Insertion apparatus

Abstract

According to the present invention, an endoscope comprises: a pair of upward / downward curving operation wires for transmitting traction force to a curving portion of an insertion portion; an upward / downward curving pulley having a pair of pulley grooves on an outer circumferential portion thereof; and wire guides provided in circumferential areas of the respective pulley grooves for respectively guiding the upward / downward curving operation wires that are wound around the respective pulley grooves. The allowable rotation angle of the upward / downward curving pulley is less than or equal to 180 degrees. A bottom portion of each pulley groove has a width that allows the corresponding upward / downward curving operation wire to be wound around the pulley groove up to two turns. Each wire guide has a tapered shape for progressively reducing the width of the bottom portion of the corresponding pulley groove so as to allow the corresponding upward / downward curving operation wire to be wound around the pulley groove only one turn in the rotation axis direction of the upward / downward curving pulley, and for guiding the corresponding upward / downward curving operation wire wound in the circumferential area to the bottom portion of the pulley groove.

Description

Insertion Equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an insertion instrument that bends a bending section via a bending operation wire wound around a pulley.

[0002] Endoscopes, which are a type of insertion device, have been widely used in the medical field. Endoscopes have a long, thin insertion portion. By inserting this insertion portion into a body cavity of a subject, the inside of the body cavity can be observed using the endoscope.

[0003] In an endoscope having a bending section in its insertion section, bending of the bending section is performed using a bending operation mechanism provided in the operation section. The bending operation mechanism has a pulley rotatably provided inside the operation section and a bending operation wire connecting the pulley to the bending section. This bending operation mechanism changes the amount of winding of the bending operation wire around the groove of the pulley depending on the rotation state of the pulley. By changing this winding amount, the bending operation mechanism can bend the bending section (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-119556).

[0004] JP 2010-119556 A

[0005] However, bending operation wires used in insertion instruments such as endoscopes have a certain degree of elasticity. Therefore, when the pulley is rotated in a direction that relaxes the bending operation wire, the bending operation wire is displaced in a direction away from the pulley groove due to the elastic restoring force of the bending operation wire. After such displacement of the bending operation wire occurs, if the pulley is rotated in a direction that pulls the bending operation wire, it may be difficult to wind the bending operation wire in an appropriate state around the pulley groove. For example, in a bending operation mechanism that allows the bending operation wire to be wound around the pulley groove one or more times, the bending operation wire may be wound around the pulley groove in a radially overlapping state.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an insertion instrument that can wind a bending operation wire in a groove of a pulley in an appropriate state.

[0007] An insertion device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a wire for transmitting a traction force to a curved portion of an insertion section inserted into a subject, a pulley having a groove on its outer periphery for winding the wire, and a wire guide provided in a partial region circumferentially of the groove for guiding the wire wound around the groove to a predetermined winding position, wherein the rotatable angular range of the pulley is ±180 degrees or less from the initial position of the pulley, and the wire guide has a tapered shape that narrows the width of the bottom of the groove in the partial region so that the wire can be wound around only one revolution in the direction of the rotation axis of the pulley, and guides the wire wound around the partial region to the bottom of the groove.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides an insertion device comprising: first, second, third, and fourth wires for transmitting a traction force to a bending portion of an insertion section inserted into a subject; a first pulley having first and second grooves on its outer periphery for winding the first and second wires therearound; a second pulley having third and fourth grooves on its outer periphery for winding the third and fourth wires therearound; and first, second, third, and fourth guides provided in partial circumferential regions of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves for guiding the first, second, third, and fourth wires wound around the first, second, third, and fourth grooves to predetermined winding positions. and a fourth wire guide, wherein the rotatable angular range of the first and second pulleys is ±180 degrees or less from the initial positions of the first and second pulleys, respectively, and the first, second, third, and fourth wire guides narrow the widths of the bottoms of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves in the partial region so that the first, second, third, and fourth wires can be wound around only one turn in the direction of the rotation axis of the first and second pulleys, and have a tapered shape that guides the first, second, third, and fourth wires wound around in the partial region to the bottoms of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves.

[0009] According to the insertion instrument of the present invention, the bending operation wire can be wound in the groove of the pulley in an appropriate state.

[0010] 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of the main parts of the bending mechanism, taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 8, showing the vertical bending pulleys and protective members; 11B are cross-sectional views of the vertical bending pulleys and protective members taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 8, showing the horizontal bending pulleys and protective members; 16A cross-sectional view showing the left and right bending pulley and protective member in an exploded manner; FIG. 16B is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the first case member; FIG. 16C is a side view showing the up and down bending pulley and the left and right bending pulley; FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view showing the left and right bending pulley in an exploded manner; FIG. 16E is a cross-sectional view showing the left and right bending pulley in an exploded manner; sectional view of the main part of the left / right bending operation knob when the brake is released; sectional view of the main part of the left / right bending operation knob when the brake is applied; sectional view of the main part of the left / right bending operation knob when the brake is applied; sectional view of the main part of the left / right bending operation knob when the brake is released; sectional view of the main part of the up / down bending operation knob when the brake is applied; sectional view of the pulley unit when the pulley unit is 3. A perspective view of the elevator operation mechanism. 4. A cross-sectional view of the main part of the cylinder unit. 5. A perspective view of the elevator operation lever attached to the operation unit. 6. An exploded perspective view of the elevator operation lever and angle adjustment plate. 7. An explanatory diagram showing the rotation angle range of the elevator operation lever when the angle adjustment plate is not attached. 8. An explanatory diagram showing the rotation angle range of the elevator operation lever when the angle adjustment plate is not attached. 9. An explanatory diagram showing the rotation angle range of the elevator operation lever when the angle adjustment plate is attached.

[0011] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings relate to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope. The endoscope 1 shown in Fig. 1 is, for example, a single-use endoscope for medical use. The endoscope 1 includes an insertion section 5, an operating section 6, a universal cord 7, and an endoscope connector 8.

[0012] The insertion section 5 has, in order from the distal end side, a distal end section 10 , a bending section 11 , and a flexible tube section 12 .

[0013] 2, the tip portion 10 is made of a hard material and has a generally cylindrical shape. The tip portion 10 has a flat portion 10a, an opening 10b, and a lifting base 10c.

[0014] The flat portion 10a is formed on a part of the outer circumferential side portion of the tip portion 10. The flat portion 10a is provided with an illumination window 10d, an observation window 10e, and a nozzle 10f.

[0015] The illumination window 10d is configured by an optical member located at the forefront of the illumination optical system, which is capable of irradiating the subject with illumination light guided from a light source by, for example, a light guide.

[0016] The observation window 10e is formed by the observation optical system of the imaging unit provided in the distal end portion 10. That is, the observation window 10e is formed by exposing the optical member located at the most distal end of the observation optical system from the flat portion 10a. The observation optical system captures return light from the subject through the observation window 10e. The observation optical system then projects the captured return light onto the imaging element of the imaging unit. This allows the imaging element to convert the return light into an imaging signal, thereby capturing an image of the subject. Here, the optical axis of the observation optical system is set in a direction (side view direction) that intersects with the longitudinal axis O1 of the insertion portion 5.

[0017] The nozzle 10 f is connected to the distal end of an air / liquid supply tube 47 (see FIG. 3 ), which will be described later, so that the nozzle 10 f can eject gas or liquid supplied from the air / liquid supply tube 47 onto the flat portion 10 a.

[0018] The opening 10b is formed so as to open to the side in the outer circumferential direction of the distal end portion 10. This opening 10b communicates with a treatment instrument channel 31, which will be described later.

[0019] The elevator 10c is a member for raising the distal end of the treatment tool protruding from the treatment tool channel 31. For this reason, the elevator 10c is disposed in the opening 10b at a position facing the distal end of the treatment tool channel 31. The elevator 10c is attached so as to be swingable relative to the distal end portion 10. Furthermore, the distal end of an elevator operating wire 42 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is connected to the elevator 10c.

[0020] The bending portion 11 has a plurality of bending pieces 11a (see FIGS. 2 and 4). These bending pieces 11a are arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis O1 of the insertion portion 5. Furthermore, among the bending pieces 11a, adjacent bending pieces 11a are rotatably connected via connecting members 11b such as rivets. As a result, the plurality of bending pieces 11a form a bending piece row that allows bending in all directions, including up, down, left, and right.

[0021] In this embodiment, the up, down, left, and right directions of the insertion portion 5 are, for example, directions that intersect with the longitudinal axis O1, and are defined in a predetermined correspondence with the up, down, left, and right directions of the image captured by the imaging element of the tip portion 10.

[0022] Further, the distal ends of a pair of up-down bending operation wires 37 and a pair of left-right bending operation wires 38 are connected to the bending piece 11a located at the very tip of the bending portion 11 (only the up-down bending operation wire 37 that pulls the bending portion 11 upward and the left-right bending operation wire 38 that pulls the bending portion 11 leftward are shown in FIG. 4).

[0023] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the bending piece row is covered with an outer skin 11c. The outer skin 11c is formed, for example, from a rubber member having a substantially cylindrical shape. The thickness of this outer skin 11c is set to, for example, 0.5 mm. However, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , thick portions 11d are formed on the inner periphery of the outer skin 11c at positions corresponding to the up, down, left, and right bending directions. The thickness of the thickest portion of each thick portion 11d is set to, for example, 0.7 mm. Each thick portion 11d extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis O1 of the bending portion 11 while abutting against each connecting member 11b.

[0024] Each of the thick portions 11d partially increases the elastic force of the outer skin 11c. As a result, each of the thick portions 11d prevents a portion of the outer skin 11c from elastically deforming toward the inside of the bending portion 11 when the bending portion 11 is bent. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the bending portion 11 is bent, the thick portions 11d located on the inside of the bending portion 11 in the bending direction elastically deform a portion of the outer skin 11c toward the outside of the bending portion 11.

[0025] Such elastic deformation of each thick portion 11d prevents a part of the outer cover 11c from being pinched between adjacent bending pieces 11a and being damaged when bending the bending portion 11. As a result, for example, in a single-use endoscope that is expected to be used for only a short period of time, it is possible to configure the bending portion 11 without disposing a blade or the like between each bending piece 11a (bending piece row) and the outer cover 11c.

[0026] The flexible tube section 12 is a tube section that can bend according to the shape of the subject into which the insertion section 5 is inserted. Here, in this embodiment, a flexible endoscope including the flexible tube section 12 is described as an example of the endoscope 1, but the endoscope 1 may be a rigid endoscope including a rigid tube section.

[0027] The operating unit 6 has a housing 15 as the operating unit main body. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the housing 15 is divided into left and right halves, for example, a first housing member 16 and a second housing member 17. These first and second housing members 16, 17 are formed by, for example, resin molding. The first housing member 16 and the second housing member 17 are joined together using adhesive or the like to form the hollow housing 15.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the proximal end of the flexible tube section 12 is connected to the distal end of the housing 15 .

[0029] A grip portion 20 for allowing the surgeon to grip the operation unit 6 with his / her hand is formed in approximately the center of the housing 15 in the direction of the longitudinal axis O2. A channel opening 21 for inserting a treatment tool is attached to the housing 15 distally of the grip portion 20. Furthermore, the housing 15 is provided proximally of the grip portion 20 with bending operation members, such as an up / down bending operation knob 22 and a left / right bending operation knob 23, a raising table operation lever 24, an air / liquid supply button 25, a suction button 26, and a plurality of button switches 27.

[0030] 1 and 3 , the channel opening 21 is held in the housing 15 in a state where it is sandwiched between the first housing member 16 and the second housing member 17. In this embodiment, the channel opening 21 is formed in a part of a branch pipe 30 arranged inside the housing 15. Specifically, the branch pipe 30 in this embodiment has a branch pipe line that branches off to the side from the middle of a pipe line extending in the vertical direction. Such a branch pipe 30 is integrally molded using, for example, resin. The channel opening 21 is formed at the end of this branch pipe line. The branch pipe 30 may be made of metal.

[0031] The distal end of the branch tube 30 is connected to the proximal end of a treatment instrument channel 31 inserted through the insertion section 5. As a result, the channel opening 21 communicates with the opening 10b of the distal end section 10 via the treatment instrument channel 31.

[0032] The distal end of a first suction tube 32 is connected to the proximal end of the branch tube 30. As a result, the first suction tube 32 is connected to the opening 10b of the distal end portion 10 via the treatment instrument channel 31.

[0033] The up / down bending operation knob 22 and the left / right bending operation knob 23 are rotatably attached to the side of the first housing member 16, with the knobs overlapping on the same central axis O3. The up / down bending operation knob 22 and the left / right bending operation knob 23, together with a pulley unit 36 ​​described below, constitute an endoscope bending operation mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the bending operation mechanism) 35. The bending operation mechanism 35 pulls or loosens the up / down bending operation wire 37 and the left / right bending operation wire 38 depending on the amount of operation of the up / down bending operation knob 22 and the left / right bending operation knob 23. This makes it possible for the bending operation mechanism 35 to bend the bending section 11 in all directions, including the up / down and left / right directions.

[0034] The elevator control lever 24 is rotatably attached to the side of the first housing member 16 between the up / down bending control knob 22 and the first housing member 16. This elevator control lever 24, together with a cylinder unit 41 (described later), constitutes an elevator control mechanism 40. The elevator control mechanism 40 pulls or loosens an elevator control wire 42 depending on the amount of operation of the elevator control lever 24. This enables the elevator control mechanism 40 to swing the elevator 10c.

[0035] The air / liquid feed button 25 is an operation button for feeding air and liquid from the nozzle 10f to the flat portion 10a of the tip portion 10. The air / liquid feed button 25 is attached to the housing 15 via an air / liquid feed cylinder 45.

[0036] 3, the proximal end of the first air supply tube 46a, the proximal end of the first liquid supply tube 46b, the distal end of the second air supply tube 46c, and the proximal end of the second liquid supply tube 46d are connected to the air / liquid supply cylinder 45. The distal end of the first air supply tube 46a and the distal end of the first liquid supply tube 46b are both connected to the proximal end of the air / liquid supply tube 47.

[0037] A piston (not shown) connected to the air / liquid feed button 25 is provided inside the air / liquid feed cylinder 45. This piston moves back and forth inside the air / liquid feed cylinder 45 depending on the pressure applied to the air / liquid feed button 25. Depending on the position of the piston in the air / liquid feed cylinder 45, the piston establishes or blocks communication between the first air feed tube 46a and the second air feed tube 46c, and also establishes or blocks communication between the first liquid feed tube 46b and the second liquid feed tube 46d.

[0038] The suction button 26 is an operation button for sucking liquids or solids through the opening 10b provided in the tip portion 10. The suction button 26 is attached to the housing 15 via a suction cylinder 48.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the base end side of the first suction tube 32 and the tip end side of the second suction tube 49 are connected to the suction cylinder 48 .

[0040] A piston (not shown) is provided inside the suction cylinder 48. This piston moves back and forth inside the suction cylinder 48 depending on the pressure applied to the suction button 26. The piston establishes or blocks communication between the first suction tube 32 and the second suction tube 49 depending on the position of the piston inside the suction cylinder 48.

[0041] The plurality of button switches 27 are held in the housing 15 in a state where they are sandwiched between the first housing member 16 and the second housing member 17. Each button switch 27 can be assigned as a switch for activating various functions of the endoscope 1.

[0042] The universal cord 7 extends from the proximal end side of the operation unit 6. Tubes such as the second air supply tube 46c, the second liquid supply tube 46d, and the second suction tube 49 are inserted inside the universal cord 7. Various signal cables connected to the button switches and the imaging element of the imaging unit are also inserted inside the universal cord 7. Furthermore, a light guide bundle and the like optically connected to the illumination optical system are inserted inside the universal cord 7.

[0043] The endoscope connector 8 is connected to the extended end of the universal cord 7. The endoscope connector 8 can be connected via a relay connector 9 to external devices (not shown) such as a light source device or a processor.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1 , the endoscope connector 8 of this embodiment has, for example, a substantially rectangular prism shape. The endoscope connector 8 has, for example, a liquid supply connector 8a connected to the second liquid supply tube 46d and an air supply connector 8b connected to the second air supply tube 46c on its side. The endoscope connector 8 also has an engaging claw 8c on its side that can engage with the relay connector 9. The endoscope connector 8 also has, on its end face, a suction connector that connects to the second suction tube 49, multiple electrical connectors that connect to various signal cables, and a light guide connector that connects to the light guide bundle (none of which are shown). The suction connector is located on the side of the endoscope connector 8 opposite the side on which the liquid supply connector 8a and the air supply connector 8b are located.

[0045] The relay connector 9 is a reusable product that can be used multiple times. That is, the relay connector 9 can be repeatedly used with multiple endoscopes (single-use endoscopes) 1. The relay connector 9 has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0046] The relay connector 9 has a control board 9a therein. The control board 9a performs, for example, various signal processing on the image pickup signal and correction processing of the power supply current supplied to the endoscope 1.

[0047] The relay connector 9 has a light source connector 9b and an air supply plug 9c on its tip end surface, and a plurality of electrical contacts 9d on its side surface.

[0048] Furthermore, a connector receiving hole 9e is provided at the base end of the relay connector 9, into which the endoscope connector 8 can be inserted. This connector receiving hole 9e has, for example, a substantially rectangular hole shape. The base end side of the light source connector 9b protrudes into the connector receiving hole 9e. The base end side of the light source connector 9b is positioned so that it can be optically connected to the light guide connector of the endoscope connector 8. Also, an air supply mouthpiece that connects to the air supply plug 9c and an electrical connector receptacle that connects to each electrical contact 9d are provided inside the connector receiving hole 9e (neither is shown). Of these, the air supply mouthpiece is provided in a position so that it can be connected to the air supply plug of the endoscope connector 8. Also, the electrical connector receptacle is provided in a position so that it can be connected to the electrical connector of the endoscope connector 8.

[0049] Next, the configuration of the bending operation mechanism 35 will be described in detail.

[0050] 8 to 10, the pulley unit 36 ​​of the bending operation mechanism 35 has an up-down bending pulley 51, a left-right bending pulley 52, and a pulley case 53. In the following description of the bending operation mechanism 35, the side from the up-down bending pulley 51 toward the left-right bending pulley 52 along the central axis O3 of the bending operation mechanism 35 is referred to as one end (one side), and the side from the left-right bending pulley 52 toward the up-down bending pulley 51 along the central axis O3 of the bending operation mechanism 35 is referred to as the other end (other side).

[0051] The vertical bending pulley 51 has a vertical bending pulley body 51a that is substantially disk-shaped and has a predetermined thickness.

[0052] A key hole 51b is provided in the center of the vertical bending pulley body 51a, penetrating in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0053] Further, a pair of pulley grooves 51c are provided on the outer periphery of the vertical bending pulley body 51a.

[0054] In addition, wire stop receiving holes 51d are provided on both sides of the vertical bending pulley body 51a (both sides in the direction of the central axis O3 of the vertical bending pulley body 51a), and connecting grooves 51e are provided on both sides of the vertical bending pulley body 51a to connect each wire stop receiving hole 51d to each pulley groove 51c.

[0055] A protrusion 51f is provided on the other side of the vertical bending pulley body 51a. In this embodiment, the protrusion 51f has, for example, a partial arc shape and protrudes in the outer diameter direction of the vertical bending pulley body 51a.

[0056] The vertical bending pulley 51 configured in this manner allows the base ends of the pair of vertical bending operation wires 37 to be wound around the inside of each pulley groove 51c. In this case, wire stoppers 37a attached to the base ends of the vertical bending operation wires 37 are inserted into each wire stop receiving hole 51d. This connects each vertical bending operation wire 37 to the vertical bending pulley 51. Then, each vertical bending operation wire 37 is guided to each pulley groove 51c via each connecting groove 51e. This allows each vertical bending operation wire 37 to be wound around each pulley groove 51c, with the positions where each wire stop receiving hole 51d and each connecting groove 51e are provided serving as the winding start positions.

[0057] The pair of up-down bending operation wires 37 are wound in opposite directions in the circumferential direction of the pair of pulley grooves 51c. As a result, when one up-down bending operation wire 37 is pulled as the up-down bending pulley 51 rotates about the central axis O3, the other up-down bending operation wire 37 is loosened. Furthermore, when one up-down bending operation wire 37 is loosened, the other up-down bending operation wire 37 is pulled.

[0058] Here, the diameter of each of the up / down bending operation wires 37 is preferably 0.25 mm or more and 0.55 mm or less, and more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 0.55 mm or less.

[0059] In the following description, when distinguishing between the pair of up-down bending operation wires 37 and the pair of pulley grooves 51c, such as the up-down bending operation wire 37 and the pulley groove 51c for bending the bending portion 11 upward, and the up-down bending operation wire 37 and the pulley groove 51c for bending the bending portion 11 downward, the letter "u" or "d" will be added to the end of the reference numeral as appropriate.

[0060] Here, the bottom of each pulley groove 51c has a width that allows up to two vertical bending operation wires 37 to be arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis of the vertical bending pulley 51 (direction of the central axis O3). That is, each pulley groove 51c has a groove width that allows up to two turns of each vertical bending operation wire 37 to be wound along the bottom of the pulley groove 51c. In other words, each pulley groove 51c is formed by a parallel groove having a groove width that is, for example, at least twice the diameter of the vertical bending operation wire 37. It is preferable that each pulley groove 51c further has a groove width that is less than three times the diameter of the vertical bending operation wire 37.

[0061] Furthermore, a wire guide 51g is provided inside each pulley groove 51c. Each wire guide 51g guides the up / down bending operation wire 37 wound around the corresponding pulley groove 51c to a predetermined winding position.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 16 to 18, each wire guide 51g is formed by a tapered protrusion provided in a partial area in the circumferential direction of each pulley groove 51c.

[0063] The protrusions constituting each wire guide 51g extend from positions adjacent to the corresponding connection grooves 51e in a direction opposite to the winding direction of the corresponding up / down bending operation wire 37. As a more specific example, each wire guide 51g is preferably provided in an area occupying approximately one-fourth of the entire circumference of each pulley groove 51c.

[0064] Each wire guide 51g narrows the width of the bottom of each pulley groove 51c in a partial region of each pulley groove 51c. Specifically, each wire guide 51g narrows the width of the bottom in the partial region of each pulley groove 51c to a width that allows only one up-down bending operation wire 37 to be disposed in the direction of the central axis O3. That is, each wire guide 51g narrows the width of the bottom in the partial region of each pulley groove 51c so that only one winding of the up-down bending operation wire 37 can be wound in the direction of the central axis O3. In other words, each wire guide 51g narrows the width of the bottom of each pulley groove 51c to a groove width that is equal to or greater than the diameter of the up-down bending operation wire 37 but less than twice the diameter of the up-down bending operation wire 37.

[0065] Furthermore, each wire guide 51g guides each up-and-down bending operation wire 37 wound in a partial region of each pulley groove 51c to the bottom of each pulley groove 51c, where the groove width is narrowed. That is, each wire guide 51g guides each up-and-down bending operation wire 37 along each tapered surface to the bottom. As a result, each wire guide 51g controls the winding position of each up-and-down bending operation wire 37 around each pulley groove 51c when the winding state of each up-and-down bending operation wire 37 around each pulley groove 51c switches from the first turn to the second turn. For ease of understanding, the thickness of each up-and-down bending operation wire 37 in Figures 17 and 18 is shown thinner than the thickness determined from the dimensional ratio to the groove width of each pulley groove 51c.

[0066] Thus, in this embodiment, the vertical bending pulley 51 corresponds to a specific example of a first pulley. The pulley groove 51cu corresponds to a specific example of a first groove, and the pulley groove 51cd corresponds to a specific example of a second groove. The vertical bending operation wire 37u corresponds to a specific example of a first wire, and the vertical bending operation wire 37d corresponds to a specific example of a second wire. Furthermore, the wire guide 51gu corresponds to a specific example of a first wire guide, and the wire guide 51gd corresponds to a specific example of a second wire guide.

[0067] A protective member 54 serving as a cover is attached to a portion of the outer periphery of the vertical bending pulley 51. The protective member 54 has a shape in which a portion of a circular ring is cut out. That is, the protective member 54 has an arc shape. In this case, the central angle of the arc of the protective member 54 is set to be greater than 180 degrees. As a result, the protective member 54 has a substantially C-shape. The inner surface of the protective member 54 formed in this manner includes an arc shape.

[0068] The protective member 54 covers a part of each pulley groove 51c from the outer circumferential side of the vertical bending pulley 51. As a result, the inner surface of the protective member 54 is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis (center axis O3) of the vertical bending pulley 51.

[0069] Furthermore, the inner surface of the protective member 54 is provided with protrusions 54a that protrude toward the inside of each pulley groove 51c. The protrusions 54a are arranged adjacent to one another on the inner surface of the protective member 54. The protrusions 54a extend circumferentially along the inner surface of the protective member 54. As a result, the inner surface shape (tip shape) of each protrusion 54a includes an arc shape. In this case, the central angle of the arc of each protrusion 54a is set to be greater than 180 degrees. In other words, each protrusion 54a is generally C-shaped.

[0070] In the following description, when distinguishing between the pair of protrusions 54a, the protrusion 54a corresponding to the pulley groove 51cu and the protrusion 54a corresponding to the pulley groove 51cd, the letter "u" or "d" will be added to the end of the reference numeral as appropriate.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 12 , for example, the distance W1 between both ends of the protective member 54 is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter D1 of the vertical bending pulley 51. Furthermore, the distance W2 between both ends of each protrusion 54a is set to be sufficiently greater than the diameter D2 of each pulley groove 51c. As a result, the protective member 54 can be attached to the vertical bending pulley 51 simply by inserting each arc-shaped protrusion 54a into the outer periphery of each pulley groove 51c (see FIG. 11 ). That is, the protective member 54 can be inserted into the outer periphery of the vertical bending pulley 51 without deforming its substantially C-shaped configuration. Similarly, each protrusion 54a can be inserted into the outer periphery of each pulley groove 51c without deforming its substantially C-shaped configuration. As another example, the protective member 54 and each protrusion 54a can be integrally formed from an elastic material. The protective member 54 and each protrusion 54a are elastically deformable in a direction such that their circumferential ends move away from each other. As a result, even if the distance W1 between both ends of the protective member 54 is set to be less than the diameter D1 of the vertical bending pulley 51, the distance W1 can be temporarily changed to be equal to or greater than the diameter D1 by elastic deformation of the protective member 54. Therefore, the protective member 54 and each of the protrusions 54a can be attached to the vertical bending pulley 51 and each of the pulley grooves 51c from the outer circumferential side of the vertical bending pulley 51 and each of the pulley grooves 51c.

[0072] 8, each of the protrusions 54a has a shape that fits into each of the pulley grooves 51c when the protective member 54 is attached to the vertical bending pulley 51. As a result, each of the protrusions 54a is disposed coaxially with the central axis O3 of the vertical bending pulley 51.

[0073] 8 to 10, both circumferential ends of the protective member 54 and each protrusion 54a are arranged in a direction in which each up-and-down bending operation wire 37 extends from each pulley groove 51c of the up-and-down bending pulley 51. This allows each up-and-down bending operation wire 37 to move forward and backward as the up-and-down bending pulley 51 rotates.

[0074] Furthermore, each protrusion 54a fitted into each pulley groove 51c restricts movement of the up-down bending operation wire 37 in the outer diameter direction of the up-down bending pulley 51. As a result, the protective member 54 prevents the up-down bending operation wire 37 from falling off the pulley groove 51c when relaxed.

[0075] Thus, in this embodiment, the protection member 54 corresponds to a specific example of a cover. The protrusion 54au corresponds to a specific example of a first protrusion, and the protrusion 54ad corresponds to a specific example of a second protrusion.

[0076] The left-right bending pulley 52 has a left-right bending pulley body 52a that is substantially disk-shaped and has a predetermined thickness.

[0077] A key hole 52b is provided in the center of the left / right bending pulley body 52a, penetrating in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0078] Further, a pair of pulley grooves 52c are provided on the outer periphery of the left / right bending pulley body 52a.

[0079] In addition, wire stop receiving holes 52d are provided on both sides of the left-right bending pulley body 52a, and connecting grooves 52e are provided on both sides of the left-right bending pulley body 52a to connect each wire stop receiving hole 52d to each pulley groove 52c.

[0080] A protrusion 52f is provided on one side of the left-right bending pulley body 52a. In this embodiment, the protrusion 52f has, for example, a partial arc shape and protrudes in the outer diameter direction of the left-right bending pulley body 52a.

[0081] The left-right bending pulley 52 configured in this manner allows the base ends of the pair of left-right bending operation wires 38 to be wound around the inside of each pulley groove 52c. In this case, wire stoppers 38a attached to the base ends of the left-right bending operation wires 38 are inserted into each wire stop receiving hole 52d. This connects each left-right bending operation wire 38 to the left-right bending pulley 52. ​​Then, each left-right bending operation wire 38 is guided to each pulley groove 52c via each connection groove 52e.

[0082] The pair of left / right bending operation wires 38 are wound in opposite directions in the circumferential direction of the pair of pulley grooves 52c. As a result, when one left / right bending operation wire 38 is pulled as the left / right bending pulley 52 rotates about the central axis O3, the other left / right bending operation wire 38 is loosened. Also, when one left / right bending operation wire 38 is loosened, the other left / right bending operation wire 38 is pulled.

[0083] In the following description, when distinguishing between the pair of left / right bending operation wires 38 and the pair of pulley grooves 52c, the left / right bending operation wire 38 and the pulley groove 52c for bending the bending portion 11 to the left, and the left / right bending operation wire 38 and the pulley groove 52c for bending the bending portion 11 to the right, the letter "l" or "r" will be added to the end of the reference numeral as appropriate.

[0084] Here, the bottom of each pulley groove 52c has a width that allows up to two left-right bending operation wires 38 to be arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis of the left-right bending pulley 52 (direction of the central axis O3). That is, each pulley groove 52c has a groove width that allows up to two turns of each left-right bending operation wire 38 to be wound along the bottom of the pulley groove 52c. In other words, each pulley groove 52c is formed by a parallel groove having a groove width that is, for example, at least twice the diameter of the left-right bending operation wire 38. Note that it is preferable that each pulley groove 52c further has a groove width that is less than three times the diameter of the left-right bending operation wire 38.

[0085] Furthermore, a wire guide 52g is provided inside each pulley groove 52c. Each wire guide 52g guides the left / right bending operation wire 38 wound around the corresponding pulley groove 52c to a predetermined winding position.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 8, 16, 19, and 20, each wire guide 52g is formed by a tapered protrusion provided in a partial region in the circumferential direction of each pulley groove 52c.

[0087] The protrusions constituting each wire guide 52g extend from positions adjacent to the corresponding connection grooves 52e in a direction opposite to the winding direction of each left / right bending operation wire 38. As a more specific example, each wire guide 52g is preferably provided in an area occupying approximately one-fourth of the entire circumference of each pulley groove 52c.

[0088] Each wire guide 52g narrows the width of the bottom of each pulley groove 52c in a partial region of each pulley groove 52c. Specifically, each wire guide 52g narrows the width of the bottom of each pulley groove 52c to a width that allows only one left / right bending operation wire 38 to be disposed in the direction of the central axis O3. That is, each wire guide 52g narrows the width of the bottom of each pulley groove 52c in a partial region so that the left / right bending operation wire 38 can be wound around only one turn in the direction of the central axis O3. In other words, each wire guide 52g narrows the width of the bottom of each pulley groove 52c to a groove width that is equal to or greater than the diameter of the left / right bending operation wire 38 but less than twice the diameter of the left / right bending operation wire 38.

[0089] Furthermore, each wire guide 52g guides each left / right bending operation wire 38 wound in a partial region of each pulley groove 52c to the bottom of each pulley groove 52c with a narrowed groove width. That is, each wire guide 52g guides each left / right bending operation wire 38 along each tapered surface to the bottom. As a result, each wire guide 52g controls the winding position of each left / right bending operation wire 38 around each pulley groove 52c when the winding state of each left / right bending operation wire 38 around each pulley groove 52c switches from the first turn to the second turn. For ease of understanding, the thickness of each left / right bending operation wire 38 in Figures 19 and 20 is shown thinner than the thickness determined from the dimensional ratio to the groove width of each pulley groove 52c.

[0090] Thus, in this embodiment, the left-right bending pulley 52 corresponds to a specific example of a second pulley. The pulley groove 52cu corresponds to a specific example of a third groove, and the pulley groove 52cd corresponds to a specific example of a fourth groove. The left-right bending operation wire 38u corresponds to a specific example of a third wire, and the left-right bending operation wire 38d corresponds to a specific example of a fourth wire. Furthermore, the wire guide 52gu corresponds to a specific example of a third wire guide, and the wire guide 52gd corresponds to a specific example of a fourth wire guide.

[0091] A protective member 55 serving as a cover is attached to a portion of the outer periphery of the left-right bending pulley 52. ​​The protective member 55 has a shape in which a portion of a circular ring is cut out. That is, the protective member 55 has an arc shape. In this case, the central angle of the arc of the protective member 55 is set to be greater than 180 degrees. As a result, the protective member 55 has a substantially C-shape. The inner surface of the protective member 55 formed in this manner includes an arc shape.

[0092] Furthermore, protrusions 55a that protrude toward the inside of each pulley groove 52c are provided on the inner surface of the protection member 55. The inner surface shape of each protrusion 55a includes an arc shape.

[0093] The protective member 55 covers a part of each pulley groove 52c from the outer circumferential side of the left-right bending pulley 52. ​​As a result, the inner surface of the protective member 55 is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis (center axis O3) of the left-right bending pulley 52.

[0094] Furthermore, the protrusions 55a are arranged adjacent to one another on the inner surface of the protective member 55. Each protrusion 55a extends circumferentially along the inner surface of the protective member 55. As a result, the inner surface shape (tip shape) of each protrusion 55a includes an arc shape. In this case, the central angle of the arc of each protrusion 55a is set to be greater than 180 degrees. In other words, each protrusion 55a has a substantially C-shape.

[0095] In the following description, when distinguishing between the pair of protrusions 55a, the protrusion 55a corresponding to the pulley groove 52cl and the protrusion 55a corresponding to the pulley groove 52cr, the letter "l" or "r" will be added to the end of the reference numeral as appropriate.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 14 , for example, the distance W3 between both ends of the protective member 55 is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter D3 of the horizontal bending pulley 52. ​​Furthermore, the distance W4 between both ends of each protrusion 55a is set to be sufficiently greater than the diameter D4 of each pulley groove 52c. As a result, the protective member 55 can be attached to the horizontal bending pulley 52 simply by inserting each arc-shaped protrusion 55a into the outer periphery of each pulley groove 52c (see FIG. 13 ). That is, the protective member 55 can be inserted into the outer periphery of the horizontal bending pulley 52 without deforming its substantially C-shaped configuration. Similarly, each protrusion 55a can be inserted into the outer periphery of each pulley groove 52c without deforming its substantially C-shaped configuration. As another example, the protective member 55 and each protrusion 55a can be integrally formed from an elastic material. The protective member 55 and each protrusion 55a are elastically deformable in a direction such that their circumferential ends move away from each other. As a result, even if the distance W3 between both ends of the protective member 55 is set to be less than the diameter D3 of the left-right bending pulley 52, it is possible to temporarily change the distance W3 to the diameter D3 or more by elastic deformation of the protective member 55. Therefore, the protective member 55 and each protrusion 55a can be attached to the left-right bending pulley 52 and each pulley groove 52c from the outer circumferential side of the left-right bending pulley 52 and each pulley groove 52c.

[0097] 8, each protrusion 55a has a shape that fits into each pulley groove 52c when the protective member 55 is attached to the left-right bending pulley 52. ​​As a result, each protrusion 55a is disposed coaxially with the central axis O3 of the left-right bending pulley 52.

[0098] 8 to 10, both circumferential ends of the protective member 55 and each protrusion 55a are arranged in a direction in which each left / right bending operation wire 38 extends from each pulley groove 52c of the left / right bending pulley 52. ​​This allows each left / right bending operation wire 38 to move forward and backward as the left / right bending pulley 52 rotates.

[0099] Furthermore, each protrusion 55a fitted into each pulley groove 52c restricts movement of the left / right bending operation wire 38 in the outer diameter direction of the left / right bending pulley 52. ​​In this way, the protective member 55 prevents the left / right bending operation wire 38 from falling off the pulley groove 52c when relaxed.

[0100] Thus, in this embodiment, the protection member 55 corresponds to a specific example of a cover. The protrusion 55al corresponds to a specific example of a third protrusion, and the protrusion 55ar corresponds to a specific example of a fourth protrusion.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the pulley case 53 has a case body 60 and a first case member 61 and a second case member 62 attached to either side of the case body 60 .

[0102] The case body 60 is made of a substantially cylindrical member. The inner diameter of the case body 60 is set to be larger than the outer diameters of the protection members 54 and 55 and smaller than the outer diameters of the protrusions 51f and 52f.

[0103] A partition wall 60a is provided inside the case body 60. This partition wall 60a divides the inside of the case body 60 into an up-down bending pulley chamber 63 and a left-right bending pulley chamber 64. Furthermore, a shaft hole 60b that penetrates in the direction of the central axis O3 is provided at the center of the partition wall 60a.

[0104] The depth (depth in the direction of the central axis O3) of the vertical bending pulley chamber 63 is set to be shallower than the thickness of the vertical bending pulley 51. This makes it possible for the vertical bending pulley chamber 63 to accommodate the vertical bending pulley 51 with the convex portion 51f facing the other end surface of the case body 60.

[0105] The case body 60 is also provided with a pair of communication grooves 63a for connecting the interior of the vertical bending pulley chamber 63 to the outside. These communication grooves 63a allow the vertical bending operation wire 37 wound around each pulley groove 51c of the vertical bending pulley 51 to extend outside the vertical bending pulley chamber 63.

[0106] Furthermore, a plurality of mounting portions 65 are provided on the other end surface of the case body 60 in the direction of the central axis O3. These mounting portions 65 are configured, for example, by slit-shaped recessed grooves. The mounting portions 65 are arranged radially from the central axis O3 of the case body 60 at a predetermined distance from one another. A flat metal or resin stopper member 67, for example, can be detachably attached to each mounting portion 65.

[0107] At least one stopper member 67 is selectively attached to the group of mounting portions 65 arranged in this manner. In this embodiment, two stopper members 67 are selectively attached to the group of mounting portions 65. A portion of the stopper member 67 attached to the mounting portion 65 protrudes from the other end surface of the case main body 60. The protruding portion of the stopper member 67 is capable of contacting the convex portion 51f of the vertical bending pulley 51. In this way, each stopper member 67 regulates the rotation angle of the vertical bending pulley 51. In other words, each stopper member 67 determines the rotatable angle θ1 of the vertical bending pulley 51 depending on the position of the mounting portion 65 to which the stopper member 67 is selectively attached (see, for example, FIGS. 21 and 22 ).

[0108] In this embodiment, the range of the rotation angle θ1 of the vertical bending pulley 51 is set to ±180 degrees or less relative to the initial position of the vertical bending pulley 51. Here, the initial position of the rotation direction of the vertical bending pulley 51 is, for example, the rotation position when the bending portion 11 is not bent in the vertical direction. In other words, the initial position of the vertical bending pulley 51 is, for example, the neutral position of the vertical bending pulley 51 when the operating force on the vertical bending operation knob 22 is released. In this case, when the absolute value of the rotation angle of the vertical bending pulley 51 is maximum on the negative side, one of the pair of vertical bending operation wires 37 is wound around the pulley groove 51c less than one turn. Furthermore, the other vertical bending operation wire 37 is wound around the pulley groove 51c one turn or more. Conversely, when the absolute value of the rotation angle of the vertical bending pulley 51 is at its maximum on the positive side, one of the pair of vertical bending operation wires 37 is wound around the pulley groove 51c by one or more turns, and the other vertical bending operation wire 37 is wound around the pulley groove 51c by less than one turn.

[0109] The depth (depth in the direction of the central axis O3) of the left-right bending pulley chamber 64 is set to be a predetermined value shallower than the thickness of the left-right bending pulley 52. ​​This makes it possible for the left-right bending pulley chamber 64 to accommodate the left-right bending pulley 52 with the convex portion 52f facing one end surface of the case body 60.

[0110] The case body 60 is also provided with a pair of communication grooves 64a for connecting the inside of the left-right bending pulley chamber 64 to the outside. These communication grooves 64a allow the left-right bending operation wire 38 wound around each pulley groove 52c of the left-right bending pulley 52 to extend outside the left-right bending pulley chamber 64.

[0111] Furthermore, one end surface of the case body 60 in the direction of the central axis O3 is provided with a plurality of mounting portions 66. These mounting portions 66 are configured, for example, by slit-shaped recessed grooves. The mounting portions 66 are arranged radially from the central axis O3 of the case body 60 at a predetermined distance from one another. A flat-plate-shaped stopper member 68 made of, for example, metal or resin can be detachably attached to each mounting portion 66.

[0112] At least one stopper member 68 is selectively attached to the group of mounting portions 66 arranged in this manner. In this embodiment, two stopper members 68 are selectively attached to the group of mounting portions 66. A portion of the stopper member 68 attached to the mounting portion 66 protrudes from one end surface of the case main body 60. The protruding portion of the stopper member 68 is capable of contacting the convex portion 52f of the left-right bending pulley 52. ​​In this way, each stopper member 68 restricts the rotation angle of the left-right bending pulley 52. ​​In other words, each stopper member 68 determines the rotatable angle θ2 of the left-right bending pulley 52 depending on the position of the mounting portion 66 to which the stopper member 68 is selectively attached.

[0113] In this embodiment, the range of the rotatable angle θ2 of the left / right bending pulley 52 is set to ±180 degrees or less relative to the initial position of the left / right bending pulley 52. ​​Here, the initial position of the rotational direction of the left / right bending pulley 52 is, for example, the rotational position when the bending portion 11 is not bent left / right. In other words, the initial position of the left / right bending pulley 52 is, for example, the neutral position of the left / right bending pulley 52 when the operating force on the left / right bending operation knob 23 is released. In this case, when the absolute value of the rotational angle of the left / right bending pulley 52 is maximum on the negative side, one of the pair of left / right bending operation wires 38 is wound around the pulley groove 52c less than one turn. Furthermore, the other left / right bending operation wire 38 is wound around the pulley groove 52c one turn or more. Conversely, when the absolute value of the rotation angle of the left / right bending pulley 52 is at its maximum on the positive side, one of the pair of left / right bending operation wires 38 is wound around the pulley groove 52c by one or more turns, and the other left / right bending operation wire 38 is wound around the pulley groove 52c by less than one turn.

[0114] The first case member 61 has a generally disk shape and an outer diameter that is generally the same as the outer diameter of the case main body 60. A shaft hole 61a is provided in the center of the first case member 61, penetrating in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0115] A recess 61 b ​​facing the vertical bending pulley 51 may be formed on one end surface of the first case member 61 (the surface facing the other end surface of the case body 60 ).

[0116] Furthermore, one end surface of the first case member 61 is provided with mounting portions 69 corresponding to the mounting portions 65 provided on the other end surface of the case body 60 .

[0117] The first case member 61 configured in this manner is fixed to the other end of the case body 60 by screws or the like. This fixation sandwiches the vertical bending pulley 51 between the first case member 61 and the case body 60. As a result, the vertical bending pulley 51 is held rotatably inside the vertical bending pulley chamber 63.

[0118] At this time, the stopper member 67 is held in a state where it is sandwiched between the mounting portion 65 and the mounting portion 69. In order to simplify the structure, it is also possible to omit either the mounting portion 65 on the other end surface of the case main body 60 or the mounting portion 69 of the first case member 61.

[0119] A bracket 71 is integrally formed with the first case member 61. The bracket 71 has a generally rectangular plate shape that extends in the radially outer direction of the first case member 61.

[0120] Furthermore, the bracket 71 is provided with groove-shaped guide grooves 71a that guide the pair of up-down bending operation wires 37 extending from the up-down bending pulley chamber 63 and the pair of left-right bending operation wires 38 extending from the left-right bending pulley chamber 64. The protective member 54 attached to the up-down bending pulley 51 and the protective member 55 attached to the left-right bending pulley 52 are disposed on opposite sides of the guide grooves 71a in the circumferential direction of the up-down bending pulley chamber 63 and the left-right bending pulley chamber 64.

[0121] The second case member 62 has a generally disk shape and an outer diameter that is generally the same as the outer diameter of the case main body 60. The second case member 62 has a central hole 62a that penetrates in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0122] A recess 62 b facing the left-right bending pulley 52 may be formed on the other end surface of the second case member 62 (the surface on the side opposite to one end surface of the case body 60 ).

[0123] Furthermore, the other end surface of the second case member 62 is provided with mounting portions 70 corresponding to the respective mounting portions 66 provided on one end surface of the case main body 60 .

[0124] The second case member 62 configured in this manner is fixed to one end of the case body 60 by screws or the like. This fixation sandwiches the left-right bending pulley 52 between the second case member 62 and the case body 60. As a result, the left-right bending pulley 52 is held rotatably inside the left-right bending pulley chamber 64.

[0125] At this time, the stopper member 68 is held in a state where it is sandwiched between the mounting portion 66 and the mounting portion 70. To simplify the structure, it is also possible to omit either the mounting portion 66 on the other end surface of the case main body 60 or the mounting portion 70 of the second case member 62.

[0126] The pulley unit 36 ​​configured in this manner is fixed to the inner surface side of the first housing member 16 by screws or the like. Specifically, the pulley unit 36 ​​is fixed to the first housing member 16 by, for example, using some of the multiple screws that fix the first case member 61 and the second case member 62 to the case main body 60. The pulley unit 36 ​​is also fixed to the first housing member 16 by, for example, fastening a bracket 71 to the first housing member 16 by screws or the like.

[0127] 8, 30, and 31, the up / down bending operation knob 22 is, for example, a bending operation knob integrated with a brake. That is, the up / down bending operation knob 22 of this embodiment has an integrally built-in brake mechanism that holds the rotation position of the up / down bending operation knob 22.

[0128] The up-down bending operation knob 22 has an operation knob body 75 , a friction rubber 76 , a push plate 77 , a cam plate 78 , a cover body 79 , a brake operation lever 80 , and a friction sheet 82 .

[0129] The operation knob body 75 is made of, for example, a resin molded product. The operation knob body 75 has a plurality of finger hooks 75a protruding radially. A brake chamber 75b is formed in the operation knob body 75 inside these finger hooks 75a. The brake chamber 75b has a generally cylindrical shape with one end in the direction of the central axis O3 open.

[0130] A hollow shaft 81 is integrally formed at the center of the operation knob body 75 (the center of the brake chamber 75b) and protrudes toward one end along the central axis O3.

[0131] A key 81a that can be fitted into the key hole 51b of the vertical bending pulley 51 is provided at one end of the hollow shaft 81. This key 81a has a shape in which, for example, a part of the outer periphery on the one end side of the hollow shaft 81 is cut out.

[0132] Furthermore, a weakened portion 81b is formed in the middle of the hollow shaft 81. The weakened portion 81b is formed, for example, by providing a groove on the outer periphery of the hollow shaft 81. Due to this weakened portion 81b, the torsional strength of the hollow shaft 81 is set to be weaker than the tensile strength of each of the up / down bending operation wires 37.

[0133] The friction rubber 76 is formed, for example, in an annular shape, and is accommodated in the brake chamber 75b via an annular friction sheet 82.

[0134] The push plate 77 is made of, for example, a resin molded product and has a substantially disk shape. The outer diameter of the push plate 77 is set to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the friction rubber 76.

[0135] A plurality of cam followers 77a, each of which is made up of, for example, arc-shaped protrusions, are formed on one end surface of the push plate 77. These cam followers 77a are arranged in a ring shape on the one end surface of the push plate 77, centered on the central axis O3.

[0136] Further, a key hole 77b is provided in the center of the push plate 77, penetrating the push plate 77 in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0137] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the push plate 77 is provided with a plurality of minute outward projections 77c that project in the radially outward direction.

[0138] The push plate 77 configured in this manner is housed in the brake chamber 75b with the other end surface abutting against the friction rubber 76.

[0139] The cam plate 78 is made of, for example, a resin molded product and has a substantially disk shape. The outer diameter of the cam plate 78 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the push plate 77.

[0140] A plurality of cams 78a are formed on the other end surface of the cam plate 78 in the direction of the central axis O3. Each cam 78a is configured as a sloped protrusion whose protrusion amount toward the other end side gradually changes along the circumferential direction. These cams 78a are arranged in an annular shape on the other end surface of the cam plate 78 so as to face each cam follower 77a.

[0141] Further, a key hole 78b is provided in the center of the cam plate 78, penetrating the cam plate 78 in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0142] Furthermore, an annular flange 78c that protrudes toward the other end is formed on the outer edge of the cam plate 78. This flange 78c has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the push plate 77.

[0143] The flange 78c has an inner periphery provided with a plurality of small inward protrusions 78d that protrude inward in the radial direction. These inward protrusions 78d are engageable with the outward protrusions 77c provided on the push plate 77.

[0144] The cam plate 78 configured in this manner is housed in the brake chamber 75b with the push plate 77 housed inside the flange 78c.

[0145] The cover 79 is made of, for example, a resin molded product and has a substantially disk shape. The outer diameter of the cover 79 is set to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the brake chamber 75b.

[0146] The lid 79 is provided with a through-hole 79a that penetrates the lid 79 in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0147] The cover 79 is secured to the operating knob body 75 by screws or the like while housed in the brake chamber 75b.

[0148] The brake operation lever 80 is made of, for example, a resin molded product and has, for example, a substantially disk-shaped rotating plate 80a and a lever 80b that protrudes radially outward from the rotating plate 80a.

[0149] A through-hole 80c is provided in the center of the rotary plate 80a, penetrating the rotary plate 80a in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0150] An annular flange 80d is formed on the inner edge of the rotary plate 80a and protrudes toward the other end. The outer diameter of this flange 80d is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the through-hole 79a of the lid 79. This flange 80d is slidably fitted into the through-hole 79a of the lid 79.

[0151] Furthermore, a key 80e protrudes from a part of the flange 80d, and can be fitted into a key hole 78b of the cam plate 78. By fitting this key 80e into the key hole 78b of the cam plate 78, the brake operating lever 80 can rotate integrally with the cam plate 78.

[0152] Here, in the up / down bending operation knob 22, the hollow shaft 81 passes through the centers of the friction sheet 82, friction rubber 76, push plate 77, cam plate 78, cover body 79, and brake operation lever 80, and protrudes to one end side beyond the brake operation lever 80.

[0153] As shown in FIGS. 3, 8, 32, and 33, the up / down bending operation knob 22 configured in this manner is attached to the first housing member 16 via a shaft tube 16a that protrudes from the side of the first housing member 16.

[0154] Specifically, the hollow shaft 81 of the up / down bending operation knob 22 is rotatably inserted into the shaft cylinder 16a, whereby the up / down bending operation knob 22 is rotatably supported relative to the first housing member 16.

[0155] In this case, the key 16b provided at one end of the shaft tube 16a is fitted into a key hole 51b of the vertical bending pulley 51. This allows the vertical bending pulley 51 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the vertical bending operation knob 22. Then, depending on this rotation state, the vertical bending pulley 51 pulls or loosens the pair of vertical bending operation wires 37. This allows the vertical bending operation knob 22 to bend the bending section 11 in the vertical direction via the pulley unit 36.

[0156] If excessive operating force is applied to the vertical bending pulley 51 during such a bending operation, the fragile portion 81b of the hollow shaft 81 will break before each of the vertical bending operation wires 37 breaks, thereby preventing each of the vertical bending operation wires 37 from breaking.

[0157] A key 16b is provided on the protruding end of the barrel 16a protruding from the first housing member 16 (the other end of the barrel 16a in the direction of the central axis O3). The key 16b has, for example, a shape in which a portion of the outer periphery on the other end side of the barrel 16a is cut out. This key 16b passes through the brake operating lever 80, the cover 79, and the cam plate 78 and is keyed into a key hole 77b of the push plate 77. As a result, the push plate 77 is supported non-rotatably with respect to the barrel 16a (first housing member 16).

[0158] When the cam plate 78 is rotated by operating the brake operation lever 80, the push plate 77 rotates relative to the cam plate 78. This relative rotation changes the contact position of the cam follower 77a with respect to the cam 78a. This change in contact position displaces the push plate 77 toward the operation knob main body 75 (see the transition from FIG. 32 to FIG. 33). As a result, the friction rubber 76 is elastically deformed by the pressing force of the push plate 77 and pressed against the friction sheet 82 and the operation knob main body 75. The pressing force of the push plate 77 generates strong frictional forces between the operation knob main body 75 and the friction sheet 82, and between the cam plate 78 and the cover 79. The push plate 77 is unable to rotate relative to the shaft tube 16a. This restricts rotation of the operation knob main body 75. This restriction on rotation relative to the operation knob main body 75 maintains the rotational position of the up / down bending operation knob 22 (the brake is activated). Furthermore, if the rotational position of the up / down bending operation knob 22 is temporarily held and then the up / down bending operation knob 22 is forcibly rotated, the cam plate 78 will also rotate, reducing the pressing force of the push plate 77 and possibly reducing the frictional force. The inward protrusions 78d of the flange 78c engage with the outward protrusions 77c on the push plate 77, preventing the cam plate 78 from rotating. Therefore, even if the up / down bending operation knob 22, whose rotational position is held, is forcibly rotated, the rotation of the cam plate 78 is limited. As a result, the pressing force of the push plate 77 will not decrease, and neither will the frictional force.

[0159] 8 and 23 to 29, the left / right bending operation knob 23 is, for example, a brake-integrated bending operation knob. That is, the left / right bending operation knob 23 of this embodiment has an integrally built-in brake mechanism that holds the rotation position of the left / right bending operation knob 23.

[0160] The left / right bending operation knob 23 has an operation knob body 85 , a cam plate 86 , a push plate 87 , a friction rubber 88 , a cover body 89 , a brake operation knob 90 , a fixed shaft 91 , and a friction sheet 93 .

[0161] The operation knob body 85 is made of, for example, a resin molded product. The operation knob body 85 has a plurality of finger hooks 85a protruding radially. A brake chamber 85b is formed in the operation knob body 85 inside these finger hooks 85a. One end of the brake chamber 85b in the direction of the central axis O3 is open.

[0162] A through-hole 85c is provided in the center of the operation knob body 85, penetrating the operation knob body 85 in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0163] The cam plate 86 is made of, for example, a resin molded product and has a substantially disk shape.

[0164] A plurality of cams 86a are formed on one end surface of the cam plate 86 in the direction of the central axis O3. Each cam 86a is configured as a sloped protrusion whose protrusion amount toward one end gradually changes along the circumferential direction. These cams 86a are arranged in an annular shape centered on the central axis O3 on one end surface of the cam plate 86.

[0165] A through-hole 86b is provided in the center of the cam plate 86, penetrating in the direction of the central axis O3 of the cam plate 86. Furthermore, a keyhole 86c is provided around the through-hole 86b of the cam plate 86, penetrating in the direction of the central axis O3 of the cam plate 86.

[0166] An annular flange 86d protruding from one end is formed on the outer edge of the cam plate 86. A plurality of minute inward projections 86e protruding in the radially inward direction are provided on the inner periphery of the flange 86d.

[0167] The cam plate 86 configured in this manner is housed in the brake chamber 85b.

[0168] The push plate 87 is made of, for example, a resin molded product and has a substantially disk shape. The outer diameter of the push plate 87 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the flange 86d of the cam plate 86.

[0169] A plurality of cam followers 87a, each consisting of, for example, an arc-shaped protrusion, are formed on the other end surface of the push plate 87. These cam followers 87a are arranged in a ring shape on the other end surface of the push plate 87 so as to face each of the cams 86a.

[0170] Further, a key hole 87b is provided in the center of the push plate 87, penetrating the push plate 87 in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0171] Furthermore, a plurality of small outward protrusions 87c that protrude in the outward direction are provided on the outer periphery of the push plate 87. These outward protrusions 87c are engageable with the respective inward protrusions 86e provided on the cam plate 86.

[0172] The push plate 87 configured in this manner is housed inside the flange 86 d of the cam plate 86 .

[0173] The friction rubber 88 is formed, for example, in an annular shape and is accommodated in the brake chamber 85b in a state in which the friction rubber 88 abuts against the push plate 87.

[0174] The cover 89 is made of, for example, a resin molded product and has a generally flat plate shape that is similar to the shape of the operation knob body 85 in a plan view.

[0175] The lid 89 is integrally formed with a hollow shaft 92 that protrudes from one end along the central axis O3.

[0176] A key 92a that can be fitted into the key hole 52b of the left-right bending pulley 52 is provided at one end of the hollow shaft 92. This key 92a has a shape in which, for example, a part of the outer periphery on the one end side of the hollow shaft 92 is cut out.

[0177] The key 92a is set as a weak part that will plastically deform when a predetermined external force or more is applied. The twisting strength of the key 92a is set to be weaker than the tensile strength of each of the left and right bending operation wires 38.

[0178] The cover 89 is fixed to the operation knob body 85 by screws or the like while being in contact with one end of the operation knob body 85. In this case, a friction rubber 88 is in contact with the cover 89 via an annular friction sheet 93.

[0179] The brake operation knob 90 is made of, for example, a resin molded product and has a rotating member 90a having a gentle, generally truncated cone shape and a knob 90b protruding from the other end of the rotating member 90a.

[0180] A through-hole 90c is provided in the center of the brake operation knob 90, passing through the rotary member 90a and the knob 90b in the direction of the central axis O3.

[0181] Furthermore, a key 90d that can be fitted into a key hole 86c of the cam plate 86 protrudes from one end surface of the rotary member 90a.

[0182] The rotating member 90a of the brake operation knob 90 is rotatably abutted against the other end of the operation knob body 85. In this state, the key 90d of the brake operation knob 90 passes through a through-hole 85c of the operation knob body 85 and is key-fitted into a key hole 86c of the cam plate 86. This allows the brake operation knob 90 to rotate integrally with the cam plate 86.

[0183] The fixed shaft 91 is made of, for example, a machined metal part. A key 91 a that can be fitted into a key hole 87 b of the push plate 87 is provided midway along the fixed shaft 91 .

[0184] The fixed shaft 91 is inserted into the hollow shaft 92 through the centers of the brake operation knob 90, operation knob body 85, cam plate 86, push plate 87, friction rubber 88, and friction sheet 93. In this case, a key 91 a of the fixed shaft 91 is key-fitted into a key hole 87 b of the push plate 87.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 8, the left / right bending operation knob 23 configured in this manner is attached to the first housing member 16 by inserting the hollow shaft 92 of the left / right bending operation knob 23 into the hollow shaft 81 of the up / down bending operation knob 22.

[0186] In this case, a key 92a provided at one end of the hollow shaft 92 is fitted into a key hole 52b of the left-right bending pulley 52. ​​This allows the left-right bending pulley 52 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the left-right bending operation knob 23. Depending on this rotation state, the left-right bending pulley 52 pulls or loosens the pair of left-right bending operation wires 38. This allows the left-right bending operation knob 23 to bend the bending section 11 in the left-right direction via the pulley unit 36.

[0187] If excessive force is applied to the left / right bending operation knob 23 during such bending operation, the key 92a of the hollow shaft 92 will break before each left / right bending operation wire 38 breaks, thereby preventing each left / right bending operation wire 38 from breaking.

[0188] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 34, one end of the fixed shaft 91 inserted through the hollow shaft 92 is non-rotatably connected to the shaft hole 62a of the second case member 62.

[0189] Specifically, the fixed shaft 91 has a pin hole 91b at one end. This pin hole 91b is a hole that penetrates the fixed shaft 91 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O3. This pin hole 91b is provided in a position that is exposed to the outside of the pulley case 53 from one end face of the second case member 62 when the fixed shaft 91 is inserted into the hollow shaft 92. A fixed pin 94 is inserted into the pin hole 91b that is exposed from the second case member 62. This prevents the fixed shaft 91 from coming off the pulley case 53.

[0190] 9 and 34, the second case member 62 has a pin receiver 62c on one end surface (outer surface) of the second case member 62. This pin receiver 62c is configured, for example, as a protrusion with a groove 62d capable of accommodating a fixed pin 94. The groove 62d of the pin receiver 62c extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O3. Furthermore, the groove 62d of the pin receiver 62c extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the traction forces of the up-down bending operation wires 37 and the left-right bending operation wires 38 act. The pin receiver 62c restricts rotation of the fixed pin 94 inserted through the pin hole 91b around the central axis O3. This prevents the push plate 87 from rotating relative to the shaft tube 16a (first housing member 16). In this case, the fixed pin 94 held in the groove 64d extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the traction forces of the up-down bending operation wires 37 and the left-right bending operation wires 38 act. Therefore, the fixing pin 94 prevents the fixed shaft 91 and the like from shaking due to the pulling force of the up-down bending operation wires 37 and the left-right bending operation wires 38 .

[0191] When the cam plate 86 is rotated by operating the brake operation knob 90, the push plate 87 rotates relative to the cam plate 86. This relative rotation changes the contact position of the cam follower 87a with respect to the cam 86a. This change in contact position displaces the push plate 87 toward the cover 89 (see the transition from FIG. 28 to FIG. 29 ). As a result, the friction rubber 88 is elastically deformed by the pressing force of the push plate 87 and pressed against the friction sheet 93 and the cover 89. The pressing force of the push plate 87 generates strong frictional forces between the cover 89 and the friction sheet 93, and between the cam plate 86 and the operation knob main body 85. The push plate 87 is unrotatable about the fixed shaft 91. Furthermore, the cover 89 is fixed unrotatably with respect to the operation knob main body 85. These factors restrict rotation of the operation knob main body 85. This restriction on rotation with respect to the operation knob main body 85 maintains the rotational position of the left / right bending operation knob 23. Furthermore, if the rotational position of the left / right bending operation knob 23 is temporarily held and then the left / right bending operation knob 23 is forcibly rotated, the cam plate 86 will also rotate, reducing the pressing force of the push plate 87 and possibly reducing the frictional force. The inward protrusions 86e of the flange 86d engage with the outward protrusions 87c provided on the push plate 87, preventing the cam plate 86 from rotating. Therefore, even if the left / right bending operation knob 23, whose rotational position is held, is forcibly rotated, the rotation of the cam plate 86 is limited. As a result, the pressing force of the push plate 87 will not decrease, and the frictional force will not decrease either.

[0192] Next, the configuration of the elevator operating mechanism 40 will be described in detail.

[0193] 35 and 36, the cylinder unit 41 of the elevator operating mechanism 40 has a cylinder 95 through which the base end of the elevator operating wire 42 can be inserted. A rod 96 is inserted into the base end of this cylinder 95 so as to be movable back and forth.

[0194] The base end of the elevator control wire 42 is connected to this rod 96. Specifically, the base end of the elevator control wire 42 is inserted into the cylinder 95 from the tip end of the cylinder 95. Inside the cylinder 95, the base end of the elevator control wire 42 is exposed from the sheath 43. The base end of the elevator control wire 42 exposed from the sheath 43 is connected to the rod 96. Outside the cylinder 95, a head member 97 is connected to the base end of the rod 96. Here, the head member 97 is slidable relative to a recess 71b (see FIG. 10 ) provided in the bracket 71. As a result, the head member 97 is guided by the recess 71b and is movable along the longitudinal axis O2 of the housing 15.

[0195] A communication hole 95a that connects the inside and outside of the cylinder 95 is provided on the side of the tip end of the cylinder 95. The base end side of the guide coil 44 that covers the sheath 43 of the elevator operating wire 42 is inserted into the cylinder 95 near the communication hole 95a. An adhesive is injected into the inside of the cylinder 95 from the communication hole 95a, so that the guide coil 44 and the sheath 43 are adhesively fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 95.

[0196] The elevator operating lever 24 has a circular, plate-shaped rotating cam 24a and a lever 24b that protrudes radially outward from the rotating cam 24a. The rotating cam 24a and the lever 24b are integrally formed by, for example, resin molding.

[0197] 8, the rotating cam 24a is disposed between the up / down bending operation knob 22 and the first housing member 16. The shaft cylinder 16a is inserted into the rotating cam 24a, so that the elevator operation lever 24 is rotatably supported by the first housing member 16.

[0198] The rotating cam 24a is provided with a cam pin 24c that protrudes toward the first housing member 16. The cam pin 24c is inserted into an arc-shaped keyhole 16c formed in the first housing member 16. The rotation of the elevator control lever 24 is limited, for example, within an angle range α in which the lever 24b abuts on two protrusions 16d formed on the first housing member 16 (see FIG. 37 ). The angle range α within which the elevator control lever 24 is allowed to rotate can be adjusted, for example, by attaching an angle adjustment plate 28 to the lever 24b. As shown in FIG. 38 , a plurality of patterns of angle adjustment plates 28 are prepared in advance depending on the model of the endoscope 1, etc. These angle adjustment plates 28 are attached to the lever 24b as needed, using screws or the like.

[0199] 39 to 42, the angle range α when the angle adjustment plate 28 is attached is limited to a smaller value than the angle range α when the angle adjustment plate 28 is not attached. In other words, when the angle adjustment plate 28 is attached, the end of the angle adjustment plate 28 abuts against the protrusion 16d before the lever 24b abuts against the protrusion 16d. This limits the angle range α when the angle adjustment plate 28 is attached.

[0200] Additionally, inside the first housing member 16, the cam pin 24c is connected to the head member 97 of the cylinder unit 41 via a relay member 98. This causes the rod 96 to move back and forth within the cylinder 95 in conjunction with the rotation of the elevator operating lever 24. This movement of the rod 96 pulls or loosens the elevator operating wire 42. This allows the elevator 10c provided at the tip end 10 to move between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0201] According to this embodiment, the endoscope 1 includes a pair of up-and-down bending operation wires 37 for transmitting a traction force to the bending portion 11 of the insertion section 5, an up-and-down bending pulley 51 having a pair of pulley grooves 51c on its outer periphery for winding the up-and-down bending operation wires 37, and wire guides 51g provided in partial regions in the circumferential direction of the pulley grooves 51c for guiding the up-and-down bending operation wires 37 wound around the pulley grooves 51c to a predetermined winding position, The rotation angle of the pulley 51 is 180 degrees or less, the bottom of each pulley groove 51c has a width that allows each up / down bending operation wire 37 to be wound around it a maximum of two times, and each wire guide 51g narrows the width of the bottom of the pulley groove 51c in a portion of the pulley groove 51c so that each up / down bending operation wire 37 can be wound around it only once in the direction of the rotation axis of the up / down bending pulley 51, and has a tapered shape that guides each up / down bending operation wire 37 wound around it in a portion of the pulley groove 51c to the bottom of the pulley groove 51c.

[0202] Similarly, the endoscope 1 includes a pair of left / right bending operation wires 38 for transmitting traction force to the bending section 11 of the insertion section 5, a left / right bending pulley 52 having a pair of pulley grooves 52c provided on its outer periphery for winding each of the left / right bending operation wires 38 around it, and wire guides 52g provided in partial regions in the circumferential direction of each pulley groove 52c for guiding each of the left / right bending operation wires 38 wound around each pulley groove 52c to a predetermined winding position, the left / right bending pulley 52 being rotatable through an angle of 180 degrees or less, the bottom of each pulley groove 52c having a width that allows each of the left / right bending operation wires 38 to be wound around it a maximum of two times, and each wire guide 52g narrows the width of the bottom of the pulley groove 52c in the partial region so that each of the left / right bending operation wires 38 can be wound around it only once in the direction of the rotation axis of the left / right bending pulley 52, and has a tapered shape that guides each of the left / right bending operation wires 38 wound around it in the partial region to the bottom of each pulley groove 52c.

[0203] This allows the up-down bending operation wires 37 and the left-right bending operation wires 38 to be wound in the pulley grooves 51c of the up-down bending pulley 51 and the pulley grooves 52c of the left-right bending pulley 52 in an appropriate state.

[0204] That is, the wire guide narrows the width of the bottom of a portion of the pulley groove in the circumferential direction. Then, when the bending operation wire, which has been displaced away from the pulley groove due to relaxation, is wound around the pulley groove, the wire guide guides the bending operation wire to the bottom of the narrowed pulley groove. This reliably prevents the bending operation wire from being wound around the pulley groove in an overlapping state in the radial direction of the pulley when the winding state of the bending operation wire around the pulley groove switches from the first turn to the second turn.

[0205] In this case, the wire guide is provided at a position adjacent to the start position of winding the bending operation wire around the pulley groove. Furthermore, the wire guide extends in the direction opposite to the winding direction of the bending operation wire around the pulley groove. This allows the wire guide to accurately guide the bending operation wire when the winding state around the pulley groove switches from the first turn to the second turn.

[0206] The endoscope 1 also has a protective member that covers the pulley groove from the outer periphery of the bending pulley. Furthermore, the protective member has a protrusion that protrudes from at least a portion of the inner periphery of the protective member toward the inside of the pulley groove. These configurations ensure that the bending operation wire is prevented from coming off the pulley groove even when the bending operation wire is loosened. Therefore, when the loosened bending operation wire is wound around a pulley groove, the bending operation wire can be reliably prevented from being wound around an adjacent pulley groove.

[0207] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible, which are also within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0208] For example, the endoscope bending mechanism shown in the above embodiment is configured to bend the bending portion in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, but it is needless to say that it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the endoscope bending mechanism may be configured to bend the bending portion only in either the up-down direction or the left-right direction.

[0209] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 623,861, filed January 23, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including its entirety, in ...

[0210] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... endoscope, 5 ... insertion section, 6 ... operation section, 7 ... universal cord, 8 ... endoscope connector, 8a ... liquid supply connector, 8b ... air supply connector, 8c ... engagement claw, 9 ... relay connector, 9a ... control board, 9b ... light source connector, 9c ... air supply plug, 9d ... electrical contact, 9e ... connector receiving hole, 10 ... tip section, 10a ... flat section, 10b ... opening, 10c ... lifting base, 10d ... illumination window, 10e ... observation window, 10f ... nozzle, 11 ... bending section, 11a ... bending piece, 11b ... connecting member, 11c ... outer skin, 11d ... thick section, 12 ... flexible tube section, 15 ... housing, 16 ... first housing member, 16a ... shaft tube, 16b ... key, 16c ... key hole, 16d ... protrusion, 17 ... Second housing member, 20 ... gripping portion, 21 ... channel opening, 22 ... up / down bending operation knob, 23 ... left / right bending operation knob, 24 ... elevator operation lever, 24a ... rotating cam, 24b ... lever, 24c ... cam pin, 25 ... air / liquid supply button, 26 ... suction button, 27 ... button switch, 28 ... angle adjustment plate, 30 ... branch pipe, 31 ... treatment tool channel, 32 ... first suction tube, 35 ... bending operation mechanism, 36 ... pulley unit, 37 ... up / down bending operation wire, 37d ... up / down bending operation wire, 37u ... up / down bending operation wire, 38 ... left / right bending operation wire, 38d ... left / right bending operation wire, 38u ... left / right bending operation wire, 40 ... elevator operation mechanism, 41 ... cylinder unit, 42 ... elevator operation wire, 43 ... sheath, 44 ... guide coil, 45 ... Air / liquid supply cylinder, 46a...first air supply tube, 46b...first liquid supply tube, 46c...second air supply tube, 46d...second liquid supply tube, 47...air / liquid supply tube, 48...suction cylinder, 49...second suction tube, 51...up / down bending pulley, 51a...up / down bending pulley body, 51b...key hole, 51c...pulley groove, 51cd...pulley groove, 51cu...pulley groove, 51d...wire stop receiving hole, 51e...connection groove, 51f...projection, 51g...wire guide, 51gd...wire guide, 51gu...wire guide,52... Pulley for left and right bending, 52a... Pulley body for left and right bending, 52b... Key hole, 52c... Pulley groove, 52cu... Pulley groove, 52cd... Pulley groove, 52cl... Pulley groove, 52cr... Pulley groove, 52d... Receiving hole, 52e... Connection groove, 52f... Convex portion, 52g... Wire guide, 52gd... Wire guide, 52gu... Wire guide, 53... Pulley case, 54... Protective member, 54a... Protrusion, 54ad... Protrusion, 54au... Protrusion, 55... Protective member, 55a... Protrusion, 55al... Protrusion, 55ar... Protrusion, 60... Case body, 60a... Partition wall, 60b... Shaft hole, 61... First case member, 61a... Shaft hole, 61b... Recess, 62... Second case member, 62a... shaft hole, 62b... recess, 62d... groove, 63... up-down bending pulley chamber, 63a... communication groove, 64... left-right bending pulley chamber, 64a... communication groove, 64d... groove, 65... mounting portion, 66... ​​mounting portion, 67... stopper member, 68... stopper member, 69... mounting portion, 70... mounting portion, 71... bracket, 71a... guide groove, 71b... recess, 75... operation knob body, 75a... finger hook portion, 75b... brake chamber, 76... friction rubber, 77... push plate, 77a... cam follower, 77b... key hole, 77c... outward protrusion, 78... cam plate, 78a... cam, 78b... key hole, 78c... flange, 78d... inward protrusion, 79... Lid body, 79a ... through hole, 80 ... brake operation lever, 80a ... rotating plate, 80b ... lever, 80c ... through hole, 80d ... flange, 80e ... key, 81 ... hollow shaft, 81a ... key, 81b ... fragile portion, 82 ... friction sheet, 85 ... operation knob body, 85a ... finger hook portion, 85b ... brake chamber, 85c ... through hole, 86 ... cam plate, 86a ... cam, 86b ... through hole, 86c ... key hole, 86d ... flange, 86e ... inward projection, 87 ... push plate, 87a ... cam follower, 87b ... key hole, 87c ... outward projection, 88 ... friction rubber, 89 ... lid body, 90 ... brake operation knob, 90a ... rotating member,90b... knob, 90c... through hole, 90d... key, 91... fixed shaft, 91a... key, 91b... pin hole, 92... hollow shaft, 92a... key, 93... friction sheet, 94... fixed pin, 95... cylinder, 95a... communication hole, 96... rod, 97... head member, 98... relay member,

Claims

1. A wire for transmitting a pulling force to a curved portion of an insertion part inserted into a subject, a pulley having a groove for winding the wire provided on an outer peripheral part thereof, and a wire guide provided in a partial region in a circumferential direction of the groove for guiding the wire wound around the groove to a predetermined winding position, wherein a rotatable angle range of the pulley is ±180 degrees or less with respect to an initial position of the pulley, and the wire guide narrows a width of a bottom part of the groove in the partial region so that the wire can be wound only once in an axial direction of a rotation axis of the pulley, and has a tapered shape for guiding the wire wound in the partial region to the bottom part of the groove. An insertion device characterized by the above.

2. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom part of the groove has a width capable of winding the wire up to a maximum of two turns in an axial direction of a rotation axis of the pulley.

3. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the wire guide is provided at a position adjacent to a winding start position of the wire with respect to the groove.

4. The insertion device according to claim 3, wherein the wire guide extends in a direction opposite to a winding direction of the wire with respect to the groove.

5. Further, it has a cover for covering the groove from an outer peripheral side of the pulley, and the cover has a protrusion protruding from at least a part of an inner peripheral surface of the cover toward an inside of the groove. The insertion device according to claim 1.

6. The insertion device according to claim 5, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the cover includes an arc shape coaxial with the rotation axis of the pulley, and a tip shape of the protrusion includes an arc shape coaxial with the rotation axis of the pulley.

7. The insertion device according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion includes a shape fitting into the inside of the groove.

8. The insertion device according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion has a C-shaped shape when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis of the pulley.

9. The insertion device according to claim 8, wherein a central angle of the protrusion having the arc shape is larger than 180 degrees.

10. The insertion device according to claim 8, wherein both end parts in a circumferential direction of the protrusion having the arc shape are arranged in a direction in which the wire extends from the groove of the pulley.

11. The insertion device according to claim 9, wherein the cover having the arc shape is made of a material that can be elastically deformed in a direction in which both end portions in the circumferential direction are separated from each other.

12. The insertion device according to claim 9, wherein the cover is attached to the pulley by inserting the protrusion having the arc shape into the outer periphery of the groove of the pulley.

13. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the wire is 0.25 mm or more and 0.55 mm or less.

14. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion device is a single-use endoscope that is disposed of after single use.

15. First, second, third, and fourth wires for transmitting a pulling force to a curved portion of an insertion portion inserted into a subject, a first pulley having first and second grooves provided on an outer peripheral portion for winding the first and second wires, and a second pulley having third and fourth grooves provided on an outer peripheral portion for winding the third and fourth wires, and first, second, third, and fourth wire guides provided in a partial region in the circumferential direction of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves for guiding the first, second, third, and fourth wires wound around the first, second, third, and fourth grooves to a predetermined winding position, wherein a rotatable angle range of the first and second pulleys is ±180 degrees or less with respect to each initial position of the first and second pulleys, and the first, second, third, and fourth wire guides narrow a width of a bottom portion of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves in the partial region so that the first, second, third, and fourth wires can be wound only once in a rotational axis direction of the first and second pulleys, and have a tapered shape for guiding the first, second, third, and fourth wires wound in the partial region to the bottom portion of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves.

16. The insertion device according to claim 15, wherein the bottom portions of the first, second, third, and fourth grooves have a width that allows the first, second, third, and fourth wires to be wound up to a maximum of two turns in a rotational axis direction of the first and second pulleys.

17. Further, a first protrusion that faces the first groove and restricts the movement range of the first wire in the outer diameter direction of the first pulley; a second protrusion that faces the second groove and restricts the movement range of the second wire in the outer diameter direction of the first pulley; a third protrusion that faces the third groove and restricts the movement range of the third wire in the outer diameter direction of the second pulley; and a fourth protrusion that faces the fourth groove and restricts the movement range of the fourth wire in the outer diameter direction of the second pulley. The insertion device according to claim 15, characterized by comprising the above.

18. The insertion device according to claim 17, characterized in that the first protrusion is arranged adjacent to the second protrusion, and the third protrusion is arranged adjacent to the fourth protrusion.

19. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are integrally formed on a first cover that covers the first groove and the second groove from the outer peripheral side of the first pulley. The third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are integrally formed on a second cover that covers the third groove and the fourth groove from the outer peripheral side of the second pulley. The insertion device according to claim 18, characterized by comprising the above.

Images