JP3943374B2 - Endoscope pulling mechanism - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
【Technical field】
The present invention relates to an endoscope pulling operation mechanism.
[0002]
[Prior art and its problems]
In the endoscope, the operation wire is moved in the length direction by the turning operation of the turning knob provided in the operation portion, and the movable element at the distal end of the body insertion portion coupled to the operation wire, for example, the focal length is variable. A mechanism for operating the movable focal length adjusting element and the forceps raising base of the objective optical system is provided.
[0003]
However, in the conventional example, since the operation of the rotation angle of the rotary knob and the movement amount of the operation wire are fixed, fine adjustment is difficult and inconvenient.
[0004]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope pulling operation mechanism in which the amount of movement of an operation wire with respect to a unit rotation angle of a rotary knob can be finely adjusted based on the above problem awareness.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an endoscope in which an operation wire coupled to a movable element at a distal end portion of an in-vivo insertion portion of an endoscope is moved in a length direction by a turning operation of a turning knob provided in an operation portion of the endoscope. An intermediate lever pivotally attached to the operation portion of the endoscope at a position different from the rotation center axis of the rotation knob; radially formed from the rotation center formed on the intermediate lever And a guide having one end pivotally attached to an eccentric position of the rotary knob. One of the other end of the link and the operation wire is pivoted to the free end of the intermediate lever. The other is supported by the guide portion so as to be adjustable in the radial direction.
[0006]
According to this configuration, by adjusting the position of one intermediate lever between the other end of the link pivotally attached to the rotation knob and the operation wire with respect to the guide portion, the operation wire with respect to the unit rotation angle of the rotation knob is adjusted. The amount of movement can be finely adjusted.
[0007]
As the movable element at the distal end of the body insertion portion, for example, there is a movable focal length adjusting element of a zoom mechanism or a raising base of a treatment instrument.
[0008]
The guide part of the intermediate lever can be constituted by a long groove, for example.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a magnifying electronic endoscope will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope body 1 has a flexible internal insertion portion 1a on the distal end side, a base operation portion 1b, and a connector 1c connected to an external device (not shown). .
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end rigid portion 1d of the in-vivo insertion portion 1a of the endoscope main body 1 includes, in order from the object side, a fixed lens system 3a provided at a fixed position, and relative to the fixed lens system 3a. Relative to the fixed lens system 3a and the objective lens system 3b, which converts the optical signal that has passed through the movable objective lens system (objective optical system) 3b and the fixed lens system 3a and the objective lens system 3b into electric signals. A movable image sensor 3c is provided. A CCD is used for the image sensor 3c. In this embodiment, the objective lens system 3b and the CCD 3c are movable focal length adjustment elements (movable elements) of the zoom mechanism, and the observation visual field is adjusted by adjusting the focal length of the objective lens system 3b by the movable focal length adjustment element. Can be switched between a normal observation visual field having a relatively wide observation range and a narrow enlarged observation visual field.
[0011]
More specifically, a fixed lens frame 3d to which a fixed lens system 3a is fixed is fixed to the distal end rigid portion 1d of the internal insertion portion 1a. A cam ring 3e is coaxially provided inside the fixed lens frame 3d so as to be rotatable. The cam ring 3e has an optical axis direction component and a circumferential direction component as shown in FIG. Two different types of cam grooves 3f and 3h are formed with their positions shifted in the optical axis direction. Further, rotation angle restricting lead grooves 3g are formed at different circumferential positions.
[0012]
Inside the cam ring 3e, a cylindrical objective frame 3i is fixed to the fixed lens frame 3d. The objective frame 3i has two linear guide grooves 3j and 3k parallel to the optical axis. The position in the direction is shifted. A slide ring 3n is fitted on the outside of the objective frame 3i so as to be slidable in the optical axis direction. In addition, a cylindrical outer tube 3w is fixed to the fixed lens frame 3d, and has a length substantially equal to the distal end rigid portion 1d of the internal insertion portion 1a from the front end of the fixed lens frame 3d to the rear end of the objective frame 3i. The range is covered with the outer tube 3w. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer tube 3w is formed with a linear guide portion 3x in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The upper projection 3y of the slide ring 3n is slidably fitted into the linear guide portion 3x, and the slide ring 3n does not rotate and linearly moves on the cam ring 3e in the optical axis direction. A spring 3p is interposed between the slide ring 3n and the spring seat of the objective frame 3i.
[0013]
One end portion of the operation wire 3o is fixed to the flange portion of the slide ring 3n. The operation wire 3o is passed through a guide pipe 3z held by the outer tube 3w, and further extended toward the operation portion 1b of the endoscope body 1 through the in-body insertion portion 1a.
[0014]
Inside the objective frame 3i, a cylindrical objective moving frame 3m to which the objective lens system 3b is fixed and a cylindrical CCD moving frame 3r to which the CCD 3c is fixed are fitted so as to be movable. A spring 3v is interposed between the objective movement frame 3m and the CCD movement frame 3r.
[0015]
Further, the cam pin 3q planted in the slide ring 3n is in the rotation angle regulating lead groove 3g of the cam ring 3e, the cam pin 3s planted in the objective moving frame 3m is in the cam groove 3f, and the cam pin 3t planted in the CCD moving frame 3r. Are respectively engaged with the cam grooves 3h.
[0016]
When the slide ring 3n is linearly moved in the direction of the optical axis away from the fixed lens system 3a by being guided by the linear guide portion 3x of the outer tube 3w, the zoom mechanism having the above-described configuration is accompanied by the linear movement of the slide ring 3n. The moving frame 3m is guided by the linear guide groove 3j, and the objective lens system 3b linearly moves in the optical axis direction approaching the fixed lens system 3a. Similarly, in accordance with the transmission of rotational force due to the engagement of the cam pin 3t and the cam groove 3h, the CCD moving frame 3r is guided by the linear guide groove 3k, and the CCD 3c moves linearly in the optical axis direction away from the objective lens system 3b. Then, the observation field of the objective optical system is switched to the enlarged observation field. In FIG. 3C, the normal observation positions of the cam pins 3q, 3g, and 3s are indicated by solid lines, and the enlarged observation positions are indicated by alternate long and short dash lines.
[0017]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation knob 1 b of the endoscope main body 1 supports a zoom turning knob 2 that can be turned about a shaft 4. The zoom turning knob 2 is formed with an annular groove 2a centered on the shaft 4, and an arc-shaped piece 10 is fixed in the annular groove 2a. One end of the link 7 is pivotally attached to the piece 10 by a pin 7a.
[0018]
In addition, an intermediate lever 11 is pivotally attached to the operation portion 1b of the endoscope at a position O different from the rotation center axis 4 of the zoom rotation knob 2. A long groove 11a is formed as a guide portion directed in the radial direction. The other end 7 b of the link 7 is pivotally attached to the free end of the intermediate lever 11 by a pin 11 b.
[0019]
The above-described operation wire 3o extended from the body insertion portion 1a is pivotally attached to an arbitrary position in the long groove 11a of the intermediate lever 11. That is, the piston 8 is slidably fitted into the cylinder 9 fixed to the operation portion 1b, and one end portion of the shaft 12 is coupled to one end portion of the piston 8 protruding from the opening end of the cylinder 9 toward the intermediate lever 11 side. The operation wire 3o inserted into the cylinder 9 is coupled to the other end portion of the piston 8. A pin 12a provided at the other end of the shaft 12 is slidably fitted in the long groove 11a of the intermediate lever 11 and is pivotally fitted at an arbitrary position in the long groove 11a. Thereby, the other end part of the operation wire 3o can be pivotally attached to an arbitrary position within the range of the long groove 11a of the intermediate lever 11.
[0020]
Further, a rotation range restricting groove 4a is provided in a certain angle range on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 4 that supports the zoom turning knob 2 in the circumferential direction, and the pin 2b that fits in the turning range restricting groove 4a. Is attached to the zoom knob 2. The rotation range restriction groove 4 a restricts the rotation range of the zoom rotation knob 2.
[0021]
The apparatus having the above-described configuration operates as follows. FIG. 5 shows a case where the zoom turning knob 2 is in the neutral position. When the zoom turning knob 2 is turned from this neutral position in a direction (counterclockwise in the figure) for switching to the enlarged observation field of view, the link 7 is pulled in the turning direction of the zoom turning knob 2 (see FIG. 6). ), The intermediate lever 11 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot point O as the link 7 moves, and a tensile force acts on the operation wire 3o as the intermediate lever 11 moves. Then, under this tensile force, the slide ring 3n is guided by the linear guide portion 3x of the outer tube 3w and linearly moves in the optical axis direction away from the fixed lens system 3a (FIG. 4). As the slide ring 3n moves linearly, the objective moving frame 3m is guided by the linear guide groove 3j, and the objective lens system 3b moves linearly in the optical axis direction approaching the fixed lens system 3a (FIG. 4). Similarly, in accordance with the transmission of rotational force due to the engagement of the cam pin 3t and the cam groove 3h, the CCD moving frame 3r is guided by the linear guide groove 3k, and the CCD 3c moves linearly in the optical axis direction away from the objective lens system 3b. Then, the observation field of the objective optical system is switched to the enlarged observation field.
[0022]
On the contrary, when the zoom rotation lever 2 is rotated to the normal observation position side (clockwise), the link 7 is extended as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 6, and the intermediate lever 11 is pivoted as the link 7 moves. It rotates clockwise around the landing point O. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the objective moving frame 3m and the CCD moving frame 3r are arranged at a position where the objective lens system 3b is farthest from the fixed lens system 3a and the CCD 3c is closest to the objective lens system 3b. The observation field of the objective optical system is switched to the normal observation field.
[0023]
In the above configuration, the swing angle of the intermediate lever 11 with respect to the unit rotation angle of the rotation knob 2 can be adjusted by the mounting position of the shaft 12 (operation wire 3o) with respect to the long groove 11a of the intermediate lever 11. Specifically, the amount of movement a of the operation wire 3o when the turning knob 2 is reciprocally turned by the maximum angle range can be adjusted to be the same as the amount of movement of the slide ring 3n.
[0024]
FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a treatment instrument elevator is shown as a movable element at the distal end of the body insertion portion. That is, a treatment instrument, for example, a treatment instrument 15 such as a forceps, is inserted into the forceps channel 14 reaching the distal end of the body insertion section 1a, and the distal end of the treatment instrument 15 is raised to the outside of the body insertion section 1a. An upper base 16 is pivotally attached. One end of an operation wire 17 for remote operation is coupled to the raising base 16, and the other end of the operation wire 17 extends through the body insertion portion 1a to the endoscope operation portion 1b side. In FIG. 7, a state where the elevator 16 is raised by remote operation of the operation wire 17 is indicated by a solid line, and a state where the elevator 16 is not raised (non-raising state) is indicated by a one-dot chain line.
[0025]
The end of the operation wire 17 on the operation unit side is coupled to the rotary knob 2 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. That is, in this embodiment, the turning knob 2 is for remote operation of the forceps raising base, and the raising base 16 (the treatment instrument 15) is raised by the forward and reverse turning movement of the turning knob 2 ( The state shown by the solid line in FIG. 7 and the operation of storing the elevator 16 (the state shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 7) can be performed. Therefore, also in this embodiment, the amount of movement of the operation wire 17 when the rotary knob 2 is reciprocally rotated by the maximum angle range by adjusting the mounting position of the shaft 12 (operation wire 3o) with respect to the long groove 11a of the intermediate lever 11. a can be adjusted to a large or small value.
[0026]
In the above embodiment, the other end of the link 7 is pivotally attached to the free end of the intermediate lever 11, and the operation wires 3o and 17 (shaft 12) are positioned in the long groove 11a of the intermediate lever 11 in the radial direction. The other end of the operation wire is pivotally attached to the free end of the intermediate lever 11, and the position of the other end of the link 7 in the radial direction is adjusted to the long groove 11a of the intermediate lever. You may support as follows. Although the long groove 11a is illustrated as a guide part, you may comprise from a long protrusion etc., for example.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, either one of the other end of the link pivotally attached to the rotary knob and the operation wire is pivotally attached to a position different from the rotational central axis of the rotary knob. Since the pivot lever is pivotally attached to the free end of the intermediate lever and the other end is supported by the guide portion so that the position in the radial direction is adjusted, the amount of movement of the operation wire with respect to the unit rotation angle of the rotary knob can be adjusted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a magnifying endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a normal observation state using a movable focal length adjustment element.
3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3C is a view illustrating a relationship between a cam pin and a cam (lead groove). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged observation state using a movable focal length adjustment element.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a connection state between a zoom rotation knob provided in an endoscope operation unit and an operation wire.
6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a mechanism for operating a treatment instrument raising base as a movable element provided at the distal end of an in-vivo insertion portion coupled to an operation wire.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope main body 1a In-vivo insertion part 1b Operation part 1c Connector 1d Hard end part 2 Zoom rotation knob (rotation knob for remote control of forceps raising base)
3b Objective lens system (objective optical system)
3o 17 Operation wire 7 Link 11 Intermediate lever 11a Long groove (guide part)

Claims (4)

Endoscope pulling operation mechanism that moves the operation wire coupled to the movable element at the distal end of the insertion part of the endoscope in the length direction by the turning operation of the turning knob provided in the operation part of the endoscope In
An intermediate lever pivotally attached to the operation portion of the endoscope at a position different from the rotation center axis of the rotation knob;
A guide portion formed in the intermediate lever and extending radially from the center of rotation; and a link having one end pivotally attached to an eccentric position of the rotation knob;
Have
Either one of the other end of the link or the operation wire is pivotally attached to the free end of the intermediate lever, and the other is supported by the guide so as to be able to adjust its position in the radial direction. Endoscope pulling operation mechanism. The endoscope pulling operation mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the movable element is a movable focal length adjusting element of the zoom mechanism. The endoscope pulling operation mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the movable element is a raising base of a treatment instrument. The endoscope pulling operation mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide portion of the intermediate lever is a long groove.

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