slides) in conjunction with the rotation operation of the upright operation lever 20. The other end of the sliding lever 80 is provided with the fixing unit 82. This fixing unit 82 is attached to the operating unit body 46, and the base end of the wire 38 is fixed to this fixing unit 82. In this way, the upright operation lever 20 and the wire 38 are connected via the wire fixing mechanism 78. The wire fixing mechanism 78 will be described later.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the gripping section 48 of the handheld operating section 22 is equipped with a treatment instrument inlet 64 for introducing treatment instruments. A treatment instrument (not shown) introduced through the treatment instrument inlet 64 with its tip leading is inserted into the treatment instrument channel 37 shown in Figure 2 and led out to the outside through the treatment instrument outlet 60. Examples of treatment instruments include biopsy forceps with a cup at the tip capable of collecting biological tissue, an EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy) knife, or a contrast tube.

[0039] Next, the structure of the tip portion 30 shown in Figure 2 will be described.

[0040] First, let me explain the tip section body 32.

[0041] The tip body 32 is made of, for example, a corrosion-resistant metal material and has a partition wall 68 protruding in the Y(+) direction. When the cap 34 is attached to the tip body 32, the partition wall 68 and the wall portion 34B of the cap 34 define a standing platform storage space (not shown). A through hole 61 is formed in the tip body 32 and a wire 38 is inserted through the through hole 61.

[0042] An illumination window 74 and an observation window 76 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction on the upper surface 68A of the partition wall 68 on the Z(+) side. The illumination window 74 can illuminate the field of view in the Z(+) direction, and the observation window 76 allows observation of the field of view in the Z(+) direction. An air and water supply nozzle 58 is provided on the tip body 32, directed toward the observation window 76, and the observation window 76 is cleaned by air and water sprayed from the air and water supply nozzle 58.

[0043] Next, I will explain cap 34.

[0044] The cap 34 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber or resin. Examples of rubber materials include fluororubber or silicone rubber, and examples of resin materials include polysulfone or polycarbonate.

[0045] The cap 34 has a sealed tip and a wall portion 34B that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a substantially rectangular opening window 34A is formed in a part of the wall portion 34B. The opening window 34A opens in the Z(+) direction.

[0046] The cap 34 is provided with a bearing 34C inside which the upright base 36 is rotatably supported. This bearing 34C is configured as a plate-like body that has height in the Z(+) direction and extends in the Y(+) direction.

[0047] The upright base 36 has a rotation axis 36B aligned with the X direction, and this rotation axis 36B is rotatably supported in a through hole (not shown) of a bearing 34C. As a result, the upright base 36 rotates around the rotation axis 36B, changing its orientation between a reclined position (see Figure 2) and an upright position.

[0048] The tip of the wire 38 is connected to the standing platform 36. The wire 38 is connected to the tip side of the standing platform 36, on the side opposite to the side where the rotation axis 36B is formed, and adjacent to the treatment instrument guide surface 36A.

[0049] The cap 34 configured in this way is of a type to which the standing base 36 is pre-attached, and the wire 38 is also pre-connected to the standing base 36. In this example, when the procedure with the endoscope 10 is completed, the cap 34 is removed from the tip body 32 and disposed of together with the standing base 36 and wire 38, for example, as a disposable item. Note that the standing base 36 may be attached to the tip body 32 instead of the cap 34.

[0050] <First Embodiment> The wire fixing mechanism 78 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 will now be described. As previously mentioned, the wire fixing mechanism 78 includes a sliding lever 80 and a fixing unit 82.

[0051] First, with reference to Figures 3 to 8, the configuration and procedure for attaching the fixing unit 82 to the operating unit body 46 will be described. Figures 3 to 8 are enlarged perspective views showing the base end portion of the operating unit body 46.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the base end face 46A of the operating unit body 46 is provided with a cylindrical connecting portion 25 having an outlet 23 for leading out the base end of the wire 38. This connecting portion 25 protrudes from the base end face 46A in the Y(-) direction, and the base end of the wire 38 protrudes from its outlet 23 in the Y(-) direction. The wire 38 protrudes from a position eccentric with respect to the axis 25A of the connecting portion 25.

[0053] The wire 38 comprises a long wire body 38A and a locking portion 39 located at the base end of the wire body 38A, with an outer diameter larger than that of the wire body 38A. In Figure 3, the locking portion 39 is shown as a cylinder, but it is not limited to this; any shape with an outer diameter larger than that of the wire body 38A may be used, for example, a sphere. In the following description, when the wire 38 is mentioned, it mainly refers to the wire body 38A.

[0054] Here, we will briefly explain the protruding length of the wire 38 that protrudes from the connection part 25. Figure 4 shows a wire 38 with a longer protruding length than the wire 38 shown in Figure 3. Although the wires 38 shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 are both the same length, the reason why the protruding lengths differ even for wires 38 of the same length is due to the condition of the flexible part 26 (see Figure 1) or the curved part 28.

[0055] In other words, when the flexible portion 26 is in a loop state, or when the curved portion 28 is in a curved state, the wire channel 40 (see Figure 2) through which the wire 38 is inserted extends, and the insertion path of the wire 38 becomes longer. As a result, the wire 38 becomes relatively shorter relative to the insertion path of the wire 38, resulting in the shorter protrusion length shown in Figure 3. In contrast, when the flexible portion 26 or the curved portion 28 is in a straight state, the wire channel 40 does not extend, resulting in the longer protrusion length shown in Figure 4. The wire fixing mechanism 78 in this example has a configuration that allows the wire 38 to be fixed without being affected by changes in wire length, but this configuration will be described later.

[0056] The following describes, as an example, the case in which the wire fixing mechanism 78 is attached to the operating unit body 46 shown in Figure 4.

[0057] First, as shown in Figure 5, the fixing unit 82 is positioned opposite the locking portion 39 of the wire 38. At this time, in the Y-axis direction parallel to the wire axis direction, the open end 84A of the cam groove 84 provided in the fixing unit 82 is aligned with the cam pin 86 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 25. This cam groove 84 is formed with an inclination toward the Y(-) direction from the open end 84A.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the fixing unit 82 is advanced in the Y(+) direction toward the connection part 25, while the locking part 39 and the wire 38 are housed inside the fixing unit 82. Hereafter, this operation will be referred to as the "wire housing operation".

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 7, when the cam pin 86 is housed in the open end 84A of the cam groove 84 (see Figure 5), the fixed unit 82 is rotated clockwise from the state in Figure 7 in the direction indicated by arrow B, using the eccentric axis 25A (see Figure 4) from the wire 38 as the axis of rotation. In this case, it is preferable to rotate the fixed unit 82 using the sliding lever 80. As a result, the fixed unit 82 is pushed in the Y(+) direction by the guiding action of the cam groove 84 and the cam pin 86. Then, in the position shown in Figure 8, when the cam pin 86 has reached the end of the cam groove 84, the fixed unit 82 is attached to the operating unit body 46 via the connecting part 25. Hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "rotational mounting operation". Therefore, the fixed unit 82 is attached to the operating unit body 46 by going through the above-described "wire housing operation" and "rotational mounting operation". Note that the "wire housing operation" and the "rotational mounting operation" are performed by a single action.

[0060] Next, with reference to Figure 9, the configuration and procedure for connecting the sliding lever 80 to the upright operation lever 20 will be described. Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the base end portion of the operating unit body 46.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the operating unit body 46 has a link member 88 connected to the upright operation lever 20. This link member 88 is rotatably mounted around the rotation axis of the upright operation lever 20 and rotates in the same direction in conjunction with the rotation operation of the upright operation lever 20. An opening 90 is formed in the link member 88, and by engaging a claw portion 92 provided on the sliding lever 80 with this opening 90, the sliding lever 80 is detachably connected to the upright operation lever 20 via the link member 88. This claw portion 92 is provided at the tip (free end) of a cantilever-shaped elastic piece provided on the sliding lever 80 and functions as the lever connecting part of the present invention.

[0062] On the other hand, the sliding lever 80 is rotatably connected to the fixed unit 82 via a selectively switchable first shaft 94 and a second shaft 96 shown by a dashed line. As will be described in detail later, when the sliding lever 80 shown in Figure 8 is pushed down toward the link member 88 in the direction indicated by arrow C, the sliding lever 80 first rotates around the first shaft 94 as the axis of rotation and approaches the link member 88 as shown in Figure 9. After this, if the pushing down operation is continued, the sliding lever 80 rotates around the second shaft 96 as the axis of rotation, and the claw portion 92 engages with the opening 90 (see Figure 9) as shown in Figure 10. Hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "lever connection operation". Therefore, the sliding lever 80 is connected to the upright operation lever 20 side by going through the above-described "wire housing operation", "rotation mounting operation", and "lever connection operation". With this, the wire fixing mechanism 78 is attached to the operating unit body 46. Figure 10 is a front view of the control unit body 46 as seen from the X(+) direction side.

[0063] Figure 10 shows the state in which the upright operation lever 20 is in the down position. That is, the wire fixing mechanism 78 in this example is connected to the upright operation lever 20, which is in the down position, via a link member 88. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, the locking portion 39 of the wire 38 (see Figure 4) is fixed to the fixing unit 82 by going through the "wire housing operation," "rotation mounting operation," and "lever connection operation" described above.

[0064] In Figure 10, when changing the posture of the standing platform 36 (see Figure 2) by rotating the standing operation lever 20, the standing operation lever 20 in Figure 10, which is in the lowered position, is rotated in the counterclockwise direction indicated by arrow U (see Figure 10) toward the standing position shown in Figure 11. When this is done, the link member 88 rotates counterclockwise, the sliding lever 80 connected to the link member 88 moves in the Y(-) direction, and the fixing unit 82 connected to the sliding lever 80 also moves in the Y(-) direction. Since the locking portion 39 of the wire 38 (see Figure 2) is fixed to this fixing unit 82, the above rotation operation of the standing operation lever 20 pulls the wire 38 in the Y(-) direction. As a result, the posture of the standing platform 36, which is connected to the tip of the wire 38, is changed from the lowered position in Figure 2 to the standing position.

[0065] Conversely, to lower the standing platform 36, the standing operation lever 20 shown in Figure 11, which is located in the standing operation position, is rotated clockwise in the direction indicated by arrow D (see Figure 11) toward the lowering operation position shown in Figure 10. This causes the link member 88 (see Figure 9) to rotate clockwise, the sliding lever 80 connected to the link member 88 to move in the Y(+) direction, and the fixing unit 82 connected to the sliding lever 80 to move in the Y(+) direction. As a result, the wire 38 is pushed in the Y(+) direction, and the posture of the standing platform 36 is changed from the standing position to the lowered position shown in Figure 2.

[0066] To release the connection between the sliding lever 80 and the link member 88, as shown in Figure 10, the lock release member 98 protruding from the tip of the sliding lever 80 is pushed toward the link member 88 in the direction of arrow E. This causes the claw portion 92 to be pushed by the lock release member 98 and retract from the opening 90, thereby releasing the connection.

[0067] Furthermore, to remove the wire fixing mechanism 78 from the main unit 46, the "lever connection operation," "rotation mounting operation," and "wire storage operation" should be performed in the reverse order.

[0068] Next, the fixing unit 82 will be described. Figure 12 is a front view of the fixing unit 82.

[0069] As shown in Figure 12, the fixing unit 82 includes a wire catch 100 that detachably locks and fixes the base end of the wire 38, and a catch guide 102 that guides the wire catch 100 in the wire axis direction (Y axis direction) of the wire 38. The wire catch 100 also includes a catch body 104 and a fixing member 106. As will be described in more detail later, among the components of the fixing unit 82, the wire catch 100 is the one that moves in the Y axis direction due to the operation of the sliding lever 80 (lever connection operation and driving operation of the standing base 36), while the catch guide 102 does not move.

[0070] The catch guide 102 is equipped with a cylindrical connecting portion 108 having a cam groove 84 at its Y(+) side end, and this connecting portion 108 is connected to the connecting portion 25 of the operating unit body 46 (see Figure 6). The catch guide 102 also has a cap 107 attached to its Y(-) side end. This cap 107 has claw portions 110, 110 formed on both walls, and can be detachably attached to the catch guide 102 by engaging these claw portions 110, 110 with grooves 112, 112 on both walls of the catch guide 102.

[0071] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the main parts when the cap 107 is removed from the catch guide 102 shown in Figure 12.

[0072] As shown in Figure 13, the catch guide 102 has a catch guide groove 114 in its central part that extends in the direction of the wire axis, and the first shaft 94 is slidably engaged and guided along this catch guide groove 114. As previously described, this first shaft 94 is one of the shafts that constitute the rotation axis of the sliding lever 80 and is fixed to the catch body 104. The lever bearing hole 80A (see Figure 14) of the sliding lever 80 is rotatably engaged with this first shaft 94. This first shaft 94 functions as the catch body shaft of the present invention.

[0073] Now, let's briefly explain the configuration of the sliding lever 80. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the sliding lever 80.

[0074] As shown in Figure 14, the sliding lever 80 has a pair of plate-like parts 120, 120 that sandwich and hold the fixed unit 82 (see Figure 5), and a lever body 122 integrated with the plate-like parts 120, 120.

[0075] A second shaft 96, which is one of the rotation axes of the sliding lever 80, is provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the plate-shaped portions 120, 120, and this second shaft 96 protrudes toward the surface 102A of the catch guide 102 shown in Figure 13. In addition, a substantially L-shaped cam groove 124 is formed in the plate-shaped portions 120, 120 at positions opposite to each other, and a pin 126 provided on the fixing member 106 (see Figure 13) is engaged with the cam groove 124. This pin 126 functions as the fixing member shaft of the present invention. The cam groove 124 will be described later.

[0076] Furthermore, bosses 121 are provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the plate-shaped portions 120, 120, and these bosses 121 protrude toward the surface 102A of the catch guide 102 shown in Figure 13. A boss hole 103 is formed in the surface 102A, into which the boss 121 elastically engages. Therefore, when the boss 121 engages with the boss hole 103, the sliding lever 80 is held in the position shown in Figures 5 to 8. Also, by releasing the engagement of the boss 121 with respect to the boss hole 103, rotational operation of the sliding lever 80 is permitted. This boss 121 functions as the first lever contact portion of the present invention.

[0077] Furthermore, a first restricting surface 105 is formed on the surface 102A of the catch guide 102, to which the boss 121, shown by the dashed line in Figure 13, can abut. This first restricting surface 105 abuts the boss 121 and restricts the movement of the sliding lever 80 when the pin 126 is in the first cam groove portion 125A (see Figure 21), which will be described later, of the cam groove 124. This first restricting surface 105 allows the sliding lever 80 to rotate around the first shaft 94. The first restricting surface 105 is also composed of an arc-shaped surface centered on the first shaft 94. As a result, the sliding lever 80 can rotate smoothly around the first shaft 94.

[0078] Furthermore, a second restricting surface 116 is formed on the surface 102A of the catch guide 102. This second restricting surface 116 is a surface that can come into contact with the second shaft 96 when the restriction on the sliding lever 80 by the first restricting surface 105 is released. In other words, the first restricting surface 105 is formed only up to a position corresponding to the position where the second shaft 96 comes into contact with the second restricting surface 116, and the restriction is released at the position where the second shaft 96 comes into contact with the second restricting surface 116. Note that the release of the restriction on the sliding lever 80 by the first restricting surface 105 may occur simultaneously with the second shaft 96 coming into contact with the second restricting surface 116, or it may occur before or after the second shaft 96 comes into contact with the second restricting surface 116. Furthermore, the second restricting surface 116 contacts the second shaft 96 and restricts the movement of the sliding lever 80 when the pin 126 is located in the second cam groove portion 125B (see Figure 21), which will be described later, of the cam groove 124. This second restricting surface 116 allows the sliding lever 80 to rotate around the second shaft 96 while the second shaft 96 moves along the second restricting surface 116. This second shaft 96 functions as the second lever contact portion of the present invention.

[0079] The second regulating surface 116 is formed with an inclination in the Y(+) direction from the catch guide groove 114 toward the outside of the catch guide 102. When the second shaft 96 comes into contact with this second regulating surface 116 and moves, the rotation axis of the sliding lever 80 is switched from the first shaft 94 to the second shaft 96 during the "lever coupling operation" by the sliding lever 80.

[0080] To explain the rotation axis switching operation, in the first half of the "lever connection operation," the sliding lever 80 rotates around the first axis 94 as its axis of rotation. At this time, the second axis 96 moves from a position to the left of the second restricting surface 116 toward the second restricting surface 116, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 13. At the end of the first half of the "lever connection operation," the restriction of the first axis 94 by the first restricting surface 105 is released, and the second axis 96 comes into contact with the second restricting surface 116, and the second restricting surface 116 restricts the movement of the sliding lever 80. In the second half of the "lever connection operation," rotation around the second axis 96 becomes possible, so the sliding lever 80 rotates around the second axis 96 as its axis of rotation. This completes the switching operation described above.

[0081] Next, the catch body 104 of the wire catch 100 will be described. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the state immediately before the wire fixing mechanism 78 is attached to the operating unit body 46. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing unit 82 along the line XVI-XVI in Figure 15.

[0082] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the catch body 104 has a cylindrical portion 130, a pair of first shafts 94, 94 projecting in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical portion 130 (which coincides with the axis 25A, which is the rotation axis of the fixing unit 82), and a guide portion 132 projecting from the cylindrical portion 130 in the Y(-) direction. A catch body groove 133 extending in the wire axis direction is formed in this guide portion 132. This catch body groove 133 is provided in a position that overlaps with the catch guide groove 114, and a pin 126 (see Figure 13) is inserted into it. This pin 126 is movable back and forth along the catch body groove 133.

[0083] As shown in Figure 16, the cylindrical portion 130 has a locking hole 137 through which the locking portion 39 (see Figure 17) can be inserted and locked. This locking hole 137 is formed as a through hole that penetrates the cylindrical portion 130 in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] The locking hole 137 has a first hole 134 that is large enough to allow the locked portion 39 to pass through, and a second hole 136 that is larger than the outer diameter of the wire body 38A and smaller than the outer diameter of the locked portion 39, and the first hole 134 and the second hole 136 have a continuous opening shape.

[0085] Furthermore, the locking holes 137 are provided at an eccentric position from the axis 25A, which is the rotation axis of the fixed unit 82, and the first hole 134 and the second hole 136 are formed in succession along the rotational trajectory centered on the axis 25A. The amount of eccentricity of the locking holes 137 with respect to the axis 25A is set to be approximately equal to the amount of eccentricity of the wire 38 with respect to the axis 25A shown in Figure 4.

[0086] With the catch body 104 configured as described above, during the "wire housing operation" (see Figure 6), the locking portion 39 is housed in the first hole 134. The locking portion 39 then passes through the first hole 134 and protrudes outward from the first hole 134 as shown in Figure 17. At the end of the "wire housing operation" (see Figure 7), the wire 38 protrudes outward from the first hole 134 in the Y(-) direction as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 18.

[0087] Subsequently, during the "rotational mounting operation" (see Figure 7), the catch body 104 rotates together with the catch guide 102 around the axis 25A in the direction of arrow B (see Figure 7), causing the first hole 134 to retract from the wire 38. At the end of the "rotational mounting operation," the wire 38 is housed in the second hole 136, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 19. This allows the locking portion 39 to be locked into the second hole 136.

[0088] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the catch body 104 and the fixing member 106 at the end of the "rotation mounting operation" shown in Figure 19.

[0089] As shown in Figure 20, the fixing member 106 is positioned on the Y(-) side relative to the catch body 104. A fixing hole 138 is formed on the Y(+) side end face 106A of the fixing member 106, with an opening 135 that can receive the locking portion 39.

[0090] The fixing hole 138 is formed in a position opposite to the second hole 136 shown in Figure 19 in the Y-axis direction, and has a bottom portion 138A inside that engages with the locking portion 39. The fixing hole 138 also has a conical guide surface 139 that tapers from the opening 135 toward the bottom portion 138A. This guide surface 139 is not essential, but it is preferable to have it in the fixing hole 138 from the viewpoint of smoothly guiding the locking portion 39 toward the bottom portion 138A. Note that, as shown in Figure 20, at the end of the "rotation mounting operation" (i.e., before the start of the "lever coupling operation"), the locking portion 39 is not engaged with the bottom portion 138A and is positioned away from the bottom portion 138A in the Y(+) direction.

[0091] Figure 21 is a front view of the wire fixing mechanism 78 at the end of the "rotation mounting operation" shown in Figure 19, and shows the plate-shaped portion 120 of the sliding lever 80 in perspective.

[0092] As shown in Figure 21, at the end of the "rotation mounting operation," the boss 121 is fitted into the boss hole 103, the second shaft 96 is positioned on the upper left side of the second restricting surface 116 in Figure 21, and the pin 126 is positioned at the right end 124A of the cam groove 124.

[0093] Here, the cam groove 124 will be described as having a shape in which a straight first cam groove portion 125A and a curved second cam groove portion 125B are continuous. The first cam groove portion 125A has the function of changing the relative distance between the catch body 104 and the fixing member 106 by moving the fixing member 106 in the Y-axis direction in cooperation with the pin 126. The second cam groove portion 125B has the function of maintaining the relative distance between the catch body 104 and the fixing member 106 by moving the fixing member 106 in the Y-axis direction in conjunction with the catch body 104.

[0094] To explain in more detail, when the "lever coupling operation" is started from the state shown in Figure 21, as shown in Figure 22, the boss 121 detaches from the boss hole 103 and is guided to the first regulating surface 105, and the sliding lever 80 rotates clockwise on Figure 22 with the first shaft 94 as the axis of rotation. This rotation causes the pin 126 to move along the first cam groove 125A. This movement causes the fixing member 106 to move in the Y(+) direction and approach the catch body 104. Then, as shown in Figure 23, during the "lever coupling operation", the bottom 138A of the fixing hole 138 of the fixing member 106 engages with the locking portion 39.

[0095] Then, if the "lever coupling operation" is continued from the positions shown in Figures 22 and 23, the pin 126 moves along the first cam groove 125A, causing the fixing member 106 to move further in the Y(+) direction. As a result, the wire 38 is pushed in the Y(+) direction by the fixing member 106.

[0096] Then, as shown in Figure 24, when the second shaft 96 contacts the second restricting surface 116, that is, when the first half of the "lever coupling operation" is completed, the fixing member 106 contacts the cylindrical portion 130 of the catch body 104, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 25. As a result, the locked portion 39 is locked into the second hole 136 of the catch body 104, and the locked portion 39 is sandwiched between the fixing hole 138 and the end face 130A on the Y(-) side of the cylindrical portion 130. This operation fixes the locked state between the locked portion 39 and the second hole 136 by the fixing member 106, and securely fixes the locked portion 39 to the fixing unit 82. Note that the position of the fixing member 106 shown in Figure 25 is the fixed position, and the position of the fixing member 106 shown in Figure 20 is the released position. The fixing member 106 can move between the fixed position and the released position by rotating the sliding lever 80.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fixed position, since the locking portion 39 is engaged with the bottom portion 138A of the fixing hole 138, the movement of the wire 38 in a direction perpendicular to the wire axis direction is restricted by the bottom portion 138A. As a result, in the above-mentioned fixed position, the movement of the wire 38 from the second hole 136 to the first hole 134 is prevented, and the above-mentioned locked state is maintained. Here, the inner wall surface of the bottom portion 138A functions as the restricting surface of the present invention. The inner wall surface of the bottom portion 138A is at least a part of the inner wall surface of the fixing hole 138.

[0098] On the other hand, when the second half of the "lever coupling operation" is started from the position shown in Figure 24, the restriction of the boss 121 by the first restricting surface 105 is released. As shown in Figure 26, the second shaft 96 moves along the second restricting surface 116, and the sliding lever 80 rotates clockwise around the second shaft 96 as the center of rotation. This movement causes the catch body 104 to move in the Y(-) direction via the first shaft 94, and the pin 126 moves along the second cam groove 125B, causing the fixing member 106 to move in the Y(-) direction together with the catch body 104. This movement causes the wire 38, which was pushed in the Y(+) direction, to be pulled up towards the Y(-) direction (the base end side in the wire axis direction).

[0099] Then, the "lever connection operation" ends when the sliding lever 80 is connected to the link member 88 (see Figure 10) at the lowered position shown in Figure 27, and the movement of the catch body 104 and the fixing member 106 stops. This operation pulls the base end of the wire 38 up to the lowered position by the upright operation lever 20. At this time, the pin 126 is located at the left end 124B of the cam groove 124. The above is an overview of the operation of the catch body 104 and the fixing member 106. Subsequently, the catch body 104 and the fixing member 106 move back and forth along the Y-axis while in contact with each other due to the rotation operation of the upright operation lever 20 (driving operation of the upright base 36) (see Figures 10 and 11). As a result, the wire 38 is pushed and pulled, and the upright base 36 is raised and lowered.

[0100] The operating range of the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0101] The operating range of the wire fixing mechanism 78 includes a "wire fixing range" in which the wire catch 100 operates due to the "lever coupling operation" of the sliding lever 80, and a "driving range" in which the wire catch 100 operates due to the rotational operation of the upright operation lever 20. Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the above-mentioned "wire fixing range" and "driving range".

[0102] As previously described, even with wires 38 of the same length, the protruding length of the wire 38 from the connecting portion 25 differs depending on the state of the flexible portion 26 or the curved portion 28 (see Figure 1). According to Figure 28, whether the protruding length of the wire 38 is long (see XXVIIIA in Figure 28) or short (see XXVIIIB in Figure 28), the wire catch 100 operates within the "wire fixing range," thereby locking the locked portion 39 to the locking hole 137 and fixing the locked state between the locked portion 39 and the locking hole 137, so that it is securely fixed to the wire fixing mechanism 78.

[0103] Therefore, according to the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the first embodiment, the wire 38 can be reliably fixed regardless of the protruding length of the wire 38.

[0104] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the wire fixing mechanism 78 allows the base end of the wire 38 to be pulled up to the lowered position by the upright operation lever 20, regardless of the protruding length of the wire 38, by the wire catch 100 operating within the "wire fixing range".

[0105] In other words, according to the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the first embodiment, when the fixing member 106 moves to a position close to the catch body 104, the locking is fixed by the fixing member 106, and when the sliding lever 80 is operated, the fixing member 106 and the catch body 104 move together toward the base end in the wire axis direction, pulling up the wire 38. Therefore, regardless of the protruding length of the wire 38, and regardless of the difference in the length of the wire 38 itself, that is, without being affected by changes in wire length, it is possible to keep the wire fixing position constant with simple operation.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the first embodiment, the base end of the wire 38 can be pulled up to the position where it is lowered by the upright operation lever 20, so that the positional relationship between the lowered position of the upright base 36 and the lowered position of the upright operation lever 20 can be kept constant.

[0107] With the endoscope 10 having the above-described effects, for example, compared to an endoscope that shifts the operating range of the upright operation lever according to the wire length, the feel of operating the upright operation lever can be kept constant, thus improving operability. In addition, the proximal end of the wire 38 can be connected to the upright operation lever 20 with a simple operation of rotating the sliding lever 80 (lever coupling operation).

[0108] <Second Embodiment> Next, the wire fixing mechanism 148 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 29 to 31.

[0109] Figure 29 is a partially transparent perspective view showing the connection between the sliding lever 150 and the fixing unit 152 that constitute the wire fixing mechanism 148. Figure 30 is a front view of the wire fixing mechanism 148 shown in Figure 29. Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of the wire fixing mechanism 148 shown in Figure 30. Figures 29 to 31 all show the state at the end of the "rotation mounting operation". Note that components similar to those in the first embodiment may be given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0110] First, I will explain the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0111] In the first embodiment, the locking state between the locked portion 39 and the second hole 136 is fixed by moving the fixing member 106 between a fixed position and a released position in conjunction with the "lever coupling operation" of the sliding lever 80. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the locking state between the locked portion 39 and the second hole 136 is fixed by manually moving the fixing member 154 between a fixed position and a released position.

[0112] The second embodiment will be described below.

[0113] As shown in Figures 29 to 31, the wire fixing mechanism 148 has a fixing member 154, which has a substantially cylindrical main body portion 156 and a disc-shaped button portion 158. The main body portion 156 is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the catch guide 102 so as to be movable along the Y-axis direction.

[0114] The button portion 158 is the part pressed by the operator's finger, and as shown in Figure 31, a cylindrical sliding portion 160 is provided protruding from the inner surface of the button portion 158 in the Y(+) direction. This sliding portion 160 is mounted on the Y(-) end of the catch body 162 so as to be movable along the Y-axis direction. In addition, the inner surface of the button portion 158 is provided with a fixing hole 138 that engages with the locking portion 39 of the wire 38. The catch body 162 also has a locking hole 137 formed therein, which has a continuous opening shape with a first hole 134 and a second hole 136, similar to the catch body 104 shown in Figure 16.

[0115] With the wire fixing mechanism 148 configured as described above, as shown in Figures 32 and 33, when the button portion 158 is manually pushed in the Y(+) direction, the fixing member 154 is guided by the slide portion 160 and moves in the Y(+) direction. Through this operation, the locked portion 39 is locked into the second hole 136 (see Figure 19), and the locked portion 39 is then sandwiched between the fixing hole 138 and the catch body 162. As a result, the locked state between the locked portion 39 and the second hole 136 is fixed by the fixing member 154, and the wire 38 is securely fixed to the wire fixing mechanism 148. For example, the fixing member 154 is held in the moved position by the frictional resistance between the slide portion 160 and the catch body 162.

[0116] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 34, when the "lever coupling operation" is initiated, the sliding lever 150 rotates clockwise around the first shaft 94 as its axis of rotation. Then, as shown in Figure 35, the second shaft 96 comes into contact with the second restricting surface 116, and the second restricting surface 116 restricts the movement of the sliding lever 150.

[0117] Then, in the latter half of the "lever connection operation," the second shaft 96 moves outward along the second restricting surface 116 toward the catch body 162, and the rotation axis of the sliding lever 150 is switched from the first shaft 94 to the second shaft 96. The sliding lever 150 then rotates on the second shaft 96 as its axis of rotation, and the fixing member 154 and the catch body 162 move together in the Y(-) direction, pulling up the wire 38. The sliding lever 150 is then connected to the link member 88 (see Figure 10). The subsequent raising and lowering operation of the standing base 36 (see Figure 2) is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted.

[0118] By the way, in the second embodiment, if the "lever connection operation" is performed to connect the sliding lever 150 to the link member 88 before manually pressing the button 158, the wire 38 is not fixed to the wire fixing mechanism 148, and therefore the raising and lowering operation of the standing base 36 (see Figure 2) cannot be performed.

[0119] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the following configuration is provided to resolve the above-mentioned problems.

[0120] In other words, the wire fixing mechanism 148 has an operation restricting unit 163 that can selectively switch between a restricting state that restricts the "lever coupling operation" when the fixing member 154 is in the release position, and an allowable state that allows the "lever coupling operation" when the fixing member 154 is in the fixed position.

[0121] As an example, the motion restricting section 163 has cylindrical bosses 164, 164 and arc-shaped grooves 166 into which the bosses 164, 164 engage, as shown in Figure 29. The bosses 164 are projected from the opposing inner surfaces of the plate-shaped portions 120, 120 of the sliding lever 150, facing each other. The grooves 166 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 156 of the fixing member 154.

[0122] The boss 164 and groove 166 are engaged with each other in the release position shown in Figures 29 to 31, and at this time, the wire fixing mechanism 148 is held in a restricting state that restricts the "lever coupling operation". Then, as previously described, when the fixing member 154 is moved to the fixed position by manually pressing the button part 158, the groove 166 moves in the Y(+) direction, as shown in Figures 32 and 33, and the engagement with the boss 164 is released. As a result, the wire fixing mechanism 148 is switched to an allowable state that permits the "lever coupling operation", and by then performing the "lever coupling operation", the sliding lever 150 can be connected to the link member 88.

[0123] Thus, in the second embodiment, since the operation restricting unit 163 is included, the "lever coupling operation" can be restricted when the fixing member 154 is in the release position, and the "lever coupling operation" can be permitted when the fixing member 154 is in the fixed position. This ensures that the tilting operation of the standing platform 36 (see Figure 2) by the standing operation lever 20 can be reliably performed.

[0124] The above describes an example of applying the endoscope according to the present invention to a duodenoscope. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to duodenoscopes and can be applied to other endoscopes such as colonoscopes or small bowel endoscopes. Furthermore, the present invention may be improved or modified in some way without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 10 Endoscopes 12 Endoscopy Systems 14 Endoscope processor device 15 Light source device 15A Processor-side connector 16 Image Processing Device 18 displays 20. Standing operation lever 22 Handheld control unit 23 Outlet 25 Connection part 25A shaft center 24 Insertion part 26 Soft part 28 Curved section 30 Tip 32 Tip body 34 caps 34A Opening window 34B Wall section 34C bearing 36. Standing platform for medical instruments (standing platform) 36A Treatment tool guide surface 36B Rotation axis 37 Treatment Tool Channel 38. Standing operation wire (wire) 39 Locked part 40 Wire Channels 42 Air and water supply tubes 44 Cable insertion channels 45 Insertion Channels 46 Control Unit 46A Proximal surface 48 Gripping part 50 Anti-break pipe 52 Universal Cables 54 Connector device 57 Air / Water Supply Button 58 Air and water supply nozzles 59 Suction button 60 Treatment tool outlet 61 Through hole 62 Angle Knob 64 Instrument entry port 68 Bulkhead 68A Top 74 Lighting window 76 Observation window 78 Wire fixing mechanism 80 Sliding lever 80A Lever bearing hole 82 Fixed Units 84 cam groove 84A Open end 86 Campin 88 Link Member 90 Opening 92 Claw part 94 1st axis 96 2nd axis 98. Lock release member 100 Wire Catch 102 Catch Guide 102A surface 103 Boss Hole 104 Catch body 105 First restricted area 106 Fixing member 106A End face 107 Cap 108 Connection part 110 Claw part 112 Groove 114 Catch guide groove 116 Second regulatory area 120 Plate-shaped part 121 Boss 122 Lever body 124 cam groove 124A Right end 124B Left edge 125A First cam groove 125B Second cam groove 126 pins 130 cylindrical section 132 Guide section 133 Catch body groove 134 Hole 1 135 Opening 136 2nd hole 137 Locking hole 138 fixing hole 138A bottom 139 Guide surface 148 Wire fixing mechanism 150 Sliding lever 152 Fixed Unit 154 Fixing member 156 Main body 158 Button section 160 Slide section 162 Catch body 163 Operation Regulator 164 Boss 166 Groove

Claims

1. An operating section provided with an operating member, An insertion portion is provided on the tip side of the aforementioned operating portion and is inserted into the subject, A treatment instrument stand is provided at the tip of the insertion part, An uprighting operation wire, the tip of which is connected to the treatment instrument uprighting stand, operates the treatment instrument uprighting stand by being pushed and pulled in accordance with the movement of the operating member, A wire fixing mechanism for fixing the base end of the aforementioned upright operation wire, Equipped with, The operating unit has a link member that operates in conjunction with the operation of the operating member, The wire fixing mechanism is A wire catch that detachably locks and secures the base end of the aforementioned upright operation wire, A catch guide that guides the wire catch in the wire axis direction of the erection operation wire, A sliding lever that moves the wire catch forward and backward in the wire axis direction by operating in conjunction with the operation of the operating member, having a lever connecting portion that can be detachably connected to the link member, and a sliding lever that accepts a first operation and a second operation by the operator when the connection between the link member and the lever connecting portion is released, It has, The wire catch comprises a catch body that locks the base end of the upright operation wire, and a fixing member that fixes the locking by the catch body, the fixing member being movable in the wire axis direction. The wire catch is configured such that when the sliding lever receives the first operation, the fixing member moves toward the tip side in the wire axis direction and moves to a position close to the catch body, and the locking is fixed by the fixing member, and when the sliding lever receives the second operation, with the locking by the catch body fixed, the fixing member and the catch body move together along the catch guide toward the base end side in the wire axis direction, thereby pulling up the upright operation wire. The catch guide has a catch guide groove that extends in the direction of the wire axis, The catch body comprises a catch body shaft that is guided to engage with the catch guide groove, and a catch body groove that is provided at a position overlapping with the catch guide groove and extends in the direction of the wire axis. The fixing member is inserted into the groove of the catch body and has a fixing member shaft that moves freely along the groove of the catch body. The sliding lever has a lever bearing hole that is rotatably connected to the catch body shaft, and a cam groove into which the fixed member shaft is slidably engaged. The cam groove has a shape in which a straight first cam groove portion and a curved second cam groove portion are continuous, the first cam groove portion changes the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member, and the second cam groove portion maintains the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member. Endoscope.

2. The sliding lever has a first lever contact portion, The catch guide has a first restricting surface to which the first lever contact portion can contact, The first restricting surface contacts the first lever contact portion when the fixed member shaft is in the first cam groove portion, thereby restricting the movement of the sliding lever, and thereby enabling the rotation of the sliding lever around the catch body shaft, and changing the relative distance between the catch body and the fixed member. The endoscope according to claim 1.

3. The first regulating surface is formed by an arc-shaped surface centered on the axis of the catch body. The endoscope according to claim 2.

4. The sliding lever has a second lever contact portion at a position different from the first lever contact portion, The catch guide has a second restricting surface that can contact the second lever contact portion when the restriction on the sliding lever by the first restricting surface is released. The second restricting surface contacts the second lever contact portion when the fixed member shaft is located in the second cam groove of the cam groove, thereby restricting the movement of the sliding lever. This allows the sliding lever to rotate around the second lever contact portion while moving the second lever contact portion along the second restricting surface, and moves the catch body and the fixed member together. The endoscope according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The erection operation wire is located at the base end of the long wire body and has a locking portion that is formed to have a larger outer shape than the wire body. The catch body has a locking hole through which the locked portion can be inserted and locked, The fixing member is movable between a fixing position that fixes the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole, and a release position that releases the locking state between the locked portion and the locking hole. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The locking hole has an opening shape in which a first hole, sized to allow the locked portion to be inserted, and a second hole, sized to be larger than the outer diameter of the wire body and smaller than the outer diameter of the locked portion, are continuous. The endoscope according to claim 5.

7. The fixing member has a restricting surface that restricts the movement of the locked portion in a direction perpendicular to the wire axis direction when the locking hole is locked to the locked portion. The endoscope according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The fixing member has a fixing hole in which an opening capable of receiving the locking portion is formed, and at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the fixing hole is configured as the restricting surface. The endoscope according to claim 7.

9. The fixing hole has a conical guide surface that tapers toward the inside of the fixing hole. The endoscope according to claim 8.

10. The fixing member is movable between the fixed position and the released position in conjunction with the lever coupling operation that connects the lever coupling portion to the link member. The endoscope according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

Images