JP2014039611A - Insertion device and endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an insertion device which has a simple structure, does not enlarge an operation part, and can more reliably hold a fixed state of a linear member provided for an insertion part with a small operation force, and an endoscope.SOLUTION: An endoscope 2 has a linear member fixing mechanism 100 provided for an operation part 3. The linear member fixing mechanism 100 has: a slide member 101; two moving members 102 which are placed opposite two braking pieces 41, move reciprocally between a state that they are in contact with the braking pieces 41 in the direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the slide member 101 and a state that they are away from the braking pieces 41 as the slide member 101 moves reciprocally and in which a length in a longitudinal axis direction S of the insertion part 4 is longer than a movement length the braking pieces 41 moves; and two first elastic members 103 which are provided on surfaces opposite the respective braking pieces 41 in the respective two moving members 102 and are in contact with the corresponding braking pieces 41 according to reciprocal movements of the respective moving members 102.

Description

  The present invention relates to an insertion device having an elongated insertion portion to be inserted into a subject and an operation portion connected to a proximal end side in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion, and an endoscope.

  In recent years, an insertion device to be inserted into a subject, such as an endoscope, has been widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. Endoscopes used in the medical field observe an organ in a body cavity by inserting a long and thin insertion portion into a body cavity as a subject, and insert a channel for a treatment tool provided in the endoscope as necessary Various treatments can be performed using the treatment tool inserted in the inside.

  In addition, endoscopes used in the industrial field are designed to insert a long and narrow insertion portion of an endoscope into a jet engine or a subject such as a pipe of a factory. Observations such as corrosion and inspections such as various treatments can be performed.

  Here, a configuration in which an operation part, for example, a bending part that can be bent in a plurality of directions is provided in the insertion part of the endoscope is well known. The bending portion improves the progress of the insertion portion at the bending portion in the duct, and is positioned closer to the distal end side in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion than the bending portion (hereinafter simply referred to as the distal end side). The observation direction of the observation optical system provided at the tip is varied.

  Usually, the bending portion provided in the insertion portion of the endoscope is configured to be bendable in, for example, four directions, up and down and left and right, by connecting a plurality of bending pieces along the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion. Has been. The bending portion is one of the four wires that are movable members that are movable in the insertion direction and inserted in the insertion portion whose tip is fixed to the bending piece located on the most distal side among the bending pieces. By being pulled from the top, it can be bent in either the vertical or horizontal direction.

  In recent years, in order to further improve the insertability of an insertion portion in a subject, an endoscope that can change the bending length, which is the length of the bending portion, by using one bending portion is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. Is disclosed.

  The endoscope described in Patent Document 1 includes four wires inserted into an insertion portion in a configuration in which a bending portion having a first bending portion and a second bending portion is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion. The inner guide sheath, which is a linear member that can move back and forth in the insertion direction, is covered on the outer periphery of the inner guide sheath, and the distal end in the insertion direction of the inner guide sheath is fixed to the distal end of the second bending portion. The base end in the insertion direction can be simultaneously switched between a fixed state and an unfixed state by a fixed switching member. Further, in this endoscope, the outer guide sheath is coated on the outer periphery of each inner guide sheath, the distal end of the outer guide sheath is fixed to the distal end of the flexible tube portion, and the proximal end of the outer guide sheath is the flexible tube. It is the structure fixed to back rather than the base end of the part.

  According to the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if the wire is pulled by operating the bending operation knob in a state where the proximal end of each inner guide sheath is released, the distal end of the outer guide sheath is used as a starting point. The first bending portion and the second bending portion can be bent. Further, when the wire is pulled by operating the bending switching knob while the proximal end of each inner guide sheath is fixed at the same time by operating the fixing switching member, the first bending is started from the distal end of the inner guide sheath. Only the part can be curved. Therefore, the insertion length of the insertion portion can be improved by easily changing the bending length of the bending portion according to the use situation.

Japanese Patent No. 4856289

  However, the fixed switching member described in Patent Document 1 is composed of a metal base and two metal moving members. The fixed switching member moves the two moving members toward the base material in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction by using a link mechanism, and moves the inner guide sheath between the two moving members and the base material. The base end of each inner guide sheath, which is a linear member, is fixed by sandwiching a metal pipe stopper fixed to the base end.

  For this reason, the fixed switching member has a structure in which two moving members made of metal and the pipe stopper are joined together, so that the wear is low and durability is good. On the other hand, the pipe stopper is connected to the two moving members and the base material. A large force is required to maintain a fixed state of being sandwiched between and fixed.

For example, in addition to the force accompanying the pulling of the wire, a large external force may be applied to the fixed switching member via the bending portion of the insertion portion depending on the procedure using the endoscope. In such a case, with the fixed switching member having the above-described configuration, a large force is required for the operation portion to maintain the fixed state of the proximal end of the inner guide sheath, which is troublesome for the operator.
In addition, since a large force is required for the operation unit, a configuration that can withstand such a large force must be provided in the operation unit, resulting in a problem that the operation unit becomes large.

  Note that the above problem is not limited to the endoscope, and any other insertion device such as a guide tube, various treatment instruments, and a manipulator may be used as long as it has an operation portion at the distal end of the insertion portion. In addition, the operation part is not limited to the bending part, and the same applies to other operation parts such as a forceps raising base provided in the distal end part of the insertion part. Furthermore, the moving member is not limited to the bending wire and the inner guide sheath, and may be the same as long as it is composed of a plurality of wires such as a wire for raising the forceps raising base.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and with a simple configuration, the fixed state of the linear member provided in the insertion portion is more reliably maintained with a small amount of operation force without increasing the size of the operation portion. It is an object of the present invention to provide an insertion device and an endoscope that can be used.

  To achieve the above object, an insertion device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an elongated insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, an operation portion that is connected to a proximal end side in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion, and the insertion device. At least two linear members that are inserted into the operation portion and the operation portion and are movable forward and backward in the longitudinal axis direction, and at least two braking pieces provided at rear ends of the at least two linear members, respectively. An operation member provided in the operation unit, and a linear member fixing mechanism provided in the operation unit, which restricts and fixes the two linear members from moving back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction. The linear member fixing mechanism includes a sliding member that reciprocates in a direction parallel to a direction in which the linear member moves by operation of the operation unit, and a position that faces the at least two braking pieces. And the sliding portion The length of the insertion portion in the longitudinal axis direction that reciprocates between a state in contact with the brake piece and a state separated from the brake piece in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the sliding member. The at least two moving members longer than the moving length of the movement of the braking piece and the at least two moving members are provided on the surface facing each braking piece, and are responded by the reciprocating movement of each moving member. And at least two first elastic members in contact with the braking piece to be provided, and a surface of the two braking pieces facing the at least two first elastic members is provided with an uneven portion having an uneven shape. It is characterized by being.

  An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention is an endoscope including a uniform insertion device, and includes an operation unit that operates in response to an operation input from an operation unit. Is a bending portion that constitutes a part of the insertion portion and can be bent in a plurality of directions.

  According to the insertion device and the endoscope of the present invention, the fixed state of the linear member provided in the insertion portion can be more reliably held with a small amount of operation force with a simple configuration and without increasing the size of the operation portion. Can do.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the endoscope apparatus which comprises the endoscope which shows 1st Embodiment based on this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows schematically the structure inside the front end side of the insertion part of FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the modification in which the 1st site | part and 2nd site | part of the bending part of FIG. 2 were connected by the connection nozzle | cap | die. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state where the bending portion is bent from the proximal end side of the second portion in the bending portion of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state where the bending portion is bent from the proximal end side of the first portion in the bending portion of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the proximal end of the inner guide sheath of FIG. 4 is fixed and the first portion of the bending portion of FIG. 4 is bent to the side opposite to the bending direction of the second portion. The figure which shows schematically the structure by which the linear member fixing mechanism was provided in the operation part of the endoscope of FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the linear member fixing mechanism of FIG. 7 in the state which removed the cover part. The perspective view which shows the structure of the linear member fixing mechanism of the state which attached the cover part. Side view of the linear member fixing mechanism when viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the inner guide sheath is not fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism in FIG. 8 when viewed from the direction of arrow B in FIG. 8. The figure which shows schematically the state by which the inner guide sheath was fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism of FIG. 8 when it sees from the B arrow direction of FIG. The figure which shows schematically the state by which the inner guide sheath is non-fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows schematically the state by which the inner guide sheath was fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism of FIG. The figure which shows schematically the state where an inner guide sheath is non-fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism provided in the operation part of the endoscope which shows 3rd Embodiment. Side view of the linear member fixing mechanism when viewed from the direction of arrow D in FIG. The figure which shows schematically the state where an inner guide sheath is non-fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism provided in the operation part of the endoscope which shows 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows schematically the state by which the inner guide sheath was fixed and locked by the linear member fixing mechanism and lock part of FIG. The figure which shows schematically the state where an inner guide sheath is non-fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism provided in the operation part of the endoscope which shows 5th Embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing a state where the inner guide sheath is fixed and locked by the linear member fixing mechanism and the lock portion of FIG. 19.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the insertion device will be described using an endoscope as an example.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an endoscope apparatus including an endoscope showing a first embodiment according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus 1 includes a main part including an endoscope 2 and a peripheral device 10. The endoscope 2 is composed of an insertion portion 4 to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion 3 connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 4, a universal cord 5, and a connector 19. Yes.

  The peripheral device 10 includes a light source device 21, a video processor 22, a connection cable 23, a keyboard 24, and a monitor 25, which are arranged on a base 26. In addition, the endoscope 2 and the peripheral device 10 having such a configuration are connected to each other by a connector 19.

  The operation section 3 of the endoscope 2 includes a bending operation knob 9 that is another operation member, an air / water supply operation button 16, a suction operation button 17, a treatment instrument insertion port 18, and a rotation that is an operation member. A free fixing lever 80 is provided. The bending operation knob 9 includes an up / down bending operation knob 9a and a left / right bending operation knob 9b.

  The insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2 includes, in order from the distal end side, a distal end portion 6, a bending portion 7 that can be bent in a plurality of directions, which is an operation portion connected to the proximal end side of the distal end portion 6, and this bending The flexible tube portion 8 is provided on the base end side of the portion 7, and is formed in an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis direction S. The longitudinal axis direction S of the insertion portion 4 is the distal end direction in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4 parallel to the central axis S1 (see FIG. 2) of the insertion portion 4, and is the insertion direction of the insertion portion 4.

  The bending portion 7 is operated by an operation input to the bending operation knob 9 provided in the operation portion 3, that is, is bent, and a wire described later inserted into the insertion portion 4 by the bending operation of the bending operation knob 9. With the traction / relaxation of 30 (see FIG. 2), for example, it can be bent in four directions, up and down and left and right.

  An objective lens 11a in an imaging unit (not shown) provided in the distal end portion 6 is provided on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 6 and supplies a fluid toward a test site in the subject. A distal end opening 12 of the non-illustrated channel, an illumination window 13 for illuminating the inside of the subject, and a distal end opening 14 of the treatment instrument insertion channel (not shown) are provided.

  Gas and liquid are selectively ejected from the distal end opening 12 by the button operation of the air / water supply operation button 16 of the operation unit 3. From the distal end opening 14, mucus in the body cavity is selectively collected via the treatment instrument insertion channel by the button operation of the suction operation button 17 of the operation unit 3, and inserted from the treatment instrument insertion port 18. Various treatment tools are projected toward the test site.

  A connector 19 is provided at the distal end of the universal cord 5 of the endoscope 2, and the connector 19 is connected to the light source device 21 of the peripheral device 10. Various connectors (not shown) and various electrical contacts are provided on the connector 19, and a video processor 22 is electrically connected via a connection cable 23. The configuration of the endoscope apparatus 1 described above is merely an example, and is not limited to the above configuration.

Next, the structure inside the front end side of the insertion part 4 is demonstrated using FIG. 2, FIG.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration on the distal end side of the insertion portion in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connection between the first portion and the second portion of the bending portion in FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing a modified example.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of bending pieces 7 k are connected to the inside of the bending portion 7 along the longitudinal axis direction S. A blade 7h is coated on the outer periphery of the plurality of bending pieces 7k, and a curved rubber 7g is coated on the outer periphery of the blade 7h.
In the following, a portion of the bending portion 7 that is located in the first half in the longitudinal axis direction S is referred to as a first portion 7a, and a portion that is located in the second half in the insertion direction S is referred to as a second portion 7b.

In the operation unit 3 and the insertion unit 4, for example, four that can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction S (hereinafter simply referred to as front and back) for changing the operation state of the bending unit 7, that is, bending the bending unit 7. The wire guides 7u that hold the four wires 30 are inserted into the plurality of bending pieces 7k positioned in the first portion 7a. Each is provided.
The tip of each wire 30 is fixed to the bending piece 7k located on the most distal side in the insertion direction S among the plurality of bending pieces 7k.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4 described later, the base ends of the two wires 30 for vertical bending are wound around a sprocket (not shown) connected to the vertical bending operation knob 9a of the bending operation knob 9, The base ends of the two bending wires 30 are wound around a sprocket (not shown) connected to a left / right bending operation knob 9b different from the sprocket connected to the up / down bending operation knob 9a of the bending operation knob 9. Has been.

  That is, when the up / down bending operation knob 9a is operated, one of the two up / down wires 30 is moved rearward in the longitudinal axis direction S (hereinafter simply referred to as rearward), and the other is moved in the longitudinal axis direction S. Is moved forward (hereinafter simply referred to as the front), that is, when one is pulled and the other is relaxed, the bending portion 7 is bent in either the vertical direction.

  When the left / right bending operation knob 9b is operated, one of the two left / right wires 30 is moved backward and the other is moved forward, that is, one is pulled and the other is relaxed. As a result, the bending portion 7 is bent in either the left-right direction.

  Further, in the second portion 7 b, the distal end side of the connecting member 33 is fixed to the bending piece 7 k located closest to the proximal end among the plurality of bending pieces 7 k, and the outer periphery of the proximal end side of the connecting member 33 is fixed. The distal end side of the blade 8h that constitutes the flexible tube portion 8 is fixed. The outer periphery of the blade 8h is covered with an outer tube 8g.

  In addition, on the outer periphery of each of the four wires 30 inserted into the operation unit 3 and the insertion unit 4, for example, a bending portion of a bending portion made of a long and thin coil pipe along the longitudinal axis direction S is flexible. The inner guide sheaths 40, which are linear members that change the state, are respectively covered.

That is, in the operation unit 3 and the insertion unit 4, four inner guide sheaths 40 are inserted at positions shifted in the circumferential direction of the insertion unit 4. Each inner guide sheath 40 is formed of, for example, a stainless steel coil pipe.
Moreover, in each inner guide sheath 40, each wire 30 is movable back and forth.
Further, each inner guide sheath 40 is formed of a flexible coil pipe. For example, if the outer periphery of each wire 30 is covered with a normal metal hard pipe, the bending portion 7 is not bent. This is because the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 8 is lowered.

  Therefore, each inner guide sheath 40 does not deteriorate the bending property of the bending portion 7 and the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 8, and the extending direction of each inner guide sheath 40 when the bending portion 7 is bent. The members constituting each inner guide sheath 40 are not limited to the coil pipes as long as they can resist the compressive force acting along the guide lines.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 40s of each inner guide sheath 40 is, for example, a braid with respect to the blade 7h at an intermediate position in the insertion direction S of the bending portion 7, for example, the distal end position of the second portion 7b. It is fixed by attaching.

  The base end 40k of each inner guide sheath 40 can be switched between a fixed state and an unfixed state by a linear member fixing mechanism 100 (see FIG. 4) described later provided in the operation unit 3. It is configured. That is, the linear member fixing mechanism 100 fixes the movement of each inner guide sheath 40 in the longitudinal direction S before and after. The linear member fixing mechanism 100 will be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer guide sheaths 50 made of, for example, flexible coil pipes are respectively covered on the outer circumferences of the four inner guide sheaths 40 positioned in the flexible tube portion 8. Each inner guide sheath 40 inserted in each outer guide sheath 50 can advance and retract with respect to the longitudinal axis direction S. Each outer guide sheath 50 is also formed of, for example, a stainless steel coil pipe.

  Further, each outer guide sheath 50 may not be covered with the outer periphery of all four inner guide sheaths 40. For example, the inner guide sheath covered with the outer periphery of the wire 30 that bends the bending portion 7 in the UP direction. Only the outer periphery of 40 may be covered. In this case, the three inner guide sheaths 40 that are not covered with the outer guide sheath 50 need only have the distal end 40s and the proximal end 40k fixed thereto.

  In addition, since the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 8 is lowered when the coil sheath used in the conventional product is covered twice with respect to the wire 30, the bending portion can withstand the traction force of the wire 30 together with the inner and outer coil sheaths. The thickness and material of the coil sheath and the cross-sectional shape of the strands are devised so that the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 8 is not greatly reduced even if it is doubled and does not buckle even with the compressive force that curls 7. And is made of flexible material.

  Therefore, each outer guide sheath 50 does not reduce the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 8, and resists the compressive force acting in the extending direction of each outer guide sheath 50 when the bending portion 7 is bent. If possible, the members constituting each outer guide sheath 50 are not limited to coil pipes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 50 s of each outer guide sheath 50 is fixed to the distal end of the flexible tube portion 8, specifically, the proximal end side of the connecting member 33 by, for example, brazing. Yes. Further, the base end 50k of each outer guide sheath 50 is fixed to, for example, a brazing member 105 (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, located behind the flexible tube portion 8 by brazing.

  As described above, each of the outer guide sheaths 50 is inserted in the flexible tube portion 8 in a state where the distal end 50s and the proximal end 50k (see FIG. 4) are fixed. When one of them is pulled to bend the bending portion 7, each outer guide sheath 50 resists the compressive force acting on the flexible tube portion 8 along the extending direction of the outer guide sheath 50. From this, even the flexible tube portion 8 having flexibility is prevented from being bent together with the bending portion 7.

  In the state where the distal end 50s and the proximal end 50k of each outer guide sheath are fixed, the distal end 40s of each inner guide sheath 40 is fixed to the distal end of the second portion 7b, and the proximal end 40k is fixed to each outer guide. The sheath 50 is formed along the longitudinal axis direction S so as not to be drawn to the distal end side from the proximal end 50k.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, even if the bending part 7 has the structure where the 1st site | part 7a and the 2nd site | part 7b were connected along the longitudinal-axis direction S with the connection base 7m. I do not care.
Specifically, the bending piece 7k located on the most proximal side in the first part 7a and the bending piece 7k located on the most distal side in the second part 7b have an outer diameter of each bending piece 7k. The bending portion 7 may have a configuration in which the first portion 7a and the second portion 7b are connected via the connection base 7m by being fitted to a smaller connection base 7m. .

The bending piece 7k located on the most proximal side of the first part 7a and the bending piece 7k located on the most distal side of the second part 7b are respectively formed with holes (not shown). The piece 7k is fastened to a screw hole (not shown) provided in the connection base 7m via a screw or the like (not shown).
In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the tips 40s of the four inner guide sheaths 40 are fixed to the connection base 7m by brazing, for example.

  According to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, compared to the configuration of FIG. 2, when joining the tip 40 s of each inner guide sheath 40 to the middle position of the bending portion 7, it is only necessary to join the connection base 7 m. Assemblability is improved.

Next, the bending operation of the bending portion in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
4 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the bending portion is bent from the proximal end side of the second portion in the bending portion of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a view of the first portion in the bending portion of FIG. FIG. 6 schematically shows a state in which the bending portion is bent from the proximal end side, and FIG. 6 shows that the proximal end of the inner guide sheath in FIG. 4 is fixed, and the first portion of the bending portion in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematically the state curved to the opposite side to the curve direction of the site | part.

  First, when it is desired to bend the bending portion 7 from the base end side of the second portion 7b, that is, when it is desired to bend the entire bending portion 7, the operator does not perform the rotation operation of the fixing lever 80. The fixing of the proximal end 40k of each inner guide sheath 40 using the linear member fixing mechanism 100 is released.

  In this state, the operator operates any one of the bending operation knob 9, the up / down bending operation knob 9 a, and the left / right bending operation knob 9 b to move any one of the four wires 30. When pulled, each inner guide sheath 40 resists the compressive force acting along the extending direction of each inner guide sheath 40 at the second portion 7b of the bending portion 7 because the base end 40k is not fixed. The base end 40k moves backward.

  In the flexible tube portion 8, each outer guide sheath 50 has a distal end 50 s and a base end 50 k fixed to each other, so that each outer guide sheath 50 extends in the extending direction of each outer guide sheath 50. Resist the compressive force acting along.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the bending portion 7 has the first portion 7 a and the second portion 7 b from the proximal end side of the second portion 7 b starting from the distal end 50 s of each outer guide sheath 50. Bend. That is, the entire bending portion 7 is bent.

  Next, when it is desired to bend only the first portion 7 a in the bending portion 7, the operator rotates the fixing lever 80 and uses the linear member fixing mechanism 100 to each inner guide sheath. The base end 40k of 40 is fixed.

  In this state, the operator operates any one of the bending operation knob 9, the up / down bending operation knob 9 a, and the left / right bending operation knob 9 b to move any one of the four wires 30. When pulled, each inner guide sheath 40 has its base end 40k fixed, and thus resists the compressive force acting along the extending direction of each inner guide sheath 40 at the second portion 7b of the bending portion 7.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, in the bending portion 7, only the first portion 7 a is bent from the proximal end side of the first portion 7 a starting from the distal end 40 s of each inner guide sheath 40.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the proximal end 40k of each inner guide sheath 40 is not fixed, the up / down bending operation knob 9a is operated and any one of the four wires 30, for example, the upper side When the wire 30 is pulled, the first part 7a and the second part 7b are curved upward as described above, but thereafter the first part 7a is curved in a direction different from that of the second part 7b. When the operator wants to do this, the operator rotates the fixing lever 80 to fix the proximal end 40k of each inner guide sheath 40 by the linear member fixing mechanism 100.

  After that, when the operator operates the up / down bending operation knob 9a and pulls the lower wire 30, the base end 40k is fixed as shown in FIG. In a state where the upward curved shape is fixed, only the first portion 7a is curved from the base end side to the lower side opposite to the upper side.

  The bending direction is not limited to the upper side and the lower side. That is, in the state where the second part 7b is curved upward, the first part 7a may be curved left or right by pulling the corresponding wire 30, and the second part 7b The first portion 7a is bent to the upper, lower, left, or right side different from the bending direction of the second portion 7b in a state of being bent to the upper, lower, left, or right side. It may be curved.

  That is, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the first part 7a and the second part 7b can be bent in different directions. In addition, the first part 7a and the second part 7b can be curved in different directions, so that it is difficult to view lesions such as the gastric cardia, the rectal region of the rectum, and the back of the large intestine. In addition to expecting the effect of facilitating observation and treatment, the surgeon can easily perform a bending operation with only one hand.

  As described above, the bending state of the bending portion 7 can be switched by switching between fixing and non-fixing of the proximal end 40k of each inner guide sheath 40.

Next, the configuration of the main part of the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 7 to 10.
7 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in which a linear member fixing mechanism is provided in the operation unit of the endoscope of FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a diagram of fixing the linear member of FIG. 7 with the cover part removed. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the linear member fixing mechanism with the cover portion attached, and FIG. 10 is the linear member fixing when viewed from the direction of the arrow A in FIG. It is a side view of a mechanism.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, the endoscope 2 of this embodiment includes an insertion portion 4, an operation portion 3, four inner guide sheaths 30 that are linear members, and inner guides. A braking piece 41 provided at the rear end of the sheath 30, a fixing lever 80 that is an operation member provided in the operation unit 3, and an inner guide sheath 30 provided in the operation unit 3. And a linear member fixing mechanism 100 that restricts and fixes the movement in the axial direction S.

Here, the configuration of the linear member fixing mechanism 100 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a linear member fixing mechanism 100 is provided in the operation portion 3 to simultaneously fix the movement in the longitudinal axis direction S on the proximal end 40 k side of each inner guide sheath 40. Yes.
Hereinafter, the linear member fixing mechanism 100 will be described as an example in which the base end 40k side of all four inner guide sheaths 40 is fixed at the same time. Any number may be used as long as it is two or more.

  The base ends of the two crank members 60 are connected to the end of the fixing lever 80 of the operation unit 3. The distal end of the crank member 60 is rotatably connected to an end portion of a sliding member 101 of a linear member fixing mechanism 100 described later by a pin 60a. In addition, when the crank member 60 is one, the structure which the front end side was divided into two may be sufficient.

  The front end side of the sliding member 101 is connected to the linear member fixing mechanism 100, and the rear end side of the sliding member 101 is elongated by a sliding guide portion 61 fixed in the operation unit 3. Guided slidably along the axial direction S.

  Therefore, the crank member 60 and the sliding guide portion 61 can move the sliding member 101 of the linear member fixing mechanism 100 in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis direction S in accordance with the turning operation of the fixing lever 80. it can. In other words, the crank member 60 and the sliding guide portion 61 have a function of converting the rotation of the fixing lever 80 into the reciprocating motion of the sliding member 101 before and after the longitudinal axis direction S.

As shown in FIG. 8, the linear member fixing mechanism 100 includes the above-described two sliding members 101, four moving members 102, four elastic members 103, a guide member 104, and a cover member 104z. And the main part is configured.
And the uneven | corrugated | grooved part 41a of the uneven | corrugated shape is provided in the surface facing the elastic member 103 of the four braking pieces 41 arrange | positioned in this linear member fixing mechanism 100. As shown in FIG.

  The guide member 104 constitutes a main body portion of the linear member fixing mechanism 100, and is a member formed in a frame shape, for example. The guide member 104 is formed so that the inner guide sheath 40 penetrates along the longitudinal axis direction S of the insertion portion 4 and a part of the inner guide sheath 40 is exposed to the internal space. The guide member 104 has a function of restricting the movement member 102 from moving in the longitudinal axis direction S.

  The guide member 104 is provided between two first side wall portions 104A arranged in parallel in the direction along the longitudinal axis direction S of the insertion portion 4, and the two first side wall portions 104A. And two second side walls 104B arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to each other.

  The second side wall portion 104B provided on the distal end side in the longitudinal axis direction S is provided with insertion holes 104a through which the four inner guide sheaths 40 are inserted. The four inner guide sheaths 40 are inserted into the respective insertion holes 104 a, and their base ends are fixed to the braking piece 41 inside the guide member 104.

  Further, the second side wall portion 104B provided on the base end side in the longitudinal axis direction S is provided with insertion holes 104b through which the four wires 30 are inserted. The four wires 30 led out from the inner guide sheaths 40 are inserted into the insertion holes 104b and connected to the bending operation knob 9 (see FIG. 7).

  The second side wall 104B provided on the base end side in the longitudinal axis direction S is provided with an insertion hole (not shown) through which the sliding member 101 is inserted, and this guide is inserted through the insertion hole. The sliding member 101 is inserted into the member 104.

  Further, on the back surface 104B1 side of the two second side wall portions 104B, a moving member guide portion 104b that protrudes inward and is formed in a step shape is provided along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction S. ing. That is, the two side wall portions 104B restrict the movement of the moving member 102 described later in the longitudinal axis direction S by the back surface 104B1 and the moving member guide portion 104b.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a brake piece 41 fixed to the rear end of each inner guide sheath 30 is disposed inside the guide member 104. The braking piece 41 is a metal member configured in a square shape. Further, an uneven portion 41 a having an uneven shape is provided on a surface of the braking piece 41 facing an elastic member 103 described later.

That is, when the elastic member 103 is joined and pressed, the concave and convex portion 41a of the braking piece 41 deforms into the concave portion of the concave and convex portion 41 when the elastic member 103 is joined and pressed. This is to obtain a holding force for fixing so as not to move, and to make this holding force larger than the shape without the uneven portion 41a.
In addition, this uneven | corrugated | grooved part 41a is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 8, It can deform | transform suitably as needed.

  On the other hand, a square bar-shaped moving member 102 is disposed at a position facing each brake piece 41. As the sliding member 101 reciprocates, the moving member 102 comes into contact with the braking piece 41 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding member 101 (the direction of the arrow C in FIG. 8) and is separated from the braking piece 41. The length in the longitudinal axis direction S that reciprocates between the two states is longer than the moving length that the braking piece 41 moves.

  That is, by making the length of the moving member 102 in the longitudinal axis direction S longer than the length of the braking piece 41 moving in the longitudinal axis direction S, the elastic member 103 can be reliably brought into contact with the braking piece 41. .

  Further, an elastic member 103 that is in contact with the braking piece 41 by the reciprocating motion of the moving member 102 is provided on the surface of each moving member 102 that faces the braking piece 41. This elastic member 103 is formed using elastic materials, such as a silicon | silicone, urethane, a urethane type elastomer, for example, The thickness is 2-3 mm. The hardness of the elastic member 103 is preferably not less than the Shore hardness A95 and not more than A100 in order to get into the uneven portion 41a of the braking piece 41 and obtain a large holding force.

  Also, the linear member fixing mechanism 100 is a link member 105 that rotates so as to reciprocate the moving member 103 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sliding member 101 moves as the sliding member 101 reciprocates. , 106.

  Here, six sets of link members 105 and 106 are provided for the four braking pieces 41 corresponding to the vertical and horizontal directions. One end of the link member 105 is rotatably connected to the surface of the moving member 102 by a pin 107 a, and the other end of the link member 105 is rotated by the pin 107 to the surface of the sliding member 101 together with one end of the other link member 106. Connected movably. The other end of the other ring member 106 is pivotally connected to the surface of another moving member 102 by a pin 107b.

  In this case, the two link members 105 and 106 are arranged in a substantially reverse letter shape. That is, when the two link members 105 and 106 move the sliding member 101 in the direction of the arrow C in FIG. 8 indicating the moving direction, the pin 107 becomes a force point and the pins 107a and 107b become action points. Each moving member 102 can be reciprocated in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the sliding member 101 moves.

A U-shaped cover portion 104Z is attached to the guide member 104 having such a configuration (see FIG. 9).
In addition, the back surface of the cover portion 104Z has a function of contacting and guiding the upper surface of the braking piece 41 that slides back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction S. Further, the lower side of the guide member 104 is fixed to the main plate 100A in the operation unit 3, and the lower brake pieces 41 are guided to slide by the surface of the main plate 100A. (See FIG. 10). Further, the cover portion 104Z may be formed as a box-shaped lid portion instead of a U-shape. The height of the linear member mechanism 100 assembled with the cover portion 104Z is, for example, 6 to 7 mm.

Therefore, in the linear member mechanism portion 100 having such a configuration, the reciprocating motion of the sliding member 101 in the longitudinal axis direction S is caused to move the moving member 102 via the link members 105 and 106 to the sliding member 101. By reciprocating in the vertical direction perpendicular to the moving direction, the elastic member 103 can be brought into contact with or separated from the braking piece 41.
That is, the inner guide sheath 40, which is a linear member, can be fixed while being restricted from moving back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction S, or the fixed state can be released.

Next, the operation of the linear member fixing mechanism 100 in the endoscope of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 11, and 12.
11 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the inner guide sheath is not fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism in FIG. 8 when viewed from the direction of arrow B in FIG. 8, and FIG. 12 is a diagram in FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly the state by which the inner guide sheath was fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism of FIG. 8 when it sees from the arrow direction. In order to make the explanation easy to understand, the operation of one braking piece 41 and one moving member 102 on one side in the linear member fixing mechanism 100 will be described. Of course, the other brake pieces 41 and the moving member 102 operate in the same manner.

  First, when the operator rotates the fixing lever 80 shown in FIG. 7 counterclockwise, the sliding member 101 connected to the crank member 60 moves backward in the longitudinal axis direction S in the operation unit 3. .

  Then, in the linear member fixing mechanism 100, each moving member 102 slides in conjunction with the rotation operation by the link members 105 and 106 by the backward movement of the sliding member 101 in the longitudinal axis direction S. It moves in a direction away from the vertical braking piece 41 perpendicular to the moving direction of the member 101. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102 does not contact the concave and convex portion 41a of the braking piece 41, so that the inner guide sheath 40 can be brought into an unfixed state.

  Next, when the operator rotates the fixing lever 80 clockwise (in the direction of arrow “a” in FIG. 7), the sliding member 101 connected to the crank member 60 moves forward in the longitudinal axis direction S in the operation unit 3. Move in the direction of arrow c in FIG.

  Then, in the linear member fixing mechanism 100, each moving member 102 slides in conjunction with the rotation operation by the link members 105 and 106 by the forward movement of the sliding member 101 in the longitudinal axis direction S. It moves in the direction of the braking piece 41 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the member 101.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102 is in contact with the uneven portion 41a of the braking piece 41, and at the same time, is deformed into the recessed portion of the uneven portion 41a of the braking piece 41 by pressing by the moving member 102. Then, a large holding force for fixing the brake piece 41 so as not to move back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction S is obtained by adhering to the concave portion and closely contacting the convex portion at the same time. For this reason, the inner guide sheath 40 can be fixed.

  In this case, since the brake piece 41 and the elastic member 103 are not metal to each other but one is a metal and the other is an elastic material, the brake piece 51 is pressed and fixed by the elastic member 103 with a small amount of operating force. Can do. That is, the movement of the inner guide sheath 40 in the longitudinal axis direction S can be more reliably fixed with a small amount of operating force.

  Of course, since the movement of the inner guide sheath 40 can be fixed with a small amount of force, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for obtaining a large operating force in the linear member fixing mechanism 100 in the operation unit 3. 3 itself can be prevented from being enlarged.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the link member 105 moves when the angle θ between the axis O parallel to the moving direction of the sliding member 101 and the central axis C1 of the link member 105 is 90 degrees. The pressing state of the member 102 to the braking piece 41 by the elastic member 103 is maintained, and the fixed state of the inner guide sheath 40 in the longitudinal axis direction S is locked.

  In this case, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 12, the link member 105 is configured such that when the angle θ1 between the axis O and the central axis C2 of the link member 105 is, for example, 92 degrees to 93 degrees, You may comprise so that a fixed state may be locked.

  That is, when the link member 105 is at the angle θ1 from the position where the angle θ is, the reaction force of the elastic member 103 with respect to the braking piece 41 is configured to be larger than that at the angle θ, so that the reaction force is reduced Since the signal is transmitted to the fixing lever 80 via the moving member 101 and the link member 60, the operator can easily recognize that the inner guide sheath 40 is fixed and locked by the operation of the fixing lever 80. be able to.

  11 and 12, the single brake piece 41, the moving member 102, the elastic member 103, and the link member 105 have been described. However, the other three brake pieces 41, the moving member 102, the elastic member 103, and the link member 106 are described. The same operation is performed and the same effect is obtained.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the fixed state of the inner guide sheath 40 that is a linear member provided in the insertion portion 4 with a small amount of operation force can be achieved with a simple configuration and without increasing the size of the operation portion 3. The endoscope 2 that can be held more reliably can be realized.

(Second Embodiment)
13 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the inner guide sheath is not fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 14 is an example in which the inner guide sheath is fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism of FIG. It is a figure which shows the performed state roughly.

  The configuration of the endoscope according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the endoscope according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 described above. The configuration in which the elastic member 103 a is further provided on the one side wall portion 104 is different from the configuration in which the uneven portions 41 a are provided on both sides of the braking piece 41. Therefore, only this difference will be described, and the same components as those in the endoscope of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the link members 105 and 106 are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the present embodiment, the linear member fixing mechanism 100 has the elastic member 103 a on the surface of the two first side wall portions 104 of the guide member 104 facing the braking piece 41. It is provided and configured.

The elastic member 103 a preferably has the same strength as the elastic member 103 provided on the moving member 102.
Further, the linear member fixing mechanism 100 is configured by providing similar uneven portions 41 a on the surface of the four braking pieces 41 on the first side wall portion 104 side.

  That is, in this embodiment, when the movement of the inner guide sheath 40 is fixed, the holding force of the braking piece 41 by the elastic members 103 and 103a is increased by holding the braking piece 41 between the elastic members 103 and 103a on both sides. This can be further improved.

The operation of the linear member fixing mechanism 100 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, when the operator rotates the fixing lever 80 shown in FIG. 7 in the counterclockwise direction, the sliding member 101 connected to the crank member 60 is moved in the operation portion 3 as in the first embodiment. It moves backward in the longitudinal axis direction S.

  Then, in the linear member fixing mechanism 100, each moving member 102 slides in conjunction with the rotation operation by the link members 105 and 106 by the backward movement of the sliding member 101 in the longitudinal axis direction S. It moves in a direction away from the vertical braking piece 41 perpendicular to the moving direction of the member 101.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102 and the elastic member 103 a of the guide member 104 do not contact the uneven portions 41 a of the braking piece 41, so that the inner guide sheath 40 is in an unfixed state. be able to.

  Next, when the operator rotates the fixing lever 80 clockwise (in the direction of arrow “a” in FIG. 7), the sliding member 101 connected to the crank member 60 moves forward in the longitudinal axis direction S in the operation unit 3. Move in the direction of arrow c in FIG.

  Then, in the linear member fixing mechanism 100, each moving member 102 slides in conjunction with the rotation operation by the link members 105 and 106 by the forward movement of the sliding member 101 in the longitudinal axis direction S. It moves in the direction of the control piece 41 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the member 101.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102 contacts the concave and convex portion 41 a of the braking piece 41, and at the same time, is deformed into the concave portion of the concave and convex portion 41 a of the braking piece 41 by pressing by the moving member 102. Then, it enters into the concave portion and is mixed so as to cover the convex portion at the same time.

  At the same time, when the braking piece 41 is pressed against the elastic member 103, the elastic member 103 a of the guide member 104 contacts the concavity and convexity portion 41 a facing the braking piece 41, and at the same time, in the concave portion of the concavity and convexity portion 41 a of the braking piece 41. It is deformed into the concave portion and mixed into the concave portion, and at the same time, is closely attached so as to cover the convex portion.

  For this reason, the holding force larger than 1st Embodiment which fixes this brake piece 41 so that it may not move back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction S is obtained. For this reason, the inner guide sheath 40 can be more reliably fixed.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the holding force for fixing the braking piece 41 can be made larger than that of the first embodiment. The movement of the guide sheath 40 in the longitudinal axis direction S can be more reliably fixed.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the inner guide sheath is not fixed by a linear member fixing mechanism provided in the operation portion of the endoscope showing the third embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a diagram of FIG. It is a side view of the linear member fixing mechanism when seen from the arrow direction.

  The configuration of the endoscope according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the endoscope according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 described above, but in the linear member fixing mechanism 100. Instead of the link members 105 and 106, the configuration in which the moving member 102 </ b> A having the first wedge part 110 and the sliding member 101 </ b> A having the second wedge part 111 are provided is different. Therefore, only this difference will be described, and the same components as those in the endoscope of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the first wedge portion formed in a sawtooth shape by connecting at least two triangles, here four triangles, on the surface of the moving member 102 </ b> A opposite to the elastic member 103. 110 is provided.

  In addition, the surface of the sliding member 101 facing the first wedge part 110 of the moving member 102A has a slope 111a arranged to face the slope 110a of the first wedge part 110, and the first wedge part 110 has a slope 111a. There is provided a second wedge part 111 formed in a sawtooth shape by connecting at least two triangles, here four triangles, engageable with the wedge part 110.

  The 1st wedge part 110 and the 2nd wedge part 111 are formed in the taper shape so that each inclined surface 110a, 111a may reduce in diameter as it goes to the back of the longitudinal axis direction S. As shown in FIG.

  In accordance with the configuration of the sliding member 101, the second wedge portion 111 provided at the proximal end in the longitudinal axis direction S of the sliding member 101 is guided to the second side wall portion 104B of the guide member 104, In addition, a stopper 104X for engaging and stopping sliding is formed. The stopper 104X has an insertion hole 104Y through which the sliding member 101 is slidably inserted in the longitudinal axis direction S.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the apex P of the triangle of the second wedge portion 111 of the sliding member 101A is located on the distal end side in the longitudinal axis direction S of the sliding member 101A, and the first wedge portion 110 of the moving member 102A. A stopper 101B is provided to maintain the engagement state between the slope 110a and the slope 111a so as not to get over the apex P of the triangle.

  That is, when the apex P of the triangle of the second wedge part 111 of the sliding member 101A reaches the apex P of the triangle of the first wedge part 110 of the moving member 102A, the moving member 102A is moved in the longitudinal axis direction S. The braking member 41 is pressed and fixed by the elastic member 103.

At this time, the stopper 101B engages with the side surface of the second side wall portion 104B through which the sliding member 101A is inserted into the insertion hole 104W, thereby fixing the braking piece 41 by the elastic member 104. I try to lock it.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the stopper 101B is similarly provided on the distal end side in the longitudinal axis direction S of the sliding member 101A disposed at the lower portion of the linear member fixing mechanism 100.

  Further, the linear member fixing mechanism 100 of the present embodiment moves in conjunction with the sliding by the sliding member 101A using the first wedge part 110 and the second wedge part 111 instead of the link members 105 and 106. Since the member 102A is moved, the moving direction of the sliding member 101A when the inner guide sheath 40 is fixed is different.

That is, when the inner guide sheath 40 is fixed, the sliding member 101A is moved in the direction of arrow D (rear of the longitudinal axis direction S) in FIG. Therefore, unlike the first and second embodiments, the fixing lever 80 (see FIG. 7) may be rotated counterclockwise.
The operation of the linear member fixing mechanism 100 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, when the operator rotates the fixing lever 80 shown in FIG. 7 in the clockwise direction, the sliding member 101A connected to the crank member 60 is elongated in the operation portion 3 as in the first embodiment. It moves backward in the axial direction S.

  Then, in the linear member fixing mechanism 100, each moving member 102 </ b> A moves between the inclined surface 110 a of the first wedge part 110 and the second wedge part 111 by the forward movement of the sliding member 101 in the longitudinal axis direction S. The direction in which the first wedge part 110 and the second wedge part 111 are disengaged by being separated from the inclined surface 111a and separated from the vertical braking piece 41 perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding member 101. Will be moved to. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102 </ b> A does not contact the concave and convex portion 41 a of the braking piece 41, so that the inner guide sheath 40 can be in an unfixed state.

  Next, when the operator rotates the fixing lever 80 counterclockwise, the sliding member 101A connected to the crank member 60 is rearward in the longitudinal direction S in the operation portion 3 (direction of arrow D in FIG. 15). Move to.

  Then, in the linear member fixing mechanism 100, each moving member 102 </ b> A moves to the rear in the longitudinal axis direction S of the sliding member 101 </ b> A and the inclined surface 110 a of the first wedge part 110 and the second wedge part 111. It moves in the direction of the braking piece 41 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding member 101 while contacting and engaging with the inclined surface 111a.

  At this time, when the apex P of the triangle of the second wedge part 111 of the sliding member 101A reaches the apex P of the triangle of the first wedge part 110 of the moving member 102A, the moving member 102A is moved in the longitudinal axis direction. The brake piece 41 is pressed by the elastic member 103 with a large movement in a direction orthogonal to S.

  Further, by engaging the side surface of the second side wall portion 104B by the stopper 101B, the triangular vertex P of the second wedge portion 111 gets over the triangular vertex P of the first wedge portion 110 of the moving member 102A. Locked in place so that there is no.

As a result, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102A comes into contact with the uneven portion 41a of the braking piece 41, and at the same time, is deformed into the recessed portion of the uneven portion 41a of the braking piece 41 by being pressed by the moving member 102 and enters the recessed portion At the same time, close contact is made so as to cover the convex part. Therefore, a large holding force for fixing the braking piece 41 so as not to move back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction S can be obtained, the inner guide sheath 40 can be securely fixed, and the stopper 101B can fix the fixed state. Can be held. In addition to the stoppers 101B and 104, a locking mechanism (not shown) is provided at a location not shown.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the first wedge part 100 and the second wedge part 100 which are formed in a sawtooth shape by connecting at least two or more triangles. By providing the wedge portion 111, the brake piece 41 can be reliably fixed regardless of the position of the brake piece 41 in the movement range.

Further, the force by which the sliding member 101A is moved is increased many times by the boost effect by the first and second wedge portions, and the moving member 102A can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction S. Therefore, the inner guide sheath 40 can be reliably fixed with a small amount of operating force.
Furthermore, the number of parts is small compared to other embodiments, the structure is simple, the strength can be increased, and the operation unit 3 is also effective for downsizing.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the inner guide sheath is not fixed by the linear member fixing mechanism provided in the operation portion of the endoscope showing the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a diagram of FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly the state by which the inner guide sheath was fixed and locked by the shaped member fixing mechanism and the lock part.

  The configuration of the endoscope of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the endoscope of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 described above, but in the linear member fixing mechanism 100. The configuration in which the flat portions 110b and 111b are respectively provided at the vertices P of the respective triangles constituting the first wedge portion 110 and the second wedge portion 111 is different. Therefore, only this difference will be described, and the same components as those in the endoscope of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the first wedge part 110 of the moving member 102 </ b> A is configured by providing a flat part 110 b having a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis direction S at the apex P (see FIG. 15) of each triangle. doing.

  In accordance with this, the second wedge part 111 of the sliding member 101A is provided with a flat part 111b having a surface parallel to the longitudinal axis direction S at the apex P (see FIG. 15) of each triangle. It is composed.

  That is, the first wedge part 110 and the second wedge part 111 are configured such that the flat part 110b of the second wedge part 110 is pressed against the flat part 111b of the second wedge part 111 by the movement of the sliding member 101A. When joined, the joined state is maintained, and the inner guide sheath 40 is fixed in the longitudinal axis direction S.

  In the linear member fixing mechanism 100 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment, each moving member 102A is moved in the first wedge by the forward movement in the longitudinal axis direction S of the sliding member 101, as in the third embodiment. When the slope 110a of the part 110 and the slope 111a of the second wedge part 111 are separated from each other, the engagement between the first wedge part 110 and the second wedge part 111 is released, and the sliding member 101 moves in the moving direction. It moves in a direction away from the perpendicular vertical braking piece 41.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 17, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102 </ b> A does not contact the concave and convex portion 41 a of the braking piece 41, so that the inner guide sheath 40 can be in an unfixed state.

  On the other hand, in the linear member fixing mechanism 100, each moving member 102 </ b> A moves to the rear of the sliding member 101 </ b> A in the longitudinal axis direction S (direction E arrow shown in FIG. 18). While the inclined surface 110a and the inclined surface 111a of the second wedge part 111 are in contact with each other, they move in the direction of the braking piece 41 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding member 101.

  At this time, when the flat surface portion 111b of the second wedge portion 111 of the sliding member 101A rides on the flat surface portion 110b of the first wedge portion 110 of the moving member 102A and comes into surface contact, the moving member 102A is moved to the longitudinal axis. The brake piece 41 is pressed by the elastic member 103 by moving greatly in a direction orthogonal to the direction S.

  Further, when the flat surface portion 111b of the second wedge portion 111 rides on the flat surface portion 110b of the first wedge portion 110 of the moving member 102A and comes into surface contact with the side surface of the second side wall portion 104B by the stopper 101B. By combining, the flat portion 11b of the second wedge portion 111 and the flat portion 110b of the first wedge portion 110 are held at the engagement position.

  As a result, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102A is in contact with the uneven portion 41a of the braking piece 41 and at the same time within the recessed portion of the uneven portion 41a of the braking piece 41 due to pressing by the moving member 102, as in the third embodiment. It is deformed into the concave portion and mixed into the concave portion, and at the same time, is closely attached so as to cover the convex portion. Therefore, a large holding force for fixing the braking piece 41 so as not to move back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction S can be obtained, the inner guide sheath 40 can be securely fixed, and the flat portion 110b is fixed to the flat portion 111b. The fixed state can be locked in order to get on and hold the pressing force.

  That is, even when the operator releases his / her finger from the fixing lever 80, the pressing force continues to be applied to the flat portions 110b and 111b, and neither the sliding member 101A nor the moving member 102A moves, and the braking piece 41 is reliably moved. The fixed state of the inner guide sheath 40 can be locked.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the third embodiment.
Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effect as the third embodiment can be obtained.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the inner guide sheath is not fixed by a linear member fixing mechanism provided in the operation portion of the endoscope showing the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a diagram of FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly the state by which the inner guide sheath was fixed and locked by the shaped member fixing mechanism and the lock part.

  The configuration of the endoscope of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the endoscope of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, but the inner guide sheath 40 is fixed. The lock member 112 is newly provided on the guide member 104, and the lock member 101C fitted to the lock member 112 is provided on the sliding member 101A. Therefore, only this difference will be described, and the same components as those in the endoscope of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the locking portion 101C of the sliding member 101A is not rectangular like the stopper 101B shown in FIG. 15, and the diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction S gradually increases from the center side. It is configured in a polygonal shape that becomes smaller toward the rear end side.

  On the other hand, a lock spring portion 112 for engaging the lock portion 101C of the sliding member 101A is provided on the side surface of the second side wall portion 104B of the guide member 104. The lock spring portion 112 is formed in a concavo-convex shape by bending the spring inward and matching the bent portion with the shape of the lock portion 101C. The bent portion of the lock spring portion 112 has a biasing force that biases the sliding member 101A in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction 2 when the locking member 101C is fitted.

In the linear member fixing mechanism 100 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment, each moving member 102A is moved in the first direction by moving the sliding member 101 forward in the longitudinal axis direction S, as in the third embodiment. When the inclined surface 110a of the wedge part 110 and the inclined surface 111a of the second wedge part 111 are separated, the engagement between the first wedge part 110 and the second wedge part 111 is released, and the moving direction of the sliding member 101 is increased. It moves in a direction away from the vertical braking piece 41 orthogonal to the.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102 </ b> A does not contact the concave and convex portion 41 a of the braking piece 41, so that the inner guide sheath 40 can be unfixed. At this time, the lock portion 101C of the sliding member 101A is not fitted to the lock spring portion 112.

  On the other hand, in the linear member fixing mechanism 100, each moving member 102 </ b> A moves to the rear of the sliding member 101 </ b> A in the longitudinal axis direction S (in the direction indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 19). While the inclined surface 110a and the inclined surface 111a of the second wedge part 111 are in contact with each other, they move in the direction of the braking piece 41 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding member 101.

  At this time, when the apex P of the triangle of the second wedge part 111 of the sliding member 101A reaches the apex P of the triangle of the first wedge part 110 of the moving member 102A, the moving member 102A is moved in the longitudinal axis direction. The brake piece 41 is pressed by the elastic member 103 with a large movement in a direction orthogonal to S.

  Further, when the lock portion 101C is fitted to the lock spring portion 112 of the second side wall portion 104B, the triangle apex P of the second wedge portion 111 becomes the apex of the triangle of the first wedge portion 110 of the moving member 102A. It is locked in that position so as not to get over P.

  As a result, the elastic member 103 of the moving member 102A comes into contact with the uneven portion 41a of the braking piece 41, and at the same time, is deformed into the recessed portion of the uneven portion 41a of the braking piece 41 by being pressed by the moving member 102 and gets into the recessed portion. At the same time, close contact is made so as to cover the convex part. Therefore, a large holding force for fixing the braking piece 41 so as not to move back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction S can be obtained, the inner guide sheath 40 can be fixed securely, and the lock spring portion 112 of the lock portion 101C can be secured. The fixed state can be locked by fitting.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the fixed state of the inner guide sheath 40 is locked using the polygonal lock portion 101C and the lock spring portion 112 that fits the lock portion 101C has been described. Any configuration may be applied as long as the inner guide sheath 40 is locked in a fixed state.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

  Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the third embodiment, by providing the lock portion 101C and the lock spring portion 112, it is easy to operate the fixing lever 80 once. The inner guide sheath 40 can be fixed securely and reliably. Of course, even if the operator removes the finger from the fixing lever 80, the fixed state of the inner guide sheath 40 can be locked.

  In addition, in embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-20, durability is improved by giving an abrasion-resistant process with respect to the surface of each triangular slope 110a, 111a of the 1st and 2nd wedge parts 110,111. You may let them.

Moreover, although embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-20 demonstrated the bending length variable mechanism of the bending part of the endoscope whose operation | movement is a bending part, it is not limited to this.
For example, other insertion devices such as a guide tube, various treatment tools, and a manipulator can be applied as long as they have an operation portion at the distal end of the insertion portion. Further, the operation unit is not limited to the bending unit, and can be applied to other operation units such as a forceps raising base provided in the distal end portion of the insertion unit, an insertion unit hardness variable mechanism, or a zoom mechanism control mechanism. .

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 2 ... Endoscope 3 ... Operation part 30 ... Wire 40 ... Inner guide sheath 41 ... Braking piece 41a ... Uneven part 60 ... Crank member 80 ... Fixing lever 100 ... Linear member fixing mechanism 101 ... Sliding Moving member 102 ... Moving member 103 ... Elastic member 104 ... Guide member 104A ... First side wall 104B ... Second side wall 105, 106 ... Link member 110 ... First wedge part 110a ... Slope 110b ... Flat part 111 ... Second Wedge part 111a ... slope 111b ... plane part

Claims (10)

An elongated insertion section to be inserted into the subject;
An operation unit connected to the base end side in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion unit;
At least two linear members that are inserted into the insertion portion and the operation portion and are movable back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction;
At least two braking pieces provided at the rear ends of each of the at least two linear members;
An operation member provided in the operation unit;
A linear member fixing mechanism that is provided in the operation portion and restricts and fixes the at least two linear members moving back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction;
Comprising
The linear member fixing mechanism is
A sliding member that reciprocates in a direction parallel to a direction in which the linear member moves by operation of the operation unit;
A state of being in contact with the braking piece in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the sliding member as a result of the reciprocating movement of the sliding member; At least two moving members that reciprocate between the spaced apart states and the length of the insertion portion in the longitudinal axis direction is longer than the moving length of the brake piece;
In each of the at least two moving members, at least two first elastic members that are provided on a surface facing each braking piece and are in contact with the corresponding braking pieces by reciprocating movement of each moving member;
Comprising
An insertion device characterized in that a concavo-convex concavo-convex portion is provided on a surface of the at least two braking pieces facing the at least two first elastic members. The linear member fixing mechanism is
The linear member is penetrated along the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion, and a part of the linear member is exposed to an internal space, and the moving member extends in the longitudinal axis direction. The insertion device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member that restricts movement.   A second elastic member is provided along a moving direction of the moving member on a surface of the guide member facing the braking piece, and the second elastic member is provided on the guide member. The insertion device according to claim 2, wherein an uneven portion having an uneven shape is provided on a surface facing the elastic member.   The insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a hardness of the first elastic member provided in each moving member is a Shore hardness A95 or more and A100 or less. . The linear member fixing mechanism is
2. A link member that rotates so as to reciprocate the moving members in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the sliding members move as the sliding members reciprocate. The insertion device according to any one of 4.   When the link member has an angle between a line parallel to the moving direction of the sliding member and the central axis of the link member being 90 degrees, the braking by the first elastic member of each moving member is performed. The insertion device according to claim 5, wherein a pressing state to the piece is held to lock a fixed state of the linear member in the longitudinal axis direction. A first wedge portion formed in a sawtooth shape by connecting at least two or more triangles is provided on the surface of each moving member opposite to the first elastic member,
The surface of the sliding member facing the first wedge portion of each moving member is disposed to face the slope of the first wedge portion of each moving member and is associated with the first wedge portion. The insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second wedge portion formed in a sawtooth shape by connecting at least two or more triangles. .   In the first wedge part and the second wedge part, a plane part parallel to the longitudinal axis direction is formed at the apex of each triangle, and the plane of the second wedge part is formed by the movement of the sliding member. 8. When the portion is pressed and joined to the flat portion of the first wedge portion, the joined state is maintained and the fixed state of the linear member in the longitudinal axis direction is locked. The insertion device described in. An endoscope comprising the insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the endoscope
The insertion portion has an operation portion that operates in response to an operation input from the operation portion, and the operation portion is a bending portion that forms a part of the insertion portion and is bendable in a plurality of directions. Endoscope. In the insertion portion, a flexible tube portion connected to the proximal end side in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion with respect to the bending portion;
The distal end in the insertion direction is connected to the bending portion, and the bending portion is bent by being moved back and forth in the insertion direction by another operation member different from the operation member provided in the operation portion. Wire,
An inner side provided in the insertion portion, the wire is inserted into the longitudinal direction so as to be movable forward and backward, and the distal end in the longitudinal direction is fixed at a midway position in the longitudinal direction of the bending portion A guide sheath;
Provided in the insertion portion, the distal end in the longitudinal axis direction is fixed to the distal end of the flexible tube portion, and the proximal end in the longitudinal axis direction is fixed rearward in the longitudinal axis direction than the flexible tube portion. The inner guide sheath includes an outer guide sheath inserted therein so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to the longitudinal axis direction,
The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein the linear member is the inner guide sheath.

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