JP2018000741A - Wire traction mechanism for endoscope and endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wire traction mechanism for an endoscope which can achieve excellent operability without increasing the size of an operation part.SOLUTION: A wire traction mechanism 25 comprises: a first pulley 40 and a second pulley 41 where proximal end sides of first traction wires 15a, 15b and second traction wires 16a, 16b are respectively attached to peripheral parts; a first slider 42 and a second slider 43 which move in connection with a bending operation input part 21 and can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to an axis of a rotating shaft 35 of the first and second pulleys 40, 41; and a first transmission member 44 and a second transmission 45 which respectively convert the displacement of the first and second sliders 42, 43 to rotations of the first and second pulleys 40, 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope operation mechanism and an endoscope for pulling or relaxing a pulling wire for bending a bending portion using a pulley.

  Conventionally, endoscopes for performing various examinations and treatments are widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. This type of endoscope is generally configured to include a long insertion portion that is inserted into a subject and an operation portion that is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion. In addition, the insertion portion of the endoscope is provided with a bending portion for moving the distal end portion in a desired direction. As a mechanism for bending the bending portion, there is a wide range of methods of pulling or relaxing a pulling wire connected to the bending portion in conjunction with an operation input to the bending operation input portion provided in the operation portion. It has been adopted.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, an operation lever (bending operation input unit) that can be tilted around a predetermined swing center and a shaft end of the operation lever are fixed and orthogonal to the axis center of the operation lever 4. An endoscope including a traction arm extending in a direction and a traction member (traction wire) fixed to each end of each traction arm is disclosed. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, as a mechanism for holding the bending portion in a desired bending state, the friction member fixed to the operation lever and the friction member are pressed against the friction member depending on the rotation state of the switching means. A bending lock mechanism including a pressing portion is disclosed.

JP 2012-245058 A

  However, since the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above has a configuration in which the pulling wire is directly pulled by the pulling arm fixed to the control lever, the control lever and the insertion portion are arranged on the same axis. In general. Accordingly, for example, when a user grips the operation unit so that the operation lever can be tilted with the thumb, the user may place the insertion unit between the other fingers in order to avoid interference between the insertion unit and other fingers. It is necessary to hold the operation unit while being sandwiched between the middle finger and the ring finger (for example, between the middle finger and the ring finger), which may hinder good operability.

  Moreover, since the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above requires a space for allowing the swinging of the pulling arm, the wire pulling mechanism may be increased in size.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope wire pulling mechanism and an endoscope that can realize good operability without increasing the size of an operation unit. To do.

  An endoscope wire pulling mechanism according to an aspect of the present invention pulls or relaxes a pulling wire for bending a bending portion provided in an insertion portion in conjunction with a bending operation input portion provided in an operation portion. An endoscope wire pulling mechanism for causing the pulling wire to have a proximal end side attached to a peripheral portion thereof, and an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pulley in conjunction with the bending operation input portion. And a transmission member that converts the displacement of the slider into the rotation of the pulley.

  An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes the endoscope wire pulling mechanism.

  According to the present invention, good operability can be realized without increasing the size of the operation unit.

The perspective view which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention and shows the external appearance of an endoscope Same as above, cross section of the main part of the endoscope Same as above, sectional view of main part of wire pulling mechanism Same as above, perspective view showing the appearance of the wire pulling mechanism Same as above, exploded perspective view of wire pulling mechanism Same as above, perspective view showing power transmission mechanism Same as above, exploded view of power transmission mechanism Same as above, a perspective view showing the power transmission mechanism in the vertical direction The perspective view which extracts and shows the power transmission mechanism part of the left-right direction as above Same as above, perspective view of pulley The exploded perspective view of a pulley same as the above. Same as above, cross-sectional perspective view of lock member Same as above, a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the wire pulling mechanism during braking Same as above, sectional view showing the main part of the wire pulling mechanism when releasing the brake The perspective view which shows the power transmission mechanism concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Same as above, exploded view of power transmission mechanism Same as above, a perspective view showing the power transmission mechanism in the vertical direction The perspective view which extracts and shows the power transmission mechanism part of the left-right direction as above The perspective view which shows the power transmission mechanism concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Same as above, exploded view of power transmission mechanism Same as above, a perspective view showing the power transmission mechanism in the vertical direction The perspective view which extracts and shows the power transmission mechanism part of the left-right direction as above

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the endoscope, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the endoscope, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the wire pulling mechanism. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the wire pulling mechanism, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the wire pulling mechanism, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the power transmission mechanism, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the power transmission mechanism, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the left-right direction power transmission mechanism portion. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pulley. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the pulley. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lock member, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the wire pulling mechanism when the brake is operated, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the wire pulling mechanism when the brake is released.

  An endoscope 1 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an endoscope used in the industrial field, and is connected to an insertion portion 2 that can be inserted into a subject such as an aircraft engine or piping, and a proximal end of the insertion portion 2. The operation unit 3 is configured to be configured.

  The insertion part 2 is comprised by the tubular member which has the flexibility which the front-end | tip part 5, the bending part 6, and the flexible tube part 7 were arranged in order from the front end side.

  An observation window 8 and an illumination window 9 are provided on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 5. An imaging unit (not shown) provided with an imaging element such as a CMOS image sensor is connected to the back side of the observation window 8 inside the distal end portion 5. Further, inside the distal end portion 5, a light emitting element (not shown) such as a light emitting diode which is a light source for illumination is provided on the back side of the illumination window 9.

  The bending portion 6 is for directing the distal end portion 5 in a desired direction. For example, the bending portion 6 is configured by connecting a plurality of bending pieces (not shown). Here, the bending portion 6 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to bend actively in all directions around the insertion axis O including the vertical and horizontal directions. For this reason, for example, on the inner periphery of the bending piece located at the forefront, wire fixing portions (not shown) are provided at four positions rotated around the insertion axis O by a predetermined angle.

  A signal cable (not shown) electrically connected to the imaging unit and the light emitting element in the distal end portion 5 is inserted into the flexible tube portion 7, and the distal end of each wire fixing portion in the bending portion 6 is inserted into the flexible tube portion 7. Are inserted through two pairs of pulling wires (first pulling wires 15a and 15b and second pulling wires 16a and 16b (see FIGS. 3 to 11)).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation portion 3 has an operation portion main body 20 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2 is prevented from being bent at one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion main body 20. It is connected via the part 10. Here, the operation unit main body 20 of the present embodiment also serves as a gripping unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a user or the like operates with one end side connected to the insertion unit 2 as the front side. The body part 20 can be gripped along the longitudinal direction. In the following, in order to simplify the description, the front / rear and left / right directions and the up / down direction of each part of the operation unit 3 and the like are convenient based on the state in which the user or the like holds the operation unit body 20 horizontally (see FIG. 1). Defined and explained.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a bending operation input unit 21 for bending the bending unit 6 and a pointing device 22 for operating a cursor displayed on a display unit (not shown) are provided on the upper surface of the operation unit main body 20. Are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the user or the like can operate the bending operation input unit 21 and the pointing device 22 with the thumb of the hand holding the operation unit main body 20. That is, the user or the like can operate the bending operation input unit 21 and the pointing device 22 without releasing the hand from the operation unit body 20 while holding the operation unit body 20. .

  The bending operation input unit 21 is configured by, for example, a rod-shaped member that can move in a direction substantially parallel to the upper surface of the operation unit main body 20. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, an opening 20 a that communicates the inside and outside of the operation unit main body 20 is provided on the upper surface of the operation unit main body 20. It arrange | positions so that it may stand up inside 20a. On the outside of the operation unit main body 20, a finger contact portion 21 a capable of abutting a user's finger is fixed to one end portion of the bending operation input unit 21. A rubber exterior cover 21b that covers the outer periphery of the bending operation input unit 21 is provided between the finger holding unit 21a and the operation unit main body 20 (opening 20a). On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a wire pulling mechanism 25 is connected to the other end side of the bending operation input unit 21 inside the operation unit main body 20.

  The wire pulling mechanism 25 includes a housing 30 fixed in the operation unit main body 20, a first pulley 40 and a second pulley 41 that are pivotally supported in the housing 30 via a rotation shaft 35, and a bending operation. A first slider 42 and a second slider 43 that are displaceable in a direction parallel to the first and second pulleys 40 and 41 (that is, a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 35) in conjunction with the input unit 21; The first transmission member 44 and the second transmission member 45 that convert the displacement of the first and second sliders 42 and 43 into the rotation of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41, respectively, and the wire pulling mechanism 25 And a lock member 46 for restricting movement.

  The housing 30 includes a lower frame 31 having a substantially flat plate shape, an upper frame 32 having a substantially hat-shaped cross section joined to the lower frame 31, and a cover 33 provided on the upper frame 32.

  Here, the lower frame 31 is provided with a comb-shaped wire guide 31 a at a position offset from the joint with the upper frame 32. In addition, circular openings 32a and 33a are provided on the top surfaces of the upper frame 32 and the cover 33, respectively.

  Between the lower frame 31 and the upper frame 32, a first mechanism chamber 30a having a substantially box shape with both front and rear ends opened is formed. In the first mechanism chamber 30a, the first and second pulleys 40 and 41, the first and second sliders 42 and 43, and the first and second transmission members 44 and 45 are arranged. It is installed. As a result, the wire pulling mechanism 25 is configured with a power transmission mechanism 26 for transmitting an operation input (power) to the bending operation input unit 21 by a user or the like to the first and second pulleys 40 and 41. .

  A second mechanism chamber 30b having a substantially box shape that is flatter than the first mechanism chamber 30a is formed between the upper frame 32 and the cover 33. The lock member 46 described above is disposed in the second mechanism chamber 30b. Thus, the wire pulling mechanism 25 is configured with a lock mechanism 27 for prohibiting the movement of the bending operation input unit 21.

  More specifically, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3, 10, and 11, the first pulley 40 includes a first pulley body 50 having a substantially disk shape and an upper surface side of the first pulley body 50. And a first driven gear 51 provided.

  The 1st driven gear 51 is comprised by the flat plate member which makes | forms the substantially disc shape provided with the annular gear part 51a in the outer peripheral part. The first driven gear 51 is disposed so as to overlap the upper surface side of the first pulley body 50 and is fastened and fixed via a plurality of screws 52.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a part of the first pulley main body 50 on the bottom side is provided with a pair of notches 50 b communicating with the pulley groove 50 a. Further, on the bottom surface side of the first pulley main body 50, wire stoppers 53 are respectively fixed with appropriate tension via screws 54 in the vicinity of the notches 50b. And the base end side of the 1st pulling wires 15a and 15b wound around the pulley groove 50a is extended to the bottom face side of the 1st pulley main body 50 via the notch part 50b, Then, the said 1st By being sandwiched between the pulley body 50 and the wire stopper 53, it is held by the first pulley 40.

  Similarly, the second pulley 41 includes a second pulley body 55 having a substantially disc shape, and a second driven gear 56 provided on the upper surface side of the second pulley body 55. ing.

  The second driven gear 56 is constituted by a substantially disk-shaped flat plate member having an annular gear portion 56a on the outer peripheral portion. The second driven gear 56 is disposed on the upper surface side of the second pulley 41 and is fastened and fixed via a plurality of screws 57.

  In addition, about the structure for hold | maintaining the base end side of 2nd pulling wire 16a, 16b wound around the pulley groove | channel 55a to the 2nd pulley 41, 1st pulling wire 15a, 15b is 1st pulley. Since it is the same as the structure for hold | maintaining to 40, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The first and second pulleys 40 and 41 are pivotally supported by a pivot shaft 35 erected substantially at the center of the lower frame 31, respectively. That is, the first and second pulleys 40 and 41 are pivotally supported by the single rotation shaft 35 in a state where they are overlapped in the first mechanism chamber 30a.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the first slider 42 includes a first arm 60 that engages with the other end of the bending operation input unit 21, a first drive rack gear 61 as a first drive gear, Is formed by a flat plate member integrally formed so as to be orthogonal to a substantially T-shape in plan view.

  The first arm 60 is provided with a first engagement hole 60a. The first engagement hole 60a is constituted by a long hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the first arm 60, and the proximal end side of the bending operation input unit 21 can be inserted into the first engagement hole 60a. Yes.

  Further, the first drive rack gear 61 has a gear portion 61a that extends linearly in a direction orthogonal to the first engagement hole 60a, and a pair of guide holes 61b that are elongated holes parallel to the gear portion 61a. And are provided.

  Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, the second slider 43 includes a second arm 62 that engages with the other end of the bending operation input unit 21 and a second drive gear as a second drive gear. The drive rack gear 63 is formed of a flat plate member integrally formed so as to be orthogonal to the substantially T-shape in plan view.

  The second arm 62 is provided with a second engagement hole 62a. The second engagement hole 62a is formed by a long hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the second arm 62, and the proximal end side of the bending operation input unit 21 can be inserted into the second engagement hole 62a. Yes.

  The second drive rack gear 63 has a pair of guide holes 63b including a gear part 63a extending linearly in a direction orthogonal to the second engagement hole 62a and a long hole parallel to the gear part 63a. And are provided.

  The first and second sliders 42 and 43 are arranged on the upper surface side of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41 so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 35.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first and second sliders 42 and 43 are connected to the first arm 60 and the second slider on the upper surface side of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41. The arms 62 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other. Then, at the portion where the first and second arms 60 and 62 intersect, the other end of the bending operation input unit 21 is inserted into the superimposed first engagement hole 60a and second engagement hole 62a. Has been.

  On the outer peripheral side of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41, the lower frame 31 is provided with a plurality of guide pins 65 corresponding to the first guide holes 61b and the second guide holes 63b. ing. These guide pins 65 are respectively inserted through the corresponding first guide holes 61b and second guide holes 63b. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame 31 of the present embodiment has three guide pins 65 erected, and one of the guide pins 65 includes the first guide hole 61b and the first guide hole 61b. The second guide hole 63b is also used.

  Accordingly, the first and second sliders 42 and 43 can be individually slid (translated) in directions orthogonal to each other in accordance with an operation input to the bending operation input unit 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the 1st transmission member 44 is the 1st as a 1st drive transmission gear which meshes with the gear part 61a provided in the 1st slider 42 (1st drive rack gear 61). Drive pinion gear 70, and a first driven transmission gear 71 that meshes with a gear portion 51a provided in the first pulley 40 (first driven gear 51).

  The first drive pinion gear 70 and the first driven transmission gear 71 are integrally fixed to a shaft portion 72 that is rotatably supported between the upper frame 32 and the lower frame 31. Accordingly, the first transmission member 44 can rotate the first pulley 40 in conjunction with the movement of the first slider 42 in the front-rear direction.

  The second transmission member 45 includes a second drive pinion gear 73 as a second drive transmission gear that meshes with a gear portion 63a provided in the second slider 43 (second drive rack gear 63), and a second drive pinion gear 73. And a second driven transmission gear 74 that meshes with a gear portion 56a provided on the second pulley 41 (second driven gear 56).

  The second drive pinion gear 73 and the second driven transmission gear 74 are integrally fixed to a shaft portion 75 that is rotatably supported between the upper frame 32 and the lower frame 31. Accordingly, the second transmission member 45 can rotate the second pulley 41 in conjunction with the movement of the second slider 43 in the left-right direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 12, the lock member 46 is provided on a plate spring 87 having a disk shape larger in diameter than the openings 32 a and 33 a of the upper frame 32 and the cover 33, and the plate spring 87. And a plurality of (for example, four) stopper rubbers 88.

  A through hole is provided in the central portion of the leaf spring 87, and is fixed by caulking or welding or the like in a state where the middle of the other end side of the bending operation input portion 21 is passed through the through hole.

  The leaf spring 87 is formed with spring portions 87a at a plurality of (for example, four locations) that are rotationally symmetric with respect to the center portion. In this embodiment, each spring part 87a is formed by cutting out a part of the leaf spring 87 into a U shape and bending it, and each spring part 87a is bent by this bending. It protrudes to the bottom side.

  Each stopper rubber 88 is configured by, for example, a disk-shaped rubber member having a predetermined thickness. These stopper rubbers 88 are fixed at regular intervals between the spring portions 87 a on the upper surface of the plate spring 87.

  When the lock member 46 is disposed in the second mechanism chamber 30b, each spring portion 87a comes into contact with the upper frame 32 and presses each stopper rubber 88 against the cover 33 (FIGS. 3 and 13). reference). Thereby, the lock member 46 can hold | maintain the bending operation input part 21 in a locked state.

  On the other hand, when the bending operation input portion 21 is pressed in the axial direction, each stopper rubber 88 is separated from the cover 33 against the urging force of each spring portion 87a (see FIG. 14). Thus, the bending operation input unit 21 can move in the direction perpendicular to the axis (that is, the front-rear and left-right directions of the operation unit 3) within the range allowed by the openings 32a and 33a.

  In such a configuration, the bending operation input unit 21 is pressed in the axial direction by the user or the like to release the lock mechanism 27, and the bending operation input unit 21 is moved forward and backward of the operation unit 3 in this released state (pressed state). When moved in the direction, the first slider 42 slides (translates) in the front-rear direction when the first engagement hole 60 a receives a force from the bending operation input unit 21. At this time, since the bending operation input portion 21 only moves along the longitudinal direction of the second engagement hole 62a, the second slider 43 is held in the position as it is.

  When the first slider 42 is translated in the front-rear direction of the operation unit 3, the first drive pinion gear 70 that meshes with the gear portion 61 a of the first drive rack gear 61 is rotated.

  When the first driven transmission gear 71 is rotated along with the rotation of the first drive pinion gear 70, the first pulley 40 (the first driven gear 51) with which the first driven transmission gear 71 is engaged. It is rotated.

  In other words, the displacement due to the parallel movement of the first slider 42 in the front-rear direction is converted into the rotation of the first pulley 40 by the first transmission member 44 and transmitted to the first pulley 40.

  By the rotation of the first pulley 40, one of the first pulling wires 15a and 15b wound around the first pulley 40 is pulled and the other is relaxed, and the bending portion 6 is moved in the vertical direction. Curved.

  When the bending operation input unit 21 is released from the axial pressing by the user or the like, each stopper rubber 88 of the lock member 46 is pressed against the cover 33 by the urging force of each spring portion 87a. Thereby, the lock mechanism 27 prohibits the movement of the bending operation input unit 21 and maintains the bending state of the bending unit 6.

  On the other hand, the bending operation input unit 21 is pressed in the axial direction by the user or the like to release the lock mechanism 7, and the bending operation input unit 21 is moved in the left-right direction of the operation unit 3 in this released state (pressed state). Then, the second slider 43 slides (translates) in the left-right direction when the second engagement hole 62a receives a force from the bending operation input unit 21. At this time, since the bending operation input unit 21 only moves along the longitudinal direction of the first engagement hole 60a, the first slider 42 is held in the same position.

  When the second slider 43 is translated in the left-right direction of the operation unit 3, the second drive pinion gear 73 that meshes with the gear portion 63 a of the second drive rack gear 63 is rotated.

  When the second driven transmission gear 74 is rotated along with the rotation of the second drive pinion gear 73, the second pulley 41 (second driven gear 56) with which the second driven transmission gear 74 is engaged. It is rotated.

  That is, the displacement due to the parallel movement of the second slider 43 in the left-right direction is converted into the rotation of the second pulley 41 and transmitted to the second pulley 41 by the second transmission member 45.

  By the rotation of the second pulley 41, one of the second pulling wires 16a and 16b wound around the second pulley 41 is pulled and the other is relaxed, and the bending portion 6 is moved in the left-right direction. Curved.

  When the bending operation input unit 21 is released from the axial pressing by the user or the like, each stopper rubber 88 of the lock member 46 is pressed against the cover 33 by the urging force of each spring portion 87a. Thereby, the lock mechanism 27 prohibits the movement of the bending operation input unit 21 and maintains the bending state of the bending unit 6.

  Here, the user or the like can compositely perform the operation input in the front-rear direction and the operation input in the left-right direction with respect to the bending operation input unit 21 described above. Curved in any direction.

  According to such an embodiment, the first pulley 40 and the second pulley 41 in which the proximal ends of the first pulling wires 15a and 15b and the second pulling wires 16a and 16b are respectively attached to the peripheral portions, A first slider 42 and a second slider 43 that are displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 35 of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41 in conjunction with the bending operation input unit 21; , The first transmission member 44 and the second transmission member 45 for converting the displacement of the second sliders 42 and 43 into the rotation of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41, respectively, and the wire pulling mechanism 25. By configuring this, it is possible to realize good operability without increasing the size of the operation unit 3.

  That is, the first and second sliders 42 and 43 are displaced in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 35 of the pulleys 40 and 41 in conjunction with the bending operation input unit 21, and the first and second sliders are displaced. Traction that tilts in conjunction with the bending operation input section by converting the displacement of 42 and 43 into the rotation of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41 via the first and second transmission members 44 and 45. The pulling wire can be pulled or relaxed without using an arm or the like. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a space for tilting the traction arm, and the operation unit 3 can be downsized.

  Further, the operation input to the bending operation input unit 21 is transmitted to the first and second pulleys 40 and 41 via the first and second sliders 42 and 43 and the first and second transmission members 44 and 45. By adopting such a configuration, the first and second pulling wires 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b can be extended in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending operation input unit 21. Therefore, it is not necessary to hold the operation unit while the insertion unit is sandwiched between the fingers, and good operability can be realized.

  In this case, the first and second drive rack gears 61 and 63 are provided on the first and second sliders 42 and 43, and the first and second driven gears 51 are provided on the first and second pulleys 40 and 41. , 56, and first and second drive pinion gears 70, 73 respectively meshing with the gear portions 61a, 63a of the first and second drive rack gears 61, 63, and the first and second driven gears 51, By connecting via the first and second transmission members 44 and 45 provided with the first and second driven transmission gears 71 and 74 respectively meshing with the gear portions 51a and 56a of the 56, it is extremely thin. The wire pulling mechanism 25 (power transmission mechanism 26) can be configured by the structure.

  In addition, a cover 33 is provided on the upper frame 32, a second mechanism chamber 30b is provided on top of the first mechanism chamber 30a, and a lock member 46 is provided in the second mechanism chamber 30b. By configuring the lock mechanism 27 for the bending operation input unit 21, the lock mechanism 27 with good operability can be provided with a simple configuration without increasing the size of the wire pulling mechanism 25.

  That is, the lock member 46 is formed thinly with the leaf spring 87 as a main body, and the lock member 46 is disposed above the power transmission mechanism 26, thereby making the wire pulling mechanism 25 larger than necessary in the thickness direction. The lock mechanism 27 can be configured with a simple configuration.

  Further, by fixing the bending operation input unit 21 to the leaf spring 87 and configuring the lock mechanism 27 so as to be released by a pressing operation on the bending operation input unit 21, the lock mechanism 27 is released and the bending unit 6 is bent. Can be realized by a series of operations with the same finger.

  Next, FIGS. 15 to 18 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a power transmission mechanism, FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the power transmission mechanism, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an extracted power transmission mechanism in the left-right direction. Note that in this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the 1st slider 90 in this embodiment is comprised by the substantially fan-shaped flat plate member.

  A first drive gear 95 in which a gear portion 95 a extends in an arc shape is provided on the circumferential side of the first slider 90.

  In addition, a first shaft hole 90 a is provided at the center of the first slider 90 (the center of the fan).

  Furthermore, a first engagement hole 90 b is provided in the middle of the first slider 90. The first engagement hole 90b is formed by a long hole extending in the radial direction of the fan of the first slider 90, and the proximal end side of the bending operation input portion 21 can be inserted into the first engagement hole 90b. Yes.

  Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 18, the second slider 91 in the present embodiment is configured by a substantially fan-shaped flat plate member.

  A second drive gear 96 in which a gear portion 96 a extends in an arc shape is provided on the circumferential portion of the second slider 91.

  In addition, a second shaft hole 91 a is provided at the center of the second slider 91 (the center of the fan).

  Further, a second engagement hole 91 b is provided in the middle of the second slider 91. The second engagement hole 91b is formed by a long hole extending in the radial direction of the fan of the second slider 91, and the proximal end side of the bending operation input unit 21 can be inserted into the second engagement hole 91b. Yes.

  The first and second sliders 90 and 91 are arranged on the upper surface side of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41 so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 35.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the first and second sliders 90 and 91 are arranged on the upper surface side of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41, The two engaging holes 91b are arranged so as to intersect with each other. And the other end part of the bending operation input part 21 is penetrated by the part overlapped by intersection of these 1st engagement holes 90b and the 2nd engagement holes 91b.

  Further, shaft pins 98 respectively corresponding to the first shaft hole 90a and the second shaft hole 91a are provided upright on the lower frame 31 at the outer peripheral portions of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41. Screw portions 99 inserted through the first shaft hole 90a and the second shaft hole 91a are screwed onto the top portions of the shaft pins 98, respectively.

  Accordingly, the first and second sliders 90 and 91 can be individually slid (swinged) about the shaft pins 98 in accordance with the operation input to the bending operation input unit 21.

  In the present embodiment, each shaft pin 98 is erected on the lower frame 31 at a rotation position of 90 degrees around the rotation shaft 35 of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41. Thus, when the first and second sliders 90 and 91 are in the neutral positions, the first engagement hole 90b and the second engagement hole 91b are set to be orthogonal to each other.

  The first drive transmission gear 76 is engaged with the gear portion 95a of the first slider 90 (first drive gear 95) arranged in this way (see FIGS. 15 and 17), and the second slider 91 is engaged. The second drive transmission gear 77 is engaged with the gear portion 96a of the (second drive gear 96).

  According to such an embodiment, in addition to the operational effects obtained in the first embodiment described above, there is an effect that the support structure for the first and second sliders 90 and 91 can be further simplified.

  Next, FIGS. 19 to 22 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a power transmission mechanism, FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the power transmission mechanism, and FIG. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an extracted power transmission mechanism in the left-right direction. Note that in this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the first pulley 40 includes a first pulley body 50 having a substantially disc shape, and a first link plate 100 provided on the upper surface side of the first pulley body 50. And is configured.

  The first link plate 100 is configured by a flat plate member having a substantially disk shape. A part of the first link plate 100 is provided with a bearing part 100a protruding outward in the radial direction, and a connecting shaft hole 100b is provided in the bearing part 100a.

  Similarly, the second pulley 41 includes a second pulley body 55 having a substantially disc shape, and a second link plate 101 provided on the upper surface side of the second pulley body 55. It is configured.

  The 2nd link board 101 is comprised by the flat plate member which makes a substantially disc shape. A part of the second link plate 101 is provided with a bearing portion 101a protruding outward in the radial direction, and a connecting shaft hole 101b is provided in the bearing portion 101a.

  As shown in FIGS. 19-21, the 1st slider 105 in this embodiment is comprised by the 1st link arm which consists of a long flat plate member.

  A connecting shaft hole 105 a corresponding to the connecting shaft hole 101 b of the first pulley 40 is provided at the free end of the first slider 105. In the present embodiment, the connecting shaft hole 105 a is configured by a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the first slider 105.

  A first shaft hole 105 b is provided at the fixed end of the first slider 105.

  Furthermore, a first engagement hole 105 c is provided in the middle of the first slider 105. The first engagement hole 105c is constituted by a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the first slider 105, and the proximal end side of the bending operation input unit 21 can be inserted into the first engagement hole 105c.

  Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 22, the second slider 106 in the present embodiment is configured by a second link arm made of a long flat plate member.

  A connecting shaft hole 106 a corresponding to the connecting shaft hole 101 b of the second pulley 41 is provided at the free end of the second slider 106. In the present embodiment, the connecting shaft hole 106 a is configured by a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the first slider 106.

  A second shaft hole 106 b is provided at the fixed end of the second slider 106.

  Further, a second engagement hole 106 c is provided in the middle of the second slider 106. The second engagement hole 106c is formed by a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the second slider 106, and the proximal end side of the bending operation input unit 21 can be inserted into the second engagement hole 106c.

  The first and second sliders 105 and 106 are arranged on the upper surface side of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41 so as to be slidable (swingable) in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 35. Has been.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the first and second sliders 105 and 106 are connected to the first engagement hole 105 c and the first slider 105 on the upper surface side of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41. The two engaging holes 106c are arranged so as to intersect with each other. The other end portion of the bending operation input portion 21 is inserted through a portion overlapped by the intersection of the first engagement hole 105c and the second engagement hole 106c.

  Further, shaft pins 98 respectively corresponding to the first shaft hole 105 b and the second shaft hole 106 b are provided upright on the lower frame 31 at the outer peripheral portions of the first and second pulleys 40 and 41. Screw portions 99 inserted through the first shaft hole 105b and the second shaft hole 106b are screwed onto the top portions of the shaft pins 98, respectively.

  As a result, the first and second sliders 105 and 106 can be individually slid (swinged) about the shaft pins 98 in response to an operation input to the bending operation input unit 21.

  Further, the bearing portion 100 a of the first link plate 100 is coupled to the free end of the first slider 105 via the first coupling member 107. The first connecting member 107 in the present embodiment is inserted into the connecting shaft hole 105 a provided in the first slider 105 and the connecting shaft hole 100 b provided in the bearing portion 100 a of the first link plate 100. The first connecting member 107 is configured to pivotably connect the free end of the first slider 105 and the bearing portion 100a of the first link plate 100. The displacement (swing) of the first slider 105 can be converted into the rotation of the first pulley 40 and transmitted to the first pulley 40.

  Similarly, the bearing portion 101 a of the second link plate 101 is connected to the free end of the second slider 106 via the second connecting member 108. In the present embodiment, the second connecting member 108 is inserted into the connecting shaft hole 106 a provided in the second slider 106 and the connecting shaft hole 101 b provided in the bearing portion 101 a of the second link plate 101. It is comprised by the connecting pin made. The second connecting member 108 rotatably connects the free end of the second slider 106 and the bearing portion 101a of the second link plate 101 to thereby displace (swing) the second slider 106. ) Can be converted into rotation of the second pulley 41 and transmitted to the second pulley 41.

  According to such an embodiment, in addition to the operational effects obtained in the first embodiment described above, since a plurality of gears are not required, the power transmission mechanism 26 can be further simplified.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to each embodiment described above, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible, and they are also in the technical scope of this invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the first and second pulleys, the first and second sliders, and the first and second pulleys are associated with the bending of the bending portion 6 in the vertical direction and the bending in the horizontal direction. Although the example which comprised the power transmission mechanism 26 using the 1st, 2nd connection member etc. was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this, For example, the curved part 6 is only the up-down direction, or the left-right direction In the endoscope 1 that curves only, it is also possible to configure the power transmission mechanism 26 using any one of the pulleys, sliders, connecting members, and the like. Of course, the configurations of the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 3 ... Operation part 5 ... Tip part 6 ... Bending part 7 ... Flexible pipe part 7 ... Locking mechanism 8 ... Observation window 9 ... Illumination window 10 ... Breaking prevention part 15a, 15b ... 1st Traction wires 16a, 16b ... second traction wire 20 ... operation portion main body 20a ... opening 21 ... bending operation input portion 21a ... finger holding portion 21b ... exterior cover 22 ... pointing device 25 ... wire traction mechanism 26 ... power transmission mechanism 27 ... Lock mechanism 30 ... Housing 30a ... First mechanism chamber 30b ... Second mechanism chamber 31 ... Lower frame 31a ... Wire guide 32 ... Upper frame 32a ... Opening 33 ... Cover 33a ... Opening 35 ... Rotating shaft 40 First pulley 41 Second pulley 42 First slider 43 Second slider 44 First transmission member 45 Second transmission Material 46 ... Lock member 50 ... First pulley body 50a ... Pulley groove 50b ... Notch 51 ... First driven gear 51a ... Gear part 52 ... Screw 53 ... Wire stopper 54 ... Screw 55 ... Second pulley body 56 2nd driven gear 56a ... Gear portion 57 ... Screw 60 ... 1st arm 60a ... 1st engagement hole 61 ... 1st drive rack gear (1st drive gear)
61a ... Gear portion 61b ... Guide hole 62 ... Second arm 62a ... Second engagement hole 63 ... Second drive rack gear (second drive gear)
63a ... Gear portion 63b ... Guide hole 65 ... Guide pin 70 ... First drive pinion gear (first drive transmission gear)
71 ... 1st driven transmission gear 72 ... Shaft part 73 ... 2nd drive pinion gear (2nd drive transmission gear)
74 ... 2nd driven transmission gear 75 ... Shaft part 76 ... 1st drive transmission gear 77 ... 2nd drive transmission gear 87 ... Leaf spring 87a ... Spring part 88 ... Stopper rubber 90 ... 1st slider 90a ... 1st Shaft hole 90b ... first engagement hole 91 ... second slider 91a ... second shaft hole 91b ... second engagement hole 95 ... first drive gear 95a ... gear portion 96 ... second drive gear 96a ... Gear portion 98 ... Shaft pin 99 ... Screw portion 100 ... First link plate 100a ... Bearing portion 100b ... Connecting shaft hole 101 ... Second link plate 101a ... Bearing portion 101b ... Connecting shaft hole 105 ... First Slider 105a ... connecting shaft hole 105b ... first shaft hole 105c first engaging hole 106 ... second slider 106a ... connecting shaft hole 106b ... second shaft hole 106c ... second engaging hole 107 First connecting member 108: second connecting member

Claims (7)

An endoscope wire pulling mechanism for pulling or relaxing a pulling wire for bending a bending portion provided in an insertion portion in conjunction with a bending operation input portion provided in an operation portion,
A pulley in which a proximal end side of the pulling wire is attached to a peripheral portion;
A slider displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pulley in conjunction with the bending operation input unit;
A transmission member that converts displacement of the slider into rotation of the pulley;
A wire pulling mechanism for an endoscope, comprising:   The endoscope wire pulling mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the slider is configured by a flat plate member. The slider has a drive gear that is displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pulley in conjunction with the bending operation input unit,
The pulley has a driven gear that is rotatable about the rotation axis of the pulley,
The wire pulling mechanism for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the transmission member includes a drive transmission gear that meshes with the drive gear and a driven transmission gear that meshes with the driven gear.   The wire pulling mechanism for an endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the slider displaces the drive gear by translating in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pulley.   The endoscope wire pulling mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the slider displaces the drive gear by swinging in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pulley. The slider is a link arm that can swing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pulley in conjunction with the bending operation input unit,
The pulley has a bearing portion that can move around the rotation shaft,
The endoscope wire pulling mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the transmission member is a connecting pin that connects a free end side of the link arm and the bearing portion.   An endoscope comprising the wire pulling mechanism for an endoscope according to claim 1.

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