JP4027923B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Endoscope device Download PDF

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JP4027923B2
JP4027923B2 JP2004228413A JP2004228413A JP4027923B2 JP 4027923 B2 JP4027923 B2 JP 4027923B2 JP 2004228413 A JP2004228413 A JP 2004228413A JP 2004228413 A JP2004228413 A JP 2004228413A JP 4027923 B2 JP4027923 B2 JP 4027923B2
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bending operation
operation knob
knob
pressure contact
braking
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JP2004313806A (en
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康太 石引
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Olympus Corp
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Olympus Corp
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本発明は、内視鏡の挿入部の先端に設けられた湾曲部を挿入部の手元側で遠隔的に湾曲操作して先端部の向きを変更するための内視鏡装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus for remotely bending a bending portion provided at the distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope on the proximal side of the insertion portion to change the direction of the distal end portion.

一般に、内視鏡の挿入部の先端部側に湾曲部を備えた内視鏡では挿入部の手元側に配設された操作部に湾曲部を遠隔的に湾曲操作する操作ノブが回動可能に装着されているとともに、この湾曲操作ノブの回動に対して制動をかける制動機構の制動レバー部材が装着されている。   In general, in an endoscope having a bending portion on the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope, an operation knob for remotely bending the bending portion can be rotated to an operation portion disposed on the proximal side of the insertion portion. And a braking lever member of a braking mechanism for braking the rotation of the bending operation knob.

この種の内視鏡の湾曲操作装置として例えば特許文献1には内視鏡使用後の洗浄性を高めるために湾曲操作用の操作ノブに上カバーと下カバーとが設けられ、上カバーと下カバーとの間に形成される収納室内に制動機構が収納された構成のものが示されている。ここで、操作ノブの上カバーと下カバーとの間にはOリング等のシール部材が介設され、収納室内が水密にシールされている。さらに、制動レバー部材は下カバーの開口部を介して制動機構に連結されている。   As an endoscope bending operation apparatus of this type, for example, in Patent Document 1, an upper cover and a lower cover are provided on an operation knob for bending operation in order to improve cleaning performance after use of the endoscope. The thing of the structure by which the braking mechanism was accommodated in the storage chamber formed between covers is shown. Here, a seal member such as an O-ring is interposed between the upper cover and the lower cover of the operation knob, and the storage chamber is sealed in a watertight manner. Further, the brake lever member is connected to the brake mechanism through the opening of the lower cover.

特許文献2では被制動部材と摩擦部材との間にスペーサを介挿することにより自然状態において弾性体で形成された摩擦部材を被制動部材から引き離す構成が示されている。
特開平6−327613号公報 特公平1−16175号公報
Patent Document 2 shows a configuration in which a friction member formed of an elastic body in a natural state is pulled away from a braked member by inserting a spacer between the braked member and the friction member.
JP-A-6-327613 Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-16175

しかしながら、上記特許文献1の第二の操作ノブの制動機構の様に圧接板を操作ノブに回転不能に固定された摩擦板に押し付けて制動する構成では、圧接板を強制的に引き離す機構が必要な為、固定軸とブレーキ押し機構をネジ係合することにより圧接板の圧接と引き離しを行っているが、ネジ部等が必要な為構成が複雑化していた。又、ネジ山や、ねじ溝が潰れるなどの現象、いわゆるネジばか等を防止する為、これらの部材は金属で形成する必要があり、重くなるという不具合があった。   However, in the configuration in which the pressure contact plate is pressed against the friction plate fixed to the operation knob so as not to rotate like the brake mechanism of the second operation knob in Patent Document 1, a mechanism for forcibly separating the pressure contact plate is required. For this reason, the pressure contact plate is separated from the pressure contact by screw-engaging the fixed shaft and the brake pushing mechanism, but the configuration is complicated because a screw portion is required. In addition, in order to prevent a phenomenon such as a screw thread and a screw groove being crushed, a so-called screw fool, etc., these members have to be formed of metal and have a problem of becoming heavy.

特許文献2の構成では被制動部材と摩擦部材との間にスペーサを介挿することにより自然状態において弾性体で形成された摩擦部材を被制動部材から引き離す構成の為、スペーサ等の部品が必要であった。   In the configuration of Patent Document 2, a spacer is inserted between the braked member and the friction member so that the friction member formed of an elastic body in the natural state is separated from the braked member, and thus a component such as a spacer is necessary. Met.

本発明は上記事情に着目してなされたもので、その目的は、操作性が良く、小型、軽量、安価な内視鏡装置を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus that has good operability and is small, light, and inexpensive.

請求項1の発明は、内視鏡の操作部に固定され外部に突出した固定軸と、前記固定軸に回転可能に支持された少なくとも一つの回転軸と、前記回転軸に接続された湾曲操作ノブと、前記固定軸に回転不能かつ軸方向に移動可能に支持され、前記湾曲操作ノブに設けられた被制動面部に対し接離可能に圧接する圧接部を有する圧接部材と、前記回転軸に回転可能に支持され制動レバーを有し、前記制動レバーの回転動作にともない前記圧接部材を前記被制動面部に向けて軸方向に移動させ、前記被制動面部に対して前記圧接部を離間させた非制動位置と、前記被制動面部に対して前記圧接部を圧接させた制動位置とに切り換える制動レバー部材と具備し、前記圧接部材は、前記被制動面部に対して前記圧接部を離間させた非制動位置方向に付勢すると共に、前記被制動面部に対して接触した際の摩擦抵抗が前記圧接部よりも低い付勢部材が一体に設けられていることを特徴とする内視鏡装置である。 According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixed shaft that is fixed to the operation portion of the endoscope and protrudes to the outside, at least one rotation shaft that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft, and a bending operation that is connected to the rotation shaft. and knobs, the movably supported nonrotatably, but axially fixed shaft, a pressing member having a pressing portion for detachably pressed on against the braked surface portion provided in the bending operation knob, the rotary shaft The brake lever is rotatably supported, and the pressure contact member is moved in the axial direction toward the braked surface portion in accordance with the rotation operation of the brake lever, and the pressure contact portion is separated from the braked surface portion. and a non-braking positions, said comprising a brake lever member for switching to a braking position is pressed against the contact portion with respect to the brake surface, wherein the pressure contact member, the contact portion with respect to the braked surface non-braking position direction that is separated With biasing, the biasing member frictional resistance is lower than the pressure contact portion upon contact against the braked surface portion is an endoscope apparatus which is characterized in that integrally provided.

請求項2の発明は、前記付勢部材と前記被制動面部との接触面積は前記圧接部と被制動面部との接触面積よりも小さく設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の内視鏡装置である。   According to a second aspect of the present invention, the contact area between the biasing member and the braked surface portion is smaller than the contact area between the pressure contact portion and the braked surface portion. It is an endoscope apparatus.

請求項3の発明は、前記圧接部材は、前記圧接部がリング状に形成され、前記付勢部材は、前記圧接部よりも内周側にリング状に並設された複数の付勢突起によって形成されていることを特徴とする請求項1または2に記載の内視鏡装置である。 According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the pressure contact member, the pressure contact portion is formed in a ring shape, and the biasing member is formed by a plurality of biasing protrusions arranged in a ring shape on the inner peripheral side of the pressure contact portion. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope apparatus is formed.

そして、本発明では、確実に圧接部材と被制動面を離間することができる為、湾曲操作ノブの回転操作の操作力量を一定に保つことができる。又、圧接部材が摩耗しにくい。かつ、離間させる為の別部材が不要な為、構成を簡略化できる。   In the present invention, since the pressure contact member and the braked surface can be reliably separated from each other, the amount of operation force for the rotation operation of the bending operation knob can be kept constant. Further, the pressure contact member is not easily worn. In addition, since a separate member for separating is unnecessary, the configuration can be simplified.

本発明によれば、操作性が良く、小型、軽量、安価な内視鏡装置を提供することができる。   According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus that has good operability and is small, light, and inexpensive.

以下、本発明の第1の実施の形態を図1乃至図17を参照して説明する。図1は本実施の形態の内視鏡装置全体の概略構成を示すものである。なお、本実施の形態の内視鏡には、図示しない挿入部の先端部側に上下方向および左右方向の4方向に湾曲可能な湾曲部が配設されている。   Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the endoscope of the present embodiment, a bending portion that can be bent in four directions, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion (not shown).

また、本実施の形態の内視鏡には挿入部の手元側に配設された操作部1に湾曲操作部2が突設されている。この湾曲操作部2には湾曲部を上下方向および左右方向にそれぞれ遠隔的に湾曲操作する上下湾曲操作用の第1の湾曲操作手段Aおよび左右湾曲操作用の第2の湾曲操作手段Bがそれぞれ設けられている。そして、湾曲操作部2の第1の湾曲操作手段Aおよび第2の湾曲操作手段Bをそれぞれ操作することにより内視鏡の湾曲部を遠隔的に上下方向および左右方向の4方向に湾曲させて先端部の向きを変更できるようになっている。   Further, in the endoscope of the present embodiment, a bending operation unit 2 is projected from an operation unit 1 provided on the proximal side of the insertion unit. The bending operation section 2 includes a first bending operation means A for up / down bending operation and a second bending operation means B for left / right bending operation for remotely bending the bending section in the up / down direction and the left / right direction, respectively. Is provided. Then, by operating the first bending operation means A and the second bending operation means B of the bending operation unit 2 respectively, the bending portion of the endoscope is remotely bent in four directions, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The direction of the tip can be changed.

さらに、本実施の形態の内視鏡には図示しない鉗子起上装置が設けられている。この鉗子起上装置には内視鏡の挿入部の先端部に回転可能に設けられた鉗子起上台と、これに連結された操作ワイヤとが設けられている。そして、操作部1に配設された鉗子起上操作部3を操作することにより前記操作ワイヤが進退し、前記鉗子起上台の角度を調整することができるようになっている。   Further, the endoscope of the present embodiment is provided with a forceps raising device (not shown). This forceps raising device is provided with a forceps raising base rotatably provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope and an operation wire connected thereto. Then, by operating the forceps raising operation portion 3 disposed in the operation portion 1, the operation wire advances and retreats, and the angle of the forceps raising stand can be adjusted.

また、操作部1には合成樹脂材料によって形成されたケーシング4が設けられている。このケーシング4の内部にはシャーシ5が設けられている。さらに、シャーシ5には筒状の第1の固定軸6および軸状の第2の固定軸7の各一端がそれぞれ固定されている。ここで、第2の固定軸7は第1の固定軸6の筒内に挿通されている。   Further, the operation unit 1 is provided with a casing 4 formed of a synthetic resin material. A chassis 5 is provided inside the casing 4. Further, one end of each of the cylindrical first fixed shaft 6 and the shaft-shaped second fixed shaft 7 is fixed to the chassis 5. Here, the second fixed shaft 7 is inserted into the cylinder of the first fixed shaft 6.

さらに、ケーシング4には湾曲操作部2の取付け用の孔部8が設けられている。そして、第1の固定軸6及び第2の固定軸7の各他端はケーシング4の孔部8から外部側に延出されている。   Further, the casing 4 is provided with a hole 8 for mounting the bending operation unit 2. The other ends of the first fixed shaft 6 and the second fixed shaft 7 are extended from the hole 8 of the casing 4 to the outside.

また、第1の固定軸6の内周側には筒状の第1の回転軸9が内嵌され、回転可能に支持されている。さらに、第2の固定軸7の外周側には筒状の第2の回転軸10が外嵌され、回転可能に支持されている。   A cylindrical first rotating shaft 9 is fitted on the inner peripheral side of the first fixed shaft 6 and is rotatably supported. Furthermore, a cylindrical second rotating shaft 10 is fitted on the outer peripheral side of the second fixed shaft 7 and is rotatably supported.

また、第1の回転軸9の基端部には第1のギア11が連結されている。この第1のギア11は湾曲部を上下方向に湾曲させる為の操作ワイヤと連結された図示しないチェーンと係合されている。   A first gear 11 is connected to the base end portion of the first rotating shaft 9. The first gear 11 is engaged with a chain (not shown) connected to an operation wire for bending the bending portion in the vertical direction.

さらに、第2の回転軸10の基端部には第2のギア12が連結されている。この第2のギア12は湾曲部を左右方向に湾曲させる為の操作ワイヤと連結された図示しないチェーンと係合されている。   Further, a second gear 12 is connected to the proximal end portion of the second rotating shaft 10. The second gear 12 is engaged with a chain (not shown) connected to an operation wire for bending the bending portion in the left-right direction.

また、第1の回転軸9の先端部(第1のギア11との連結部とは反対側の端部)には術者が操作する第1の湾曲操作手段Aの上下用湾曲操作ノブ13が固定されている。さらに、第2の回転軸10の先端部(第2のギア12との連結部とは反対側の端部)には第2の湾曲操作手段Bの左右用湾曲操作ノブ14が固定されている。ここで、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の下端部は上下用湾曲操作ノブ13に当接されている。これにより、第1の回転軸9の軸方向の移動が規制されている。   Further, an upper / lower bending operation knob 13 of the first bending operation means A operated by an operator is provided at the distal end of the first rotating shaft 9 (the end opposite to the connecting portion with the first gear 11). Is fixed. Further, the left / right bending operation knob 14 of the second bending operation means B is fixed to the tip of the second rotating shaft 10 (the end opposite to the connecting portion with the second gear 12). . Here, the lower end portion of the left / right bending operation knob 14 is in contact with the up / down bending operation knob 13. Thereby, the movement of the first rotating shaft 9 in the axial direction is restricted.

また、ケーシング4の孔部8には起上回転軸15が内嵌されている。この起上回転軸15は第1の固定軸6に外嵌して、回転可能に支持されている。ここで、第1の固定軸6には起上回転軸15を受けるフランジ部31が設けられている。そして、起上回転軸15は第1の固定軸6のフランジ部31によって軸方向に沿うシャーシ5方向への移動が規制されている。   A raising rotary shaft 15 is fitted in the hole 8 of the casing 4. The raising rotary shaft 15 is externally fitted to the first fixed shaft 6 and is rotatably supported. Here, the first fixed shaft 6 is provided with a flange portion 31 that receives the raising rotary shaft 15. The raising rotary shaft 15 is restricted from moving in the chassis 5 direction along the axial direction by the flange portion 31 of the first fixed shaft 6.

さらに、起上回転軸15には術者が操作する鉗子起上操作部3の起上操作レバー16が固定されている。また、起上回転軸15の外周には図2および図3に示すようにOリング溝51が設けられている。このOリング溝51にはOリング52が介挿されている。そして、このOリング52によって起上回転軸15と孔部8との間が気密、水密的に封止されている。   Further, the raising operation lever 16 of the forceps raising operation unit 3 operated by the operator is fixed to the raising rotation shaft 15. Further, an O-ring groove 51 is provided on the outer periphery of the raising rotary shaft 15 as shown in FIGS. An O-ring 52 is inserted into the O-ring groove 51. The O-ring 52 seals between the raising rotary shaft 15 and the hole 8 in an airtight and watertight manner.

また、第2の固定軸7には図2中で上部側にリング状の係合溝部17が形成されている。この係合溝部17には第2の回転軸10の抜け止め部材18が係合されている。そして、第2の回転軸10の先端部は第2の固定軸7の抜け止め部材18に当接され、この第2の回転軸10の軸方向の移動が規制されている。   The second fixed shaft 7 is formed with a ring-shaped engagement groove 17 on the upper side in FIG. A retaining member 18 of the second rotating shaft 10 is engaged with the engaging groove 17. The distal end portion of the second rotary shaft 10 is in contact with the retaining member 18 of the second fixed shaft 7, and the movement of the second rotary shaft 10 in the axial direction is restricted.

また、第2の回転軸10の先端部には凹陥状のOリング収納部66が設けられている。このOリング収納部66と第2の固定軸7との間には共回り防止Oリング67が介挿されている。この共回り防止Oリング67は抜け止め部材18によりOリング収納部66からの外れを防止されている。このように本実施の形態ではOリング収納部66からのOリング67の外れ防止と第2の回転軸10の軸方向の移動の規制を単一の部材(抜け止め部材18)で行っている為、構成部品が削減でき、安価かつ軽量となる。   Further, a concave O-ring storage portion 66 is provided at the tip of the second rotating shaft 10. A co-rotation preventing O-ring 67 is interposed between the O-ring storage portion 66 and the second fixed shaft 7. The co-rotation preventing O-ring 67 is prevented from coming off from the O-ring storage portion 66 by the retaining member 18. As described above, in this embodiment, the O-ring 67 is prevented from coming off from the O-ring storage portion 66 and the movement of the second rotating shaft 10 in the axial direction is restricted by a single member (the retaining member 18). Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, and the cost is low and light.

また、上下方向の湾曲を操作する第1の湾曲操作手段Aは次のように構成されている。すなわち、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の外周側には図12に示すように爪部47が複数設けられている。この上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は変性ポリフェニレンオキサイド、ポリサルフォン、ポリエーテルサルホン、ポリエーテルイミド、ポリフェニレンサルファイド、ポリエーテルエーテルケトン、液晶ポリマー等の耐薬性や、耐熱性の良い樹脂により射出成形によって形成されている。   Further, the first bending operation means A for operating the bending in the vertical direction is configured as follows. That is, a plurality of claw portions 47 are provided on the outer peripheral side of the up / down bending operation knob 13 as shown in FIG. The up / down bending operation knob 13 is formed by injection molding with a chemical-resistant or heat-resistant resin such as modified polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetherimide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, liquid crystal polymer. ing.

なお、射出成形によって上下用湾曲操作ノブ13を形成する場合、他の部位に比べて厚肉となり、例えば5mm〜10mm程度の肉厚を有する爪部47は成形上、ショートショットやヒケ等を防止する為に従来は裏面に肉抜き部を設けていた。   When the up / down bending operation knob 13 is formed by injection molding, the claw portion 47 having a thickness of, for example, about 5 mm to 10 mm prevents short shots and sink marks from being formed. In order to do so, a thinning portion has been provided on the back side.

本実施の形態では上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は射出成形法の一種である二色成形法によって次のように形成されている。まず、一次固定型と一次可動型とから形成される一次キャビティーにより表面にあたるノブ本体48を射出成形した後、一次可動型をノブ本体48から離間させる。次に、ノブ本体48を一次固定型にセットしたままの状態で、爪裏部49の射出成形用の二次可動型をノブ本体48にセットする。   In the present embodiment, the vertical bending operation knob 13 is formed as follows by a two-color molding method which is a kind of injection molding method. First, after the knob body 48 corresponding to the surface is injection-molded by the primary cavity formed by the primary fixed mold and the primary movable mold, the primary movable mold is separated from the knob body 48. Next, the secondary movable mold for injection molding of the claw back portion 49 is set on the knob body 48 with the knob body 48 set on the primary fixed mold.

続いて、一次固定型と、成形されたノブ本体48と、二次可動型とから形成された二次キャビティーによって爪裏部49を射出成形により二次成形する。このとき、爪裏部49の射出成形にはノブ本体48を成形した樹脂と同素材の樹脂を用いる。   Subsequently, the claw back portion 49 is secondarily molded by injection molding using a secondary cavity formed by the primary fixed mold, the molded knob body 48, and the secondary movable mold. At this time, a resin made of the same material as the resin forming the knob body 48 is used for the injection molding of the nail back portion 49.

また、二次成形の際、ノブ本体48の爪裏部49との当接面は二次成形時に射出された樹脂の熱によって溶解して爪裏部49と溶着してノブ本体48と爪裏部49とは一体化され図3に示すようにノブ本体48と爪裏部49との境界部50には全く隙間が生じない。   In the secondary molding, the contact surface of the knob main body 48 with the claw back 49 is melted by the heat of the resin injected during the secondary molding and welded to the claw back 49, so that the knob main body 48 and the nail back As shown in FIG. 3, there is no gap at all at the boundary 50 between the knob main body 48 and the claw back 49 as shown in FIG.

以上のように本実施の形態では一度の二色成形工程によってノブ本体48と爪裏部49との組立が完了する。なお、外観部品となるノブ本体48は均肉形状や、裏面側は成形に都合の良い形状に設定できる為、表面の仕上がりを精度良く安定して形成でき、歩留まりが良い。   As described above, in the present embodiment, the assembly of the knob body 48 and the claw back portion 49 is completed by a single two-color molding process. In addition, since the knob main body 48 that is an appearance part can be set to a uniform thickness shape and the back side can be set to a shape that is convenient for molding, the surface finish can be formed accurately and stably, and the yield is good.

なお、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は通常の射出成形に比べてゲートの断面積を大きくし、また、射出成形時の樹脂の射出時間を通常の射出成形に比べて長くした(例えば1〜3分)、いわゆる厚肉成形法によってノブ本体48と爪裏部49との間を分けずに上下用湾曲操作ノブ13全体を一度に形成しても良い。この場合には上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の表面及び裏面には全く凹凸が生じない為、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13に汚れが溜まることがなく、洗滌が容易である。さらに、二色成形、厚肉成形にて形成することにより、肉抜き部を塞ぐ為の他の部品を組み立てる工程が不要である為、非常に安価に上下用湾曲操作ノブ13を形成することができる。   The up / down bending operation knob 13 has a larger gate cross-sectional area than in normal injection molding, and the resin injection time during injection molding is longer than in normal injection molding (for example, 1 to 3 minutes). The entire bending operation knob 13 for up and down may be formed at a time without dividing between the knob main body 48 and the claw back portion 49 by a so-called thick-wall molding method. In this case, since there are no irregularities on the front and back surfaces of the up / down bending operation knob 13, dirt does not accumulate on the up / down bending operation knob 13 and cleaning is easy. Furthermore, by forming by two-color molding or thick molding, the process of assembling other parts for closing the thinned portion is unnecessary, so the up and down bending operation knob 13 can be formed at a very low cost. it can.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の下面には図3および図12に示すように操作部1のケーシング4側に開口し、後述する第1の制動機構Cを収納する円筒状の第1の収納室(制動機構収納室)21が設けられている。さらに、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の上面には第1の収納室21の内底部(上面)の中央部位に図3中で下方に向けて円筒状の凹部105が突設されている。この凹部105の外周面には図14(B)に示すように第1の回転軸9との連結用の複数、本実施の形態では4つの切欠部20が形成されている。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, a cylindrical first housing that opens to the casing 4 side of the operation unit 1 and houses a first braking mechanism C described later is formed on the lower surface of the vertical bending operation knob 13. A chamber (braking mechanism storage chamber) 21 is provided. Further, a cylindrical concave portion 105 protrudes downward from the center of the inner bottom (upper surface) of the first storage chamber 21 on the upper surface of the up / down bending operation knob 13 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14B, a plurality of connection portions for connection with the first rotating shaft 9, in this embodiment, four cutout portions 20 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the concave portion 105.

また、第1の回転軸9の先端部には図5(B)に示すように複数、本実施の形態では4つの凸部19が突設されている。そして、第1の回転軸9の4つの凸部19を各凸部19と対応する位置に配置された上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の切欠部20に係合させることにより、第1の回転軸9に対する上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転方向の移動が規制される。そして、これらが接着等の手段によって接合されることにより上下用湾曲操作ノブ13が第1の回転軸9に強固に固定されている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), a plurality of convex portions 19 are projected from the tip portion of the first rotating shaft 9 in the present embodiment. Then, by engaging the four convex portions 19 of the first rotating shaft 9 with the cutout portions 20 of the up and down bending operation knobs 13 arranged at positions corresponding to the respective convex portions 19, the first rotating shaft 9. The movement of the up and down bending operation knob 13 in the rotational direction is restricted. The up and down bending operation knob 13 is firmly fixed to the first rotating shaft 9 by joining them together by means such as adhesion.

なお、第1の回転軸9の凸部19と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の切欠部20との接着を行わず、単に係合のみによって上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と第1の回転軸9との回転を抑止する構成としても良い。   The convex portion 19 of the first rotary shaft 9 and the notch portion 20 of the up / down bending operation knob 13 are not bonded, and the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the first rotation shaft 9 are simply engaged only. It is good also as a structure which suppresses rotation.

上記構成によれば上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と第1の回転軸9との組み付けに固定ねじ等を用いていない為、部品数が削減され、組立が容易となる。この為、安価、かつ軽量に形成できる。   According to the above configuration, the fixing screw or the like is not used for assembling the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the first rotating shaft 9, so that the number of parts is reduced and the assembly is facilitated. For this reason, it can be formed inexpensively and lightly.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の下面側の第1の収納室21にはこの上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回動に対して制動をかける第1の制動機構Cが設けられている。この第1の制動機構Cには第1の圧接部材22と、第1の可動部材23と、第1の制動操作部材27とが設けられている。   The first storage chamber 21 on the lower surface side of the up / down bending operation knob 13 is provided with a first braking mechanism C that applies braking to the rotation of the up / down bending operation knob 13. The first braking mechanism C is provided with a first pressure contact member 22, a first movable member 23, and a first braking operation member 27.

さらに、第1の圧接部材22はシリコンゴム、フッ素ゴムや、ソフトセグメントが98%以上の架橋度で架橋された完全架橋タイプの熱可塑性エラストマー等の耐薬品性、耐熱性の良好な弾性変形可能な軟質の弾性部材によって略リング状に形成されている。この第1の圧接部材22の上面には図6(A)および図14(A)に示すようにリング状の圧接部41と、この圧接部41よりも内周側に略リング状に並設された複数の円柱状の付勢突起42とが上方向に向けて突出されている。ここで、各付勢突起42は圧接部41の突出量よりも大きな突出量を有し、圧接部41よりも十分小さな断面形状に設定されている。さらに、各付勢突起42は周方向の全周に渡り複数、例えば30度ずつ12ケ所に設けられている。   Further, the first pressure contact member 22 can be elastically deformed with good chemical resistance and heat resistance, such as silicon rubber, fluoro rubber, and a completely crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer in which the soft segment is crosslinked with a crosslinking degree of 98% or more. It is formed in a substantially ring shape by a soft elastic member. As shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 14 (A), a ring-shaped pressure contact portion 41 is arranged on the upper surface of the first pressure contact member 22 in a substantially ring shape on the inner peripheral side of the pressure contact portion 41. A plurality of cylindrical urging projections 42 are projected upward. Here, each biasing protrusion 42 has a protrusion amount larger than the protrusion amount of the press contact portion 41, and is set to have a cross-sectional shape sufficiently smaller than the press contact portion 41. Furthermore, each urging | protrusion protrusion 42 is provided in multiple places, for example, 30 degrees, 12 places over the perimeter of the circumferential direction.

また、第1の圧接部材22の付勢突起42は軸方向に圧縮されるように、または軸方向と直交する方向に折れ曲がるように容易に弾性変形可能に形成されている。さらに、圧接部41と付勢突起42は前述した第1の圧接部材22の成形素材(軟質の弾性部材)により圧縮成形法や、射出成形法によって第1の圧接部材22と一体に形成されている。なお、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13における第1の収納室21の内底面には第1の圧接部材22の圧接部41と対向する位置に被摩擦面68が設けられている。   Further, the biasing protrusion 42 of the first pressure contact member 22 is formed so as to be easily elastically deformable so as to be compressed in the axial direction or bent in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. Further, the pressure contact portion 41 and the biasing protrusion 42 are integrally formed with the first pressure contact member 22 by the compression molding method or the injection molding method using the molding material (soft elastic member) of the first pressure contact member 22 described above. Yes. Note that a friction surface 68 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the first storage chamber 21 in the up / down bending operation knob 13 at a position facing the pressure contact portion 41 of the first pressure contact member 22.

また、第1の圧接部材22の下面には図6(B)および図14(B)に示すように径方向に向けて延設された直線状の係合溝部43が例えば45度ずつ8ケ所に設けられている。さらに、第1の圧接部材22の外周面の下端部には内方向に向けて全周にわたりフランジ状の取付け部45が突設されている。   Further, on the lower surface of the first pressure contact member 22, as shown in FIGS. 6 (B) and 14 (B), linear engaging groove portions 43 extending in the radial direction are provided at eight locations, for example, 45 degrees each. Is provided. Further, a flange-like attachment portion 45 is provided at the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first pressure contact member 22 so as to protrude inwardly over the entire periphery.

また、第1の可動部材23は上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と同様の樹脂から射出成形により略リング状に形成されている。この第1の可動部材23の上面には図7(A)および図14(B)に示すように第1の圧接部材22の係合溝部43と対応する位置に係合溝部43と略同一の断面形状を持つ係合突起部44が設けられている。さらに、この第1の可動部材23の上部には第1の圧接部材22の取付け部45が係脱可能に係合される取付け溝46が設けられている。そして、第1の圧接部材22の取付け部45が第1の可動部材23の取付け溝46に係合された状態で第1の圧接部材22が第1の可動部材23に固定されている。このとき、第1の可動部材23の係合突起部44を第1の圧接部材22の係合溝部43に係合させることにより、第1の圧接部材22が第1の可動部材23に対して回転不能に支持させた状態で固定されている。   The first movable member 23 is formed in a substantially ring shape from the same resin as the up / down bending operation knob 13 by injection molding. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 14B, the upper surface of the first movable member 23 is substantially the same as the engagement groove 43 at a position corresponding to the engagement groove 43 of the first pressure contact member 22. An engaging projection 44 having a cross-sectional shape is provided. Further, an attachment groove 46 is provided on the upper portion of the first movable member 23 so that the attachment portion 45 of the first pressure contact member 22 is detachably engaged. The first pressure contact member 22 is fixed to the first movable member 23 in a state where the attachment portion 45 of the first pressure contact member 22 is engaged with the attachment groove 46 of the first movable member 23. At this time, by engaging the engagement protrusion 44 of the first movable member 23 with the engagement groove 43 of the first pressure contact member 22, the first pressure contact member 22 is in contact with the first movable member 23. Fixed in a non-rotatable state.

さらに、第1の可動部材23の軸心部には図12に示すように断面が略四角形の四角孔部24が設けられている。ここで、第1の固定軸6の先端部には図5(A)に示すように第1の可動部材23の四角孔部24と略同一の断面形状の回転止め部25が形成されている。そして、第1の可動部材23の四角孔部24と第1の固定軸6の回転止め部25とが係合することにより、第1の可動部材23が第1の固定軸6に対して回転不能、かつ軸方向に移動自在に支持されている。   Furthermore, a square hole portion 24 having a substantially square cross section is provided in the axial center portion of the first movable member 23 as shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), a rotation stopper 25 having substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the square hole 24 of the first movable member 23 is formed at the tip of the first fixed shaft 6. . The first movable member 23 rotates with respect to the first fixed shaft 6 by the engagement of the square hole portion 24 of the first movable member 23 and the rotation stop portion 25 of the first fixed shaft 6. Impossible and supported so as to be movable in the axial direction.

また、第1の可動部材23の下面には図7(B)に示すように3つの係合ピン部36と、弾性変形可能な1つのガイドピン37とが設けられている。ここで、3つの係合ピン部36は第1の可動部材23の下面に周方向に120度ずつ離れて3ケ所に配置されている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, three engaging pin portions 36 and one guide pin 37 that can be elastically deformed are provided on the lower surface of the first movable member 23. Here, the three engagement pin portions 36 are arranged at three positions on the lower surface of the first movable member 23 at 120 degrees apart in the circumferential direction.

さらに、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の第1の収納室21における下面開口部側の端部(ケーシング4側の端部)には第1の収納室21の他の部分よりも大きな内径寸法を有し、ケーシング4側に開口を有する円筒状の開口孔部26が設けられている。   Further, the end portion on the lower surface opening side (the end portion on the casing 4 side) of the first storage chamber 21 of the up / down bending operation knob 13 has a larger inner diameter than the other portions of the first storage chamber 21. A cylindrical opening 26 having an opening on the casing 4 side is provided.

また、第1の制動操作部材27には第1の収納室21の開口孔部26を覆う制動レバー軸受け部(収納室閉塞体)28と、制動レバー(制動操作部材)29とが設けられている。ここで、制動レバー軸受け部28は第1の収納室21の開口孔部26に内嵌し、第1の固定軸6に外嵌して回転可能に支持されている。   The first brake operation member 27 is provided with a brake lever bearing (storage chamber closing body) 28 that covers the opening 26 of the first storage chamber 21 and a brake lever (brake operation member) 29. Yes. Here, the brake lever bearing portion 28 is fitted in the opening hole portion 26 of the first storage chamber 21, and is fitted on the first fixed shaft 6 so as to be rotatably supported.

また、制動レバー29の内端部は制動レバー軸受け部28に固定されている。さらに、この制動レバー29の外端部は径方向に延出されている。なお、制動レバー29は作業者の手指で操作される為、適宜の強度が必要であり、かつスペース上、薄肉であることが要求される為、薄肉の金属にて形成されている。   Further, the inner end portion of the brake lever 29 is fixed to the brake lever bearing portion 28. Further, the outer end portion of the brake lever 29 extends in the radial direction. Since the braking lever 29 is operated with the fingers of the operator, it needs to have an appropriate strength and is required to be thin in space, and is therefore formed of a thin metal.

さらに、制動レバー軸受け部28及び起上回転軸15は上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と同様の樹脂から射出成形により形成されている。なお、特に支障がない場合は制動レバー29を樹脂により制動レバー軸受け部28と一体に形成しても良い。   Further, the brake lever bearing portion 28 and the raising rotary shaft 15 are formed by injection molding from the same resin as the up / down bending operation knob 13. If there is no particular hindrance, the brake lever 29 may be formed integrally with the brake lever bearing portion 28 with resin.

また、第1の制動操作部材27は内径寸法が異なる上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の第1の収納室21と開口孔部26との間の境界部に形成された段部30と起上回転軸15とによって軸方向の移動が規制されている。   Further, the first braking operation member 27 includes a stepped portion 30 formed at a boundary portion between the first storage chamber 21 and the opening hole portion 26 of the up / down bending operation knob 13 having different inner diameter dimensions and a raising rotation shaft. 15, movement in the axial direction is restricted.

さらに、制動レバー軸受け部28の外周面にはOリング溝51aが設けられている。このOリング溝51aにはOリング(シール部材)52aが介挿されている。そして、このOリング52aによって制動レバー軸受け部28と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13との間が気密、水密的に封止されている。   Further, an O-ring groove 51 a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the brake lever bearing portion 28. An O-ring (seal member) 52a is inserted in the O-ring groove 51a. The O-ring 52a seals between the brake lever bearing 28 and the up / down bending operation knob 13 in an airtight and watertight manner.

また、制動レバー軸受け部28の下面(起上回転軸15との接合面)にはリング状のOリング溝51bが設けられている。このOリング溝51bにはOリング52bが介挿されている。そして、このOリング52bによって制動レバー軸受け部28と起上回転軸15との間が気密、水密的に封止されている。   Further, a ring-shaped O-ring groove 51b is provided on the lower surface of the brake lever bearing portion 28 (joint surface with the raising rotary shaft 15). An O-ring 52b is inserted in the O-ring groove 51b. The space between the brake lever bearing portion 28 and the raising rotary shaft 15 is hermetically and watertightly sealed by the O-ring 52b.

また、制動レバー軸受け部28の上面(第1の可動部材23と対向する面)には図8および図12に示すように3つのカム部35と、1つのピンガイド溝39とが設けられている。ここで、3つのカム部35は制動レバー軸受け部28の上面に周方向に120度ずつ離れて3ケ所に配置されている。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, three cam portions 35 and one pin guide groove 39 are provided on the upper surface of the brake lever bearing portion 28 (the surface facing the first movable member 23). Yes. Here, the three cam portions 35 are arranged at three positions on the upper surface of the brake lever bearing portion 28 at 120 degrees apart in the circumferential direction.

また、ピンガイド溝39は制動レバー軸受け部28の周方向に沿って略円弧状に形成された長穴によって形成されている。そして、このピンガイド溝39内には第1の可動部材23のガイドピン37が挿入されている。   Further, the pin guide groove 39 is formed by a long hole formed in a substantially arc shape along the circumferential direction of the brake lever bearing portion 28. A guide pin 37 of the first movable member 23 is inserted into the pin guide groove 39.

さらに、このピンガイド溝39の両端部にはガイドピン37の回転方向の移動を規制するストッパ部38が形成されている。また、ピンガイド溝39の内側の端縁部にはピンガイド部材40が取付けられている。このピンガイド部材40の両端にはガイドピン37を選択的に係止する為の係止突起40a1 ,40a2 が突設されている。 Furthermore, stopper portions 38 that restrict the movement of the guide pin 37 in the rotational direction are formed at both ends of the pin guide groove 39. A pin guide member 40 is attached to the inner edge of the pin guide groove 39. Locking projections 40a 1 and 40a 2 for selectively locking the guide pin 37 are provided at both ends of the pin guide member 40.

また、制動レバー軸受け部28のカム部35には図13に示すように斜面部32と、この斜面部32の下端部側に連続した下面部33と、斜面部32の上端部側に連続した上面部34とが設けられている。なお、第1の可動部材23の係合ピン部36はカム部35の下面部33と上面部34との間の軸方向の距離Lよりも長い長さに設定されている。   As shown in FIG. 13, the cam portion 35 of the brake lever bearing portion 28 has a slope portion 32, a lower surface portion 33 continuous to the lower end portion side of the slope portion 32, and a upper end portion side of the slope portion 32. An upper surface portion 34 is provided. The engaging pin portion 36 of the first movable member 23 is set to a length longer than the axial distance L between the lower surface portion 33 and the upper surface portion 34 of the cam portion 35.

上記構成によれば第1の可動部材23にガイドピン37を弾性変形可能に樹脂で一体に形成し、制動レバー軸受け部28にピンガイド部材40及びストッパ部38を有するピンガイド溝39を一体に設けたので、部品数を削減でき、安価、かつ軽量に形成できる。   According to the above configuration, the guide pin 37 is integrally formed with the resin so as to be elastically deformable on the first movable member 23, and the pin guide groove 39 having the pin guide member 40 and the stopper portion 38 is integrally formed on the brake lever bearing portion 28. Since it is provided, the number of parts can be reduced, and it can be formed inexpensively and lightly.

なお、制動レバー軸受け部28にガイドピン37を設け、第1の可動部材23にストッパ部38とピンガイド部材40を有するピンガイド溝39を設けた構成としても良い。   The brake lever bearing portion 28 may be provided with a guide pin 37, and the first movable member 23 may be provided with a pin guide groove 39 having a stopper portion 38 and a pin guide member 40.

また、左右方向の湾曲を操作する第2の湾曲操作手段Bは次のように構成されている。すなわち、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14は図14(C)に示すように複数の爪部47aを有し、前述した上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と同様に二色成形法によって形成されている。   Further, the second bending operation means B for operating the bending in the left-right direction is configured as follows. That is, the left / right bending operation knob 14 has a plurality of claw portions 47a as shown in FIG. 14C, and is formed by a two-color molding method, similar to the above-described up / down bending operation knob 13.

さらに、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の上面の軸心部には略十字状の切欠部20aが形成されている。ここで、第2の回転軸10の先端部には図5(C)に示すように左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の切欠部20aと対応する形状の略十字状の凸部19aが設けられている。そして、第2の回転軸10の凸部19aが左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の切欠部20aに係合されることにより、第2の回転軸10に対する左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の回転方向の移動が規制されるとともに、これらの係合部が接着等の手段によって接合されることにより、さらに強固に固定されている。   Further, a substantially cross-shaped notch 20 a is formed in the axial center portion of the upper surface of the left / right bending operation knob 14. Here, as shown in FIG. 5C, a substantially cross-shaped convex portion 19a having a shape corresponding to the cutout portion 20a of the left and right bending operation knob 14 is provided at the tip of the second rotating shaft 10. . Then, the convex portion 19a of the second rotating shaft 10 is engaged with the notch portion 20a of the left / right bending operation knob 14, whereby the left / right bending operation knob 14 moves in the rotational direction with respect to the second rotating shaft 10. In addition to being restricted, these engaging portions are joined together by means such as adhesion, so that they are more firmly fixed.

なお、第2の回転軸10の凸部19aと左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の切欠部20aとの接着を行わず、単に係合のみによって左右用湾曲操作ノブ14と第2の回転軸10との回転を抑止する構成としても良い。   The convex portion 19a of the second rotating shaft 10 and the notch portion 20a of the left / right bending operation knob 14 are not bonded, and the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the second rotating shaft 10 are simply engaged. It is good also as a structure which suppresses rotation.

また、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の上面には図4に示すように円筒状の第2の収納室53が設けられている。この第2の収納室53には左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の回動に対して制動をかける第2の制動機構Dが設けられている。この第2の制動機構Dには第2の圧接部材54と、第2の可動部材55と、第2の制動操作部材56とが設けられている。   Also, a cylindrical second storage chamber 53 is provided on the upper surface of the left / right bending operation knob 14 as shown in FIG. The second storage chamber 53 is provided with a second braking mechanism D for braking the rotation of the left / right bending operation knob 14. The second braking mechanism D is provided with a second pressing member 54, a second movable member 55, and a second braking operation member 56.

ここで、第2の圧接部材54は第1の圧接部材22と略同様に構成されている。すなわち、この第2の圧接部材54の下面には左右用湾曲操作ノブ14における第2の収納室53の内底部に向けて図11(A)に示すように略リング状の圧接部41aが突設されている。   Here, the second pressure contact member 54 is configured in substantially the same manner as the first pressure contact member 22. That is, a substantially ring-shaped press contact portion 41a projects from the lower surface of the second press contact member 54 toward the inner bottom portion of the second storage chamber 53 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 as shown in FIG. It is installed.

また、第2の圧接部材54の上面には図11(B)に示すように第1の圧接部材22と略同様に径方向に向けて延設された直線状の係合溝部43aが設けられているとともに、この第2の圧接部材54の外周面の上端部には内方向に向けて全周にわたりフランジ状の取付け部45aが突設されている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, a linear engagement groove 43a extending in the radial direction is provided on the upper surface of the second pressure contact member 54 as in the first pressure contact member 22, as shown in FIG. At the same time, a flange-like mounting portion 45a is projected from the upper end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second pressure contact member 54 over the entire circumference in the inward direction.

また、第2の可動部材55は上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と同様の樹脂から射出成形により形成されている。この第2の可動部材55の下面には図9(B)に示すように第2の圧接部材54の係合溝部43aと対応する位置に係合溝部43aと略同一の断面形状を持つ係合突起部44aが設けられている。さらに、この第2の可動部材55の下部外周面には第2の圧接部材54の取付け部45aが係脱可能に係合される取付け溝46aが設けられている。そして、第2の圧接部材54の取付け部45aが第2の可動部材55の取付け溝46aに係合された状態で第2の圧接部材54が第2の可動部材55に固定されている。このとき、第2の可動部材55の係合突起部44aを第2の圧接部材54の係合溝部43aに係合させることにより、第2の圧接部材54が第2の可動部材55に対して回転不能に支持させた状態で固定されている。   The second movable member 55 is formed by injection molding from the same resin as that for the up / down bending operation knob 13. As shown in FIG. 9B, the lower surface of the second movable member 55 is engaged with the engagement groove 43a of the second pressure contact member 54 at a position corresponding to the engagement groove 43a. A protrusion 44a is provided. Furthermore, a mounting groove 46a is provided on the lower outer peripheral surface of the second movable member 55 so that the mounting portion 45a of the second press-contact member 54 is detachably engaged. The second pressure contact member 54 is fixed to the second movable member 55 in a state where the mounting portion 45 a of the second pressure contact member 54 is engaged with the mounting groove 46 a of the second movable member 55. At this time, by engaging the engagement protrusion 44 a of the second movable member 55 with the engagement groove 43 a of the second pressure contact member 54, the second pressure contact member 54 is in contact with the second movable member 55. It is fixed in a non-rotatable state.

なお、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14における第2の収納室53の内底面(下面)には第2の圧接部材54の圧接部41aと対向する位置に被摩擦面68aが設けられている。   Note that a friction surface 68 a is provided on the inner bottom surface (lower surface) of the second storage chamber 53 in the left and right bending operation knob 14 at a position facing the pressure contact portion 41 a of the second pressure contact member 54.

また、第2の可動部材55の軸心部には図9(A),(B)に示すように断面が略正方形の四角孔部24aが設けられている。ここで、第2の固定軸7の先端部には四角孔部24aと略同一の断面形状を有する回転止め部25aが形成されている。そして、第2の可動部材55の四角孔部24aと第2の固定軸7の回転止め部25aとが係合することにより第2の可動部材55は第2の固定軸7に対して回転不能、かつ軸方向に移動自在に支持されている。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a square hole portion 24a having a substantially square cross section is provided in the axial center portion of the second movable member 55. Here, an anti-rotation portion 25 a having substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the square hole portion 24 a is formed at the tip end portion of the second fixed shaft 7. The second movable member 55 cannot rotate with respect to the second fixed shaft 7 by the engagement of the square hole portion 24a of the second movable member 55 and the rotation stop portion 25a of the second fixed shaft 7. And supported so as to be movable in the axial direction.

また、第2の可動部材55の上面には図9(A),(B)に示すように径方向に弾性変形可能な一対のヒンジ部61が180度ずつ離れて2ケ所に連結されている。各ヒンジ部61の先端部には内周側に突出した係合ピン部36aが設けられている。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a pair of hinge portions 61 that can be elastically deformed in the radial direction are separated from each other by 180 degrees on the upper surface of the second movable member 55. . An engagement pin portion 36a that protrudes to the inner peripheral side is provided at the distal end portion of each hinge portion 61.

また、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の第2の収納室53の上面には開口した開口孔部26aが設けられている。この開口孔部26aには第2の制動操作部材56が収容されている。   In addition, an opening 26 a that opens is provided on the upper surface of the second storage chamber 53 of the left / right bending operation knob 14. A second braking operation member 56 is accommodated in the opening hole 26a.

この第2の制動操作部材56には第2の収納室53の開口孔部26aを覆う略有底円筒状の制動ノブ57と、制動ノブ軸受け58とが設けられている。ここで、制動ノブ57の下端開口部側は開口孔部26aに内嵌されている。さらに、この制動ノブ57の内底部の中心部は上方向に向けて突出されている。また、制動ノブ軸受け58は第2の固定軸7に外嵌して回転可能に支持されている。なお、第2の制動操作部材56の制動ノブ57および制動ノブ軸受け58は上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と同様の樹脂から射出成形により形成されている。   The second braking operation member 56 is provided with a substantially bottomed cylindrical braking knob 57 that covers the opening 26 a of the second storage chamber 53, and a braking knob bearing 58. Here, the lower end opening side of the brake knob 57 is fitted in the opening hole 26a. Further, the central portion of the inner bottom portion of the brake knob 57 protrudes upward. Further, the brake knob bearing 58 is externally fitted to the second fixed shaft 7 and is rotatably supported. Note that the braking knob 57 and the braking knob bearing 58 of the second braking operation member 56 are formed by injection molding from the same resin as the up / down bending operation knob 13.

さらに、制動ノブ57には図4および図15に示すように開口孔部26aとの嵌合部よりも内周側に制動ノブ軸受け58との接続部73が配設されている。なお、図15は図4におけるN−N線断面を示す。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, the brake knob 57 is provided with a connection portion 73 to the brake knob bearing 58 on the inner peripheral side of the fitting portion with the opening hole portion 26 a. FIG. 15 shows a cross section taken along line NN in FIG.

また、制動ノブ57の接続部73には図15中で左右方向へ弾性変形可能な一対の弾性変形部75が設けられている。両弾性変形部75の下端部にはそれぞれ内側に向けて係止部76が突設されている。   Further, the connection portion 73 of the brake knob 57 is provided with a pair of elastic deformation portions 75 that can be elastically deformed in the left-right direction in FIG. Locking portions 76 project from the lower ends of both elastic deformation portions 75 toward the inside.

さらに、制動ノブ軸受け58の上面には図10(A)に示すように制動ノブ57と接続される2組の被接続部74が設けられている。この被接続部74には径方向に延出された長溝状の係合凹部79が設けられている。   Further, two sets of connected portions 74 connected to the brake knob 57 are provided on the upper surface of the brake knob bearing 58 as shown in FIG. The connected portion 74 is provided with an engaging recess 79 having a long groove shape extending in the radial direction.

また、制動ノブ57には図15に示すように制動ノブ軸受け58の係合凹部79と係脱可能に係合する凸部80が突設されている。そして、制動ノブ57の凸部80が制動ノブ軸受け58の係合凹部79に係合されることにより、制動ノブ57と制動ノブ軸受け58との間が回転不能に固定されている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the brake knob 57 is provided with a convex portion 80 that removably engages with the engagement concave portion 79 of the brake knob bearing 58. The projection 80 of the brake knob 57 is engaged with the engagement recess 79 of the brake knob bearing 58, so that the brake knob 57 and the brake knob bearing 58 are fixed so as not to rotate.

さらに、制動ノブ軸受け58の被接続部74には図15に示すように上側に向けて係合部78が突設されている。この係合部78の上端部には係止突起77が形成されている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 15, an engagement portion 78 protrudes upward from the connected portion 74 of the brake knob bearing 58. A locking projection 77 is formed on the upper end of the engaging portion 78.

そして、制動ノブ57の接続部73の係止部76と、制動ノブ軸受け58の被接続部74の係合部78とが係合することにより、制動ノブ57と制動ノブ軸受け58とが係脱可能に係止されている。   The engaging portion 78 of the connecting portion 73 of the braking knob 57 and the engaging portion 78 of the connected portion 74 of the braking knob bearing 58 are engaged, whereby the braking knob 57 and the braking knob bearing 58 are engaged and disengaged. It is locked as possible.

なお、制動ノブ軸受け58の被接続部74に弾性変形部75と係止部76とを設け、制動ノブ57の接続部73に係止突起77を有する係合部78を設けてこれらを係合させる構成にしても良い。さらに、接続部73および被接続部74をそれぞれ複数組設けても良い。   An elastic deformation portion 75 and a locking portion 76 are provided on the connected portion 74 of the brake knob bearing 58, and an engaging portion 78 having a locking projection 77 is provided on the connecting portion 73 of the brake knob 57 to engage them. You may make it the structure to make. Further, a plurality of sets of connection portions 73 and connected portions 74 may be provided.

また、第2の固定軸7の上端には図4に示すようにリング状の溝部17aが設けられている。この溝部17aには図16(B)に示すように略C字状の抜け止め部材18aが係合されている。この抜け止め部材18aのC字状の開口部には第2の固定軸7の挿通溝72が形成されている。そして、この抜け止め部材18aが挿通溝72の部分から第2の固定軸7の溝部17aに挿入された状態で、抜け止め部材18aが第2の固定軸7に固定されている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a ring-shaped groove portion 17 a is provided at the upper end of the second fixed shaft 7. As shown in FIG. 16B, a substantially C-shaped retaining member 18a is engaged with the groove portion 17a. An insertion groove 72 for the second fixed shaft 7 is formed in the C-shaped opening of the retaining member 18a. The retaining member 18 a is fixed to the second fixed shaft 7 in a state where the retaining member 18 a is inserted into the groove portion 17 a of the second fixed shaft 7 from the insertion groove 72.

また、制動ノブ軸受け58には図10(A),(B)、図16(B)および図17に示すように外周側から内周側に貫通した切欠部65が設けられている。そして、この切欠部65を通して抜け止め部材18aが制動ノブ軸受け58の軸心部側に挿通されている。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 16B, and 17, the brake knob bearing 58 is provided with a notch 65 that penetrates from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side. Then, the retaining member 18 a is inserted through the notch 65 into the axial center side of the brake knob bearing 58.

また、制動ノブ57の内部には抜け止め部材18aに外嵌する略円筒形状の抜け止め部71が設けられている。そして、制動ノブ57の抜け止め部71が抜け止め部材18aに外嵌された状態で、抜け止め部材18aの側方への移動が規制されている。これにより、抜け止め部材18aが側方に移動して抜け止め部材18aの挿通溝72と第2の固定軸7の溝部17aとの係合が外れることが防止されている。   In addition, a substantially cylindrical retaining portion 71 that is externally fitted to the retaining member 18 a is provided inside the braking knob 57. And the movement to the side of the retaining member 18a is restricted in a state in which the retaining portion 71 of the braking knob 57 is fitted on the retaining member 18a. This prevents the retaining member 18a from moving sideways and disengaging the insertion groove 72 of the retaining member 18a from the engagement of the groove portion 17a of the second fixed shaft 7.

また、制動ノブ軸受け58の下端部は第2の固定軸7に設けられた段部59に当接されている。さらに、制動ノブ軸受け58の上端部は第2の固定軸7の抜け止め部材18aに当接されている。これにより、第2の制動操作部材56は軸方向の移動が規制されている。   Further, the lower end portion of the brake knob bearing 58 is in contact with a stepped portion 59 provided on the second fixed shaft 7. Further, the upper end portion of the brake knob bearing 58 is in contact with the retaining member 18 a of the second fixed shaft 7. As a result, the second braking operation member 56 is restricted from moving in the axial direction.

また、制動ノブ57の下端部外周面にはOリング溝51dが設けられている。このOリング溝51dにはOリング52dが介挿されている。そして、このOリング52dによって第2の制動操作部材56と左右用湾曲操作ノブ14との間が気密、水密的に封止されている。   An O-ring groove 51 d is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the brake knob 57. An O-ring 52d is inserted in the O-ring groove 51d. The O-ring 52d seals between the second braking operation member 56 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 in an airtight and watertight manner.

また、制動ノブ軸受け58の外周面には図10(A),(B)および図16(A)に示すように180度ずつ離れて2ケ所にカム溝60が設けられている。各カム溝60は図4に示すように周方向に沿って斜めに傾斜させた傾斜溝によって形成されている。そして、このカム溝60の一端部には最上部69、他端部には最下部70がそれぞれ形成されている。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 16A, cam grooves 60 are provided at two locations on the outer peripheral surface of the brake knob bearing 58 at a distance of 180 degrees. Each cam groove 60 is formed by an inclined groove that is inclined obliquely along the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. An uppermost portion 69 is formed at one end of the cam groove 60 and a lowermost portion 70 is formed at the other end.

さらに、制動ノブ軸受け58の底面には図10(A),(B)に示すようにカム溝60の最下部70と連通する組み付け用溝部64が形成されている。そして、この組み付け用溝部64から第2の可動部材55の係合ピン部36aがカム溝60に挿入されている。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 (A) and 10 (B), an assembly groove portion 64 communicating with the lowermost portion 70 of the cam groove 60 is formed on the bottom surface of the brake knob bearing 58. The engaging pin portion 36 a of the second movable member 55 is inserted into the cam groove 60 from the assembly groove portion 64.

また、図16(A)に示すように制動ノブ軸受け58のカム溝60の両端の最上部69,最下部70には係合ピン部36aの回転方向の移動を規制するストッパ部38aがそれぞれ設けられている。さらに、カム溝60の両端の最上部69,最下部70には係合ピン部36aを選択的に係止する為の係止突起40b1 ,40b2 がそれぞれ設けられている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 16A, stopper portions 38a for restricting the movement of the engaging pin portion 36a in the rotational direction are provided at the uppermost portion 69 and the lowermost portion 70 of both ends of the cam groove 60 of the brake knob bearing 58, respectively. It has been. Further, locking projections 40b 1 and 40b 2 for selectively locking the engaging pin portion 36a are provided on the uppermost portion 69 and the lowermost portion 70 at both ends of the cam groove 60, respectively.

また、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の下端部中央部位には下方に向けて円筒状のボス部14aが突設されている。このボス部14aの外周面にはリング溝51eが設けられている。このリング溝51eにはOリング52eが外嵌されている。さらに、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の上面(左右用湾曲操作ノブ14側の面)の凹部105には左右用湾曲操作ノブ14のボス部14aが挿入されている。ここで、ボス部14aのOリング52eは上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の凹部105に内嵌されている。そして、Oリング52eによって上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と左右用湾曲操作ノブ14との間が気密、水密的に封止されている。   Further, a cylindrical boss portion 14a protrudes downward from the central portion of the lower end portion of the left / right bending operation knob 14. A ring groove 51e is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 14a. An O-ring 52e is fitted on the ring groove 51e. Further, a boss portion 14 a of the left and right bending operation knob 14 is inserted into the recess 105 on the upper surface of the upper and lower bending operation knob 13 (the surface on the left and right bending operation knob 14 side). Here, the O-ring 52e of the boss portion 14a is fitted in the concave portion 105 of the up / down bending operation knob 13. The space between the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 is airtightly and watertightly sealed by the O-ring 52e.

また、第2の湾曲操作手段Bの組立作業は以下のように行われる。まず、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14が接続された第2の回転軸10を第2の固定軸7に外嵌させる。   The assembly operation of the second bending operation means B is performed as follows. First, the second rotating shaft 10 to which the left / right bending operation knob 14 is connected is fitted onto the second fixed shaft 7.

次に、第2の圧接部材54が固定された第2の可動部材55の係合ピン部36aを制動ノブ軸受け58の組み付け用溝部64に挿通し、この組み付け用溝部64を通してカム溝60内に挿入させる。そして、この係合ピン部36aをカム溝60の最上部69に位置させる。   Next, the engaging pin portion 36 a of the second movable member 55 to which the second pressure contact member 54 is fixed is inserted into the assembly groove portion 64 of the brake knob bearing 58, and the cam groove 60 is inserted through the assembly groove portion 64. Insert it. The engaging pin portion 36 a is positioned at the uppermost portion 69 of the cam groove 60.

続いて、一体化された第2の可動部材55と制動ノブ軸受け58を第2の固定軸7に外嵌する。その後、抜け止め部材18aを制動ノブ軸受け58の外周側より制動ノブ軸受け58の挿通溝65を通して溝部17aに係合させる。   Subsequently, the integrated second movable member 55 and brake knob bearing 58 are fitted onto the second fixed shaft 7. Thereafter, the retaining member 18 a is engaged with the groove portion 17 a from the outer peripheral side of the brake knob bearing 58 through the insertion groove 65 of the brake knob bearing 58.

この状態で、Oリング52dが組み付けられた制動ノブ57を左右用湾曲操作ノブ14に内嵌させる。このとき、制動ノブ57の凸部80と制動ノブ軸受け58の凹部79とを係合させながら、同時に制動ノブ57の接続部73と制動ノブ軸受け58の被接続部74とを係合させる。ここで、接続部73は係止部76が被接続部74の係止突起77と当接すると弾性変形部75が外側に弾性変形し、係止突起77が係止部76を乗りこえると弾性変形部75が内側に復帰し、係止部76と係止突起77とが係合する。以上の作業により制動ノブ57と制動ノブ軸受け58とが固定される。この際、制動ノブ57の抜け止め部71は抜け止め部材18aに外嵌される。   In this state, the braking knob 57 to which the O-ring 52d is assembled is fitted into the left / right bending operation knob 14. At this time, while the convex portion 80 of the brake knob 57 and the concave portion 79 of the brake knob bearing 58 are engaged, the connection portion 73 of the brake knob 57 and the connected portion 74 of the brake knob bearing 58 are simultaneously engaged. Here, the connecting portion 73 elastically deforms the elastic deformation portion 75 outward when the engaging portion 76 contacts the engaging protrusion 77 of the connected portion 74, and elastically when the engaging protrusion 77 rides over the engaging portion 76. The deforming portion 75 returns to the inside, and the locking portion 76 and the locking projection 77 are engaged. The brake knob 57 and the brake knob bearing 58 are fixed by the above operation. At this time, the retaining portion 71 of the braking knob 57 is externally fitted to the retaining member 18a.

また、第2の湾曲操作手段Bの組立時には左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の下端部中央部位のボス部14aの最下端の当接部63が上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の凹部20の内底面の当接部63aと当接される。これにより、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は左右用湾曲操作ノブ14側への軸方向の移動が規制されている。   Further, when the second bending operation means B is assembled, the lowermost abutting portion 63 of the boss portion 14 a at the central portion of the lower end portion of the left and right bending operation knob 14 is in contact with the inner bottom surface of the concave portion 20 of the vertical bending operation knob 13. It abuts on the contact portion 63a. As a result, the vertical bending operation knob 13 is restricted from moving in the axial direction toward the left and right bending operation knob 14.

さらに、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の当接部63および上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の当接部63aは上下用湾曲操作ノブ13、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14と同様の樹脂にて形成されている。そして、これらが当接する接触面積は微少に形成されており、当接部63と当接部63aとの間の摺動抵抗Oは非常に小さい。   Further, the contact portion 63 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the contact portion 63a of the up / down bending operation knob 13 are formed of the same resin as the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14. And the contact area which these contact | abut is formed very small, and the sliding resistance O between the contact part 63 and the contact part 63a is very small.

ここで、摺動抵抗Oと、Oリング52eを介した上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と左右用湾曲操作ノブ14との摺動抵抗Pと、共回り防止Oリング67を介した第2の固定軸7と第2の回転軸10との間の摺動抵抗Qと、Oリング52dを介した左右用湾曲操作ノブ14と制動ノブ57との間の摺動抵抗RとはO+P<Q+Rなる関係に、またOリング52aを介した上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と第1の制動レバー27との摺動抵抗SとはO+P<Sなる関係に、また摺動抵抗Oと、圧接部41,圧接部41aがそれぞれ被摩擦面68,被摩擦面68aと圧接した際の圧接部41と被摩擦面68との摺動抵抗Tと、圧接部41aと被摩擦面68aとの摺動抵抗UとはO+P<T,O+P<Uなる関係になるように各Oリング52e,67,52d,52aは接触する各部材との摩擦力が設定されている。   Here, the sliding resistance O, the sliding resistance P between the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 via the O-ring 52 e, and the second fixed shaft via the co-rotation prevention O-ring 67. 7 and the second rotating shaft 10 and the sliding resistance R between the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the braking knob 57 via the O-ring 52d have a relationship of O + P <Q + R. In addition, the sliding resistance S between the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the first braking lever 27 via the O-ring 52a has a relationship of O + P <S, and the sliding resistance O, the pressure contact portion 41, and the pressure contact portion 41a. Are the sliding resistance T between the pressure contact portion 41 and the friction surface 68 and the sliding resistance U between the pressure contact portion 41a and the friction surface 68a when O + P < Each O-ring 52e, 67, 52d, 5 is set so that T, O + P <U. a friction force between the members in contact is set.

また、図2に示すように第2の回転軸10および左右用湾曲操作ノブ14が最も上側に移動した位置にあたる第2の回転軸10の上端部が抜け止め部材18に当接した位置にあり、第1の回転軸9および上下用湾曲操作ノブ13が最も下側に移動した位置にあたる第1の回転軸9の下端部が第1のギア11に当接した位置、または第1の固定軸6のフランジ部31に起上回転軸15の下端が当接し、この起上回転軸15の上端に第1の制動レバー27の下端が当接し、この第1の制動レバー27が上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の段部30に当接した位置における左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の当接部63と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の当接部63aとの間には距離Aなる微少なクリアランスが設けられている。さらに、第1の可動部材23の係合ピン部36がカム部35の下面部33に当接し、第1の制動レバー部材27の制動レバー軸受け部28と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の段部30とが当接した状態において第1の圧接部材22の圧接部41と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の被摩擦面68との間には距離Bなるクリアランスが設けられている。また、カム部35の下面部33と上面部34は軸方向に距離Cなる高さを有している。これらの距離はC≧A+Bとなる関係に設定されている。   Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper end portion of the second rotating shaft 10 corresponding to the position where the second rotating shaft 10 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 are moved to the uppermost position is in a position where it comes into contact with the retaining member 18. The position at which the lower end of the first rotating shaft 9 corresponding to the position where the first rotating shaft 9 and the up / down bending operation knob 13 are moved to the lowest side contacts the first gear 11, or the first fixed shaft 6, the lower end of the raising rotary shaft 15 is in contact with the flange portion 31, the lower end of the first braking lever 27 is in contact with the upper end of the raising rotary shaft 15, and the first braking lever 27 is moved up and down. A slight clearance of a distance A is provided between the contact portion 63 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the contact portion 63a of the up / down bending operation knob 13 at a position in contact with the step portion 30 of the knob 13. Yes. Further, the engagement pin portion 36 of the first movable member 23 contacts the lower surface portion 33 of the cam portion 35, and the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first brake lever member 27 and the step portion 30 of the up / down bending operation knob 13. In a state in which the contact portion 41 is in contact with each other, a clearance having a distance B is provided between the pressing portion 41 of the first pressing member 22 and the friction target surface 68 of the up / down bending operation knob 13. Further, the lower surface portion 33 and the upper surface portion 34 of the cam portion 35 have a height of a distance C in the axial direction. These distances are set such that C ≧ A + B.

また、カム溝60の最上部69と最下部70との間の距離Dと、制動ノブ軸受け58が抜け止め部材18aに当接し、第2の回転軸10の上端を抜け止め部材18に当接した状態での第2の圧接部材54の圧接部41aと左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の被摩擦面68aとの間の距離Eと、第2の回転軸10の下端と第2のギア12との間の距離FとはD≧E+Fなる関係に設定されている。   Further, the distance D between the uppermost portion 69 and the lowermost portion 70 of the cam groove 60, the brake knob bearing 58 contacts the retaining member 18a, and the upper end of the second rotating shaft 10 contacts the retaining member 18. In this state, the distance E between the pressure contact portion 41a of the second pressure contact member 54 and the friction target surface 68a of the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the lower end of the second rotary shaft 10 and the second gear 12 The distance F is set such that D ≧ E + F.

次に、上記構成の作用について説明する。まず、湾曲操作部2の防水構造の作用を説明する。本実施の形態ではケーシング4の孔部8と起上回転軸15との間がOリング52により気密、液密的に封止され、さらに起上回転軸15と第1の制動操作部材27の制動レバー軸受け部28との間がOリング52bにより気密、液密的に封止されることにより、ケーシング4内部への液体の侵入が阻止される。   Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. First, the effect | action of the waterproof structure of the bending operation part 2 is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, the space between the hole 8 of the casing 4 and the raising rotary shaft 15 is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by the O-ring 52, and the raising rotary shaft 15 and the first braking operation member 27 are further sealed. The space between the brake lever bearing portion 28 and the brake ring bearing 28 is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by the O-ring 52b, thereby preventing liquid from entering the casing 4.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の第1の収納室21の内周面と制動レバー軸受け部28との間が、Oリング52aにより気密、液密的に封止され、起上回転軸15と第1の制動レバー27との間が、Oリング52bにより気密、液密的に封止され、さらに上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の上面凹部20と左右用湾曲操作ノブ14のボス部14aとの間が、Oリング52eにより気密、液密的に封止されることにより、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の第1の収納室21への液体、気体の侵入が阻止される。そのため、第1の固定軸6、第1の回転軸9、第1の圧接部材22、第1の可動部材23には汚物や薬液等が触れることがない。   In addition, the space between the inner peripheral surface of the first storage chamber 21 of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the brake lever bearing portion 28 is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by the O-ring 52a. The space between the first braking lever 27 and the first bending lever 27 is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by an O-ring 52b, and further between the upper surface recessed portion 20 of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the boss portion 14a of the left / right bending operation knob 14. However, since the O-ring 52e is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed, the intrusion of liquid and gas into the first storage chamber 21 of the up / down bending operation knob 13 is prevented. Therefore, the first fixed shaft 6, the first rotating shaft 9, the first pressure contact member 22, and the first movable member 23 are not touched by filth and chemicals.

また、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14と第2の制動操作部材56との間が、Oリング52dにより気密、液密的に封止され、さらに左右用湾曲操作ノブ14と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13との間が、Oリング52eにより気密、液密的に封止されることにより、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の第2の収納室53への液体、気体の侵入が阻止される。そのため、第2の固定軸7、第2の回転軸10、第2の圧接部材54、第2の可動部材55には汚物や薬液等が触れることがない。   Further, the space between the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the second braking operation member 56 is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by an O-ring 52d, and the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the up / down bending operation knob 13 The space between the two is sealed airtightly and liquid tightly by the O-ring 52e, thereby preventing liquid and gas from entering the second storage chamber 53 of the left / right bending operation knob 14. For this reason, the second fixed shaft 7, the second rotating shaft 10, the second pressure contact member 54, and the second movable member 55 do not come into contact with dirt, chemicals, or the like.

したがって、強度が必要な為、金属から形成される第1の固定軸6,第2の固定軸7,第1の回転軸9,第2の回転軸10等の湾曲操作部2内の上記各部品が汚物や薬液に触れない為、湾曲操作部2内の上記各金属部品が腐食等によって劣化することがない。そのため、上記各金属部品を腐食し易いアルミニウム材料で形成することができるので、軽量化が図れる。また、耐久性も良いうえ、作動が確実で、洗滌の手間が不要である。   Therefore, since the strength is required, the above-mentioned each in the bending operation unit 2 such as the first fixed shaft 6, the second fixed shaft 7, the first rotating shaft 9, the second rotating shaft 10 and the like made of metal. Since the parts do not come into contact with dirt or chemicals, the metal parts in the bending operation unit 2 are not deteriorated by corrosion or the like. Therefore, the metal parts can be formed of an aluminum material that easily corrodes, so that the weight can be reduced. In addition, the durability is good, the operation is reliable, and no washing work is required.

また、ケーシング4、起上回転軸15、第1の制動操作部材27の制動レバー軸受け部28、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14、第2の制動操作部材56の制動ノブ57および制動ノブ軸受け58のように操作部1ならびに湾曲操作部2の外表面に露出する部位が樹脂にて形成されている為、操作部1の内部及び湾曲操作部2の内部の金属部品と導通した金属部品は外表面に露出せず、操作部1,湾曲操作部2の内部と外部とは電気的に完全に絶縁される。この為、操作者の誤使用により湾曲操作部2を濡れた手で操作したり、操作部1,湾曲操作部2が濡れたまま使用した際にも操作者が内視鏡内部の金属部品と導通し、感電するおそれが無い。   Further, the casing 4, the raising rotary shaft 15, the braking lever bearing portion 28 of the first braking operation member 27, the up / down bending operation knob 13, the left / right bending operation knob 14, and the braking knob 57 of the second braking operation member 56. The portions exposed to the outer surfaces of the operation unit 1 and the bending operation unit 2 such as the brake knob bearing 58 are formed of resin, so that they are electrically connected to the metal parts inside the operation unit 1 and the bending operation unit 2. The exposed metal parts are not exposed on the outer surface, and the inside and outside of the operation unit 1 and the bending operation unit 2 are electrically completely insulated. For this reason, even when the bending operation unit 2 is operated with a wet hand due to an operator's misuse, or when the operation unit 1 and the bending operation unit 2 are used with the operation unit wet, There is no risk of electrical conduction.

さらに、強度が必要にもかかわらずスペース上、薄肉であることが要求される為に金属材料によって形成される制動レバー29に樹脂からなる熱収縮チューブ等の絶縁部材を設けることが不要となる。したがって、以上の構成によれば確実な防水構造の構成を簡略化することができる。   Further, since the space is required to be thin even though strength is required, it is not necessary to provide an insulating member such as a heat-shrinkable tube made of resin on the brake lever 29 formed of a metal material. Therefore, according to the above structure, the structure of a reliable waterproof structure can be simplified.

そこで、上記構成のものにあっては次の効果を奏する。すなわち、第1の固定軸6,第2の固定軸7,第1の回転軸9,第2の回転軸10等の湾曲操作部2内の各金属部品が腐食しない為、耐久性が良い。さらに、湾曲操作部2内の各金属部品をアルミで形成できる為、軽量である。また、湾曲操作部2の作動が確実である為、操作性が良い。さらに、洗滌の手間が無い為、洗滌性が良い。また、操作者が内視鏡内部の金属部品と導通することが無い為、安全である。さらに、構成を簡略化できる為、小型化、軽量化、コストダウンが図れるうえ、組立費を削減できる為、コストダウンが図れる。以上により、小型、軽量、安価で耐久性が良く、操作性が良く、洗滌性が良く、安全な内視鏡装置を提供できる。   Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, since each metal component in the bending operation part 2 such as the first fixed shaft 6, the second fixed shaft 7, the first rotating shaft 9, the second rotating shaft 10 and the like does not corrode, durability is good. Furthermore, since each metal part in the bending operation part 2 can be formed with aluminum, it is lightweight. Further, since the operation of the bending operation unit 2 is reliable, the operability is good. Furthermore, since there is no hassle of washing, the washing performance is good. Moreover, since the operator does not conduct with the metal parts inside the endoscope, it is safe. Furthermore, since the configuration can be simplified, it is possible to reduce the size, weight, and cost, and the assembly cost can be reduced, thereby reducing the cost. As described above, it is possible to provide a safe endoscope apparatus that is small, light, inexpensive, durable, easy to operate, easy to clean.

また、制動ノブ軸受け58と制動ノブ57との間をOリング52dが介挿されるOリング溝51dよりも内周側に配置された接続部73と被接続部74との間で固定しているので、制動ノブ軸受け58と制動ノブ57との接続部位を液密、気密に保つ為のシール手段が不要であり、構成を簡略化できる。   Further, between the brake knob bearing 58 and the brake knob 57 is fixed between a connecting portion 73 and a connected portion 74 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the O-ring groove 51d in which the O-ring 52d is inserted. Therefore, there is no need for sealing means for keeping the connection portion between the brake knob bearing 58 and the brake knob 57 liquid-tight and air-tight, and the configuration can be simplified.

さらに、弾性変形部75と係止部76を有する接続部73と係止突起77を有する被接続部74との係合により制動ノブ57と制動ノブ軸受け58とを固定しているので、固定ねじ等によって両者を接続している場合のように制動ノブ軸受け58にはねじ孔等を設ける必要が無く、組立が容易であり、接着等を行わない為、組立費が削減できる。   Further, since the brake knob 57 and the brake knob bearing 58 are fixed by the engagement of the connecting portion 73 having the elastic deformation portion 75 and the locking portion 76 and the connected portion 74 having the locking projection 77, the fixing screw It is not necessary to provide a screw hole or the like in the brake knob bearing 58 as in the case where both are connected by, for example, etc., and assembling is easy and bonding is not performed, so that the assembling cost can be reduced.

したがって、作動が確実である為、操作性が良い。洗滌の手間が無い為、洗滌性が良い。構成を簡略化できる為、小型化、軽量化、コストダウンが図れる。組立費を削減できる為、コストダウンが図れる。以上により、小型、軽量、安価な内視鏡装置を提供できる。   Therefore, since the operation is reliable, the operability is good. Because there is no hassle of washing, it is easy to wash. Since the configuration can be simplified, the size, weight, and cost can be reduced. Because assembly costs can be reduced, costs can be reduced. As described above, a small, light, and inexpensive endoscope apparatus can be provided.

次に、湾曲操作部2の動作について説明する。なお、図1〜図4は第1の制動操作部材27および第2の制動操作部材56がそれぞれ制動解除位置で保持され、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13及び左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の制動が解除された自然状態、図17は第1の制動操作部材27および第2の制動操作部材56をそれぞれ駆動して上下用湾曲操作ノブ13及び左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を制動した際の状態を示す。   Next, the operation of the bending operation unit 2 will be described. 1 to 4, the first braking operation member 27 and the second braking operation member 56 are respectively held at the braking release position, and the braking of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 is released. FIG. 17 shows a state when the first braking operation member 27 and the second braking operation member 56 are driven to brake the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14, respectively.

まず、図1〜図4に示す制動解除位置では、第1の固定軸6に回転不能に支持された第1の可動部材23のガイドピン37が制動レバー軸受け部28のピンガイド溝39内に挿入され、ピンガイド部材40の一方の制動解除端部側の係止突起40a1 と係合された状態で保持される。この場合には第1の制動操作部材27の制動レバー29は制動方向への回転動作が規制された状態で保持されている。 First, in the brake release position shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the guide pin 37 of the first movable member 23 that is non-rotatably supported by the first fixed shaft 6 is placed in the pin guide groove 39 of the brake lever bearing portion 28. The pin guide member 40 is inserted and held in a state of being engaged with the locking protrusion 40a 1 on the one brake release end side of the pin guide member 40. In this case, the braking lever 29 of the first braking operation member 27 is held in a state where the rotational movement in the braking direction is restricted.

さらに、この位置では第1の圧接部材22の付勢突起42は折れ曲がるように弾性変形された状態、又は軸方向に圧縮されるように弾性変形された状態で上下用湾曲操作ノブ13における第1の収納室21の内底面の被摩擦面68に当接されている。このように付勢突起42が被摩擦面68に当接することにより、付勢突起42の弾性力によって第1の圧接部材22及び第1の可動部材23は第1の制動操作部材27に向けて付勢される。そのため、第1の可動部材23の係合ピン部36が第1の制動操作部材27のカム部35の下面部33に当接し、第1の圧接部材22の圧接部41は上下用湾曲操作ノブ13における第1の収納室21の内底面の被摩擦面68から離間された状態で保持される。   Further, in this position, the biasing protrusion 42 of the first pressure contact member 22 is elastically deformed so as to be bent, or is elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the axial direction. The inner surface of the storage chamber 21 is in contact with the friction surface 68. When the urging protrusion 42 abuts on the friction target surface 68 in this way, the first pressing member 22 and the first movable member 23 are directed toward the first braking operation member 27 by the elastic force of the urging protrusion 42. Be energized. Therefore, the engagement pin portion 36 of the first movable member 23 abuts on the lower surface portion 33 of the cam portion 35 of the first braking operation member 27, and the pressure contact portion 41 of the first pressure contact member 22 is the vertical bending operation knob. 13 is held in a state of being separated from the friction surface 68 on the inner bottom surface of the first storage chamber 21.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は第1の圧接部材22の付勢突起42によって左右用湾曲操作ノブ14に向けて上向きに付勢され、前記のクリアランスAの範囲内に位置するか、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の当接部63aが左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の当接部63に当接する。   Further, the up / down bending operation knob 13 is urged upward by the urging projection 42 of the first pressure contact member 22 toward the left / right bending operation knob 14 and is positioned within the range of the clearance A or up / down. The contact portion 63 a of the bending operation knob 13 contacts the contact portion 63 of the left and right bending operation knob 14.

さらに、制動解除位置では第2の固定軸7に回転不能に支持された第2の可動部材55の係合ピン部36aは第2の制動操作部材56における制動ノブ軸受け58のカム溝60内に挿入され、一方の制動解除端部側の係止突起40b1 と係合された状態で保持される。これにより、第2の制動操作部材56の制動ノブ57は制動方向への回転動作が規制された状態で保持されている。 Further, the engagement pin portion 36a of the second movable member 55 that is non-rotatably supported by the second fixed shaft 7 in the brake release position is in the cam groove 60 of the brake knob bearing 58 in the second brake operation member 56. It is inserted and held in a state of being engaged with the locking projection 40b1 on the one brake release end side. Thereby, the braking knob 57 of the second braking operation member 56 is held in a state in which the rotational operation in the braking direction is restricted.

この位置では係合ピン部36aはカム溝60の最上部69に位置している。この状態では、第2の可動部材55及び第2の圧接部材54は軸方向の位置を固定されており、第2の圧接部材54の圧接部41aは被摩擦面68aと離間している。   In this position, the engaging pin portion 36 a is located at the uppermost portion 69 of the cam groove 60. In this state, the second movable member 55 and the second pressure contact member 54 are fixed in the axial position, and the pressure contact portion 41a of the second pressure contact member 54 is separated from the friction target surface 68a.

そのため、この状態では上下用湾曲操作ノブ13が接続された第1の回転軸9と、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14が接続された第2の回転軸10とは自由に回転可能であり、上下方向及び左右方向の湾曲操作が行える。   Therefore, in this state, the first rotating shaft 9 to which the up / down bending operation knob 13 is connected and the second rotating shaft 10 to which the left / right bending operation knob 14 is connected can freely rotate, and the vertical direction And the bending operation in the left-right direction can be performed.

ここで、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13を回転させた場合には付勢突起42は上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転方向に折れ曲がるように弾性変形して被摩擦面68に当接する。このとき、付勢突起42と被摩擦面68との接触面積は非常に小さく、付勢突起42は軽い力で弾性変形可能であり、かつ付勢突起42は上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転中心近傍に位置する為、被摩擦面68に対する摩擦力はほとんど生じない。よって上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転操作は軽い力量で行うことができる。   Here, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is rotated, the urging protrusion 42 is elastically deformed so as to be bent in the rotation direction of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and comes into contact with the friction surface 68. At this time, the contact area between the urging protrusion 42 and the surface to be rubbed 68 is very small, the urging protrusion 42 can be elastically deformed with a light force, and the urging protrusion 42 is the rotational center of the up / down bending operation knob 13. Since it is located in the vicinity, the frictional force on the friction target surface 68 hardly occurs. Therefore, the rotation operation of the up / down bending operation knob 13 can be performed with a light force.

この際、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の当接部63a、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の当接部63は摩擦抵抗の少ない樹脂にて形成され、かつ、これらの当接面の接触面積は微少に形成されている。そのため、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の当接部63aと左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の当接部63とが当接した場合においても当接部63aと当接部63との間の摺動抵抗は非常に軽く、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13及び左右用湾曲操作ノブ14は軽い操作力量で自由に回転可能であり、また、ばらつき感がなく操作性、操作感が良い。   At this time, the abutting portion 63a of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the abutting portion 63 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 are formed of a resin having a low frictional resistance, and the contact area of these abutting surfaces is very small. Is formed. Therefore, even when the contact portion 63a of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the contact portion 63 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 are in contact, the sliding resistance between the contact portion 63a and the contact portion 63 is The bending operation knob 13 for up and down and the bending operation knob 14 for left and right can be freely rotated with a small amount of operation force, and there is no sense of variation and operability and operation feeling are good.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13をケーシング4の方向に押圧しながら操作した場合でも上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の段部30が第1の制動操作部材27の制動レバー軸受け部28と当接することにより第1の圧接部材22の圧接部41と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の被摩擦面68との間には距離Bなるクリアランスが確保され、当接しない為、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は自由に回転可能である。   Even when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is operated while being pressed in the direction of the casing 4, the step portion 30 of the up / down bending operation knob 13 abuts on the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first braking operation member 27. A clearance of a distance B is ensured between the pressure contact portion 41 of the first pressure contact member 22 and the friction target surface 68 of the up / down bending operation knob 13, so that the up / down bending operation knob 13 rotates freely. Is possible.

そして、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13を回転させると第1の回転軸9を介して第1のギア11が回転駆動され、さらに図示しないチェーン、操作ワイヤを介して内視鏡の湾曲部に上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の操作力が伝達されて上下方向に湾曲部の湾曲が行われる。   Then, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is rotated, the first gear 11 is rotationally driven through the first rotating shaft 9 and is further applied to the bending portion of the endoscope through the chain and the operation wire (not shown). The operating force of the bending operation knob 13 is transmitted, and the bending portion is bent in the vertical direction.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13を回転操作した際にはOリング52eを介して左右用湾曲操作ノブ14にも共周りする回転力が伝達される。しかしながら、このとき伝達される力より、第2の固定軸7と第2の回転軸10との間に介挿された共回り防止Oリング67及び、第2の可動部材55による係止によって回転方向の移動を固定されている第2の制動操作部材56と左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の間に介挿されたOリング52dの摺動抵抗や、内視鏡先端の湾曲部に連結された図示しないワイヤ及びチェーンと湾曲部の作動抵抗などの総合的な抵抗力の方が強いので、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14及び第2の回転軸10は回転しない制止状態で保持され、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の共周りは防止される。   In addition, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is rotated, the rotating force is also transmitted to the left / right bending operation knob 14 via the O-ring 52e. However, the force transmitted at this time is rotated by the locking by the co-rotation preventing O-ring 67 inserted between the second fixed shaft 7 and the second rotating shaft 10 and the second movable member 55. The sliding resistance of the O-ring 52d inserted between the second braking operation member 56 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 fixed in the direction of movement, and the illustration connected to the bending portion of the endoscope tip Since the total resistance force such as the operating resistance of the wire and the chain and the bending portion is not stronger, the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the second rotating shaft 10 are held in a non-rotating stopped state, and the left / right bending operation knob. The co-rotation of 14 is prevented.

また、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転操作した場合には第2の回転軸10を介して第2のギア12が回転駆動され、さらに図示しないチェーン、操作ワイヤを介して内視鏡の湾曲部に伝達されて左右方向に湾曲部の湾曲が行われる。   Further, when the left / right bending operation knob 14 is rotated, the second gear 12 is driven to rotate through the second rotating shaft 10, and the bending portion of the endoscope is further connected through a chain and an operation wire (not shown). And the bending portion is bent in the left-right direction.

さらに、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転操作した際にはOリング52eを介して上下用湾曲操作ノブ13にも共周りする回転力が伝達される。このとき伝達される力より、第1の可動部材23による係止によって回転方向の移動を固定されている第1の制動操作部材27と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13との間に介挿されたOリング52aの摺動抵抗や、湾曲部に連結されたワイヤ及びチェーンと湾曲部の作動抵抗などの総合的な抵抗力の方が強いので、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13及び第1の回転軸9は回転しない制止状態で保持され、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の共周りは防止される。   Furthermore, when the left / right bending operation knob 14 is rotated, the rotational force that rotates together is transmitted to the up / down bending operation knob 13 via the O-ring 52e. O inserted between the first braking operation member 27 and the up / down bending operation knob 13, whose movement in the rotational direction is fixed by the locking by the first movable member 23, from the force transmitted at this time. Since the total resistance such as the sliding resistance of the ring 52a and the operating resistance of the wire and chain connected to the bending portion and the bending portion is stronger, the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the first rotating shaft 9 are It is held in a restrained state that does not rotate, and the joint around the up and down bending operation knob 13 is prevented.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の当接部63aと左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の当接部63とが当接した状態でもこれらの摺動抵抗は非常に軽い為、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13を回転させても左右用湾曲操作ノブ14は回転しない。逆に、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させても上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は回転しない。以上の動作により上下用湾曲操作ノブ13および左右用湾曲操作ノブ14のうちの一方を回転させた際の他方の意図しない共回りを防止できる。   Even when the contact portion 63a of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the contact portion 63 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 are in contact with each other, these sliding resistances are very light. Even if it is rotated, the left / right bending operation knob 14 does not rotate. Conversely, even if the left / right bending operation knob 14 is rotated, the up / down bending operation knob 13 does not rotate. With the above operation, it is possible to prevent unintentional co-rotation of one of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 when the other is rotated.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転時には、Oリング52aを介して第1の制動操作部材27にも回転力が伝達される。しかしながら、第1の制動操作部材27は第1の可動部材23による係止によって回転方向への移動を規制されていることや、第1の制動操作部材27と起上回転軸15との間に介挿されたOリング52bの摺動抵抗などの総合的な抵抗力が強いので、第1の制動操作部材27は回転しない。   Further, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is rotated, the rotational force is also transmitted to the first braking operation member 27 through the O-ring 52a. However, the movement of the first braking operation member 27 in the rotational direction is restricted by the locking by the first movable member 23, or between the first braking operation member 27 and the raising rotary shaft 15. Since the overall resistance such as the sliding resistance of the inserted O-ring 52b is strong, the first braking operation member 27 does not rotate.

さらに、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の回転時には、Oリング52dを介して第2の制動操作部材56にも回転力が伝達される。しかしながら、第2の制動操作部材56は第2の可動部材55による係止によって回転方向の移動を固定されていることから、第2の制動操作部材56は回転しない。   Further, when the left / right bending operation knob 14 is rotated, the rotational force is also transmitted to the second braking operation member 56 via the O-ring 52d. However, since the second braking operation member 56 is fixed in the rotational direction by being locked by the second movable member 55, the second braking operation member 56 does not rotate.

以上の動作により上下用湾曲操作ノブ13,左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させた際の意図しない第1の制動操作部材27及び第2の制動操作部材56の共回りを防止できる。   By the above operation, unintentional rotation of the first braking operation member 27 and the second braking operation member 56 when the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 are rotated can be prevented.

また、第1の制動操作部材27を回転させるとOリング52aを介して上下用湾曲操作ノブ13にも回転力が伝達される。しかしながら、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の間に介挿されたOリング52eの摺動抵抗や、湾曲部に連結されたワイヤ及びチェーンと湾曲部の作動抵抗などの総合的な抵抗力により上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は回転しない。   Further, when the first braking operation member 27 is rotated, the rotational force is also transmitted to the up / down bending operation knob 13 via the O-ring 52a. However, the sliding resistance of the O-ring 52e inserted between the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the overall operation resistance of the wire and chain connected to the bending portion and the bending portion, etc. The upward / downward bending operation knob 13 does not rotate due to a strong resistance.

このとき、Oリング52bを介して起上回転軸15にも第1の制動操作部材27の回転力が伝達されるが、起上回転軸15と孔部8との間に介挿されたOリング52の摺動抵抗及び、図示しない挿入部の先端部に設けられた鉗子起上台とこれに連結された操作ワイヤ等の鉗子起上装置の各部の作動抵抗などの総合的な抵抗力によって起上回転軸15は回転しない。   At this time, the rotational force of the first braking operation member 27 is also transmitted to the raising rotary shaft 15 via the O-ring 52b, but the O inserted between the raising rotary shaft 15 and the hole 8 is used. It is generated by the total resistance force such as the sliding resistance of the ring 52 and the operation resistance of each part of the forceps raising device such as the forceps raising base provided at the distal end of the insertion part (not shown) and the operation wire connected thereto. The upper rotating shaft 15 does not rotate.

また、第2の制動操作部材56を回転させるとOリング52dを介して左右用湾曲操作ノブ14にもその回転力が伝達されるが、この場合も左右用湾曲操作ノブ14と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の間に介挿されたOリング52e及び第2の回転軸10と第2の固定軸7との間に介挿された共回り防止Oリング67の摺動抵抗と湾曲部に連結されたワイヤ及びチェーンと湾曲部の作動抵抗などの総合的な抵抗力によって左右用湾曲操作ノブ14は回転しない。   When the second braking operation member 56 is rotated, the rotational force is transmitted to the left / right bending operation knob 14 via the O-ring 52d. In this case, the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the up / down bending operation are also performed. The O-ring 52e inserted between the knobs 13 and the sliding resistance of the co-rotation preventing O-ring 67 inserted between the second rotating shaft 10 and the second fixed shaft 7 are connected to the bending portion. The left and right bending operation knob 14 does not rotate due to the total resistance force such as the operating resistance of the wire and the chain and the bending portion.

以上の動作により第1の制動操作部材27,第2の制動操作部材56を回転させた際の意図しない上下用湾曲操作ノブ13,左右用湾曲操作ノブ14及び起上回転軸15の共回りを防止できる。   By the above operation, unintentional up / down bending operation knob 13, left / right bending operation knob 14, and raising rotation shaft 15 rotate together when first braking operation member 27 and second braking operation member 56 are rotated. Can be prevented.

また、起上操作レバー16に回転を与えて起上回転軸15を回転させるとOリング52bを介して第1の制動操作部材27にも回転力が伝達されるが、第1の制動操作部材27は第1の可動部材23による係止によって回転方向の移動が規制されていることから回転しない。   Further, when the raising operation shaft 16 is rotated by rotating the raising operation lever 16, the rotational force is transmitted to the first braking operation member 27 via the O-ring 52b. 27 does not rotate because the movement in the rotational direction is restricted by the locking by the first movable member 23.

次に、上下湾曲操作用の第1の湾曲操作手段Aの第1の制動操作部材27の作用について説明する。まず、図2に示す自然状態より第1の制動操作部材27の制動レバー29を制動方向に回転操作すると、制動レバー軸受け部28に回転力が与えられて制動解除端部側の係止突起40a1 が第1の可動部材23のガイドピン37を押圧する。これにより、ガイドピン37が外周側に弾性変形することによりピンガイド部材40の制動解除端部側の係止突起40a1 がガイドピン37を乗り越えるので、第1の制動操作部材27の制動レバー29が回転可能となる。 Next, the operation of the first braking operation member 27 of the first bending operation means A for up / down bending operation will be described. First, when the braking lever 29 of the first braking operation member 27 is rotated in the braking direction from the natural state shown in FIG. 2, a rotational force is applied to the braking lever bearing portion 28, and the locking protrusion 40a on the braking release end side. 1 presses the guide pin 37 of the first movable member 23. As a result, when the guide pin 37 is elastically deformed to the outer peripheral side, the locking projection 40a 1 on the brake release end portion side of the pin guide member 40 gets over the guide pin 37, so that the braking lever 29 of the first braking operation member 27 is Can be rotated.

この状態で、第1の制動操作部材27の制動レバー軸受け部28が回転するとこのときのカム部35の回転にともない下面部33に位置していた可動部材23の係合ピン部36が斜面部32によって押し上げられて図17に示すように上面部34に達する。   In this state, when the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first braking operation member 27 rotates, the engaging pin portion 36 of the movable member 23 located on the lower surface portion 33 is inclined according to the rotation of the cam portion 35 at this time. It is pushed up by 32 and reaches the upper surface part 34 as shown in FIG.

さらに、制動レバー29が回転すると、他方の制動端部側の係止突起40a2 がガイドピン37に当接する。このガイドピン37の弾性力に抗してさらに制動レバー29に回転力を与えるとガイドピン37が弾性変形することにより係止突起40a2 がガイドピン37を乗り越えて図12中に仮想線で示すように他端部側のストッパ部38に当接する。このストッパ部38との当接により更なる回転が不能となり、また、係止突起40a2 がガイドピン37に係止されることにより、第1の制動操作部材27の回転位置が制動位置で固定される。 Further, when the brake lever 29 is rotated, the locking protrusion 40 a 2 on the other brake end side comes into contact with the guide pin 37. The guide further brake lever 29 against the elastic force of the pin 37 provides rotational force when the guide pin 37 gets over the locking projection 40a 2 are guide pins 37 by elastic deformation shown in phantom in FIG. 12 In this manner, it comes into contact with the stopper portion 38 on the other end side. This further rotation by contact with the stopper portion 38 is disabled and also, by the locking projection 40a 2 is engaged with the guide pin 37, fixed rotational position of the first brake operating member 27 is in the braking position Is done.

以上のように係合ピン部36とカム部35の上面部34との係合により第1の可動部材23及び第1の圧接部材22は回転方向には回転せずに上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の被摩擦面68に向けて軸方向にのみ移動する。   As described above, the engagement between the engaging pin portion 36 and the upper surface portion 34 of the cam portion 35 causes the first movable member 23 and the first pressure contact member 22 not to rotate in the rotation direction, but the up / down bending operation knob 13. It moves only in the axial direction toward the friction surface 68.

そして、第1の圧接部材22の圧接部41が被摩擦面68に当接すると、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は左右用湾曲操作ノブ14側に押されて移動する。これにより、当接部63と当接部63aとが当接し、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を上方に押し上げ、第2の回転軸10の上端と抜け止め部材18とが当接する。   When the pressure contact portion 41 of the first pressure contact member 22 comes into contact with the friction target surface 68, the up / down bending operation knob 13 is pushed toward the left / right bending operation knob 14 and moves. Thereby, the contact part 63 and the contact part 63a contact | abut, pushes up the bending operation knob 14 for right and left, and the upper end of the 2nd rotating shaft 10 and the retaining member 18 contact | abut.

さらに、圧接部41は弾性変形によりC−(A+B)の量圧縮された状態で被摩擦面68に圧接される。このように圧接部41が被摩擦面68に圧接されることにより被摩擦面68に摩擦力を与えて上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転を抑止する。これにより、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転位置を固定することができ、挿入部先端の湾曲部の湾曲位置を任意の位置で固定できる。   Further, the pressure contact portion 41 is pressed against the friction surface 68 while being compressed by an amount of C− (A + B) by elastic deformation. In this way, when the pressure contact portion 41 is pressed against the friction surface 68, a frictional force is applied to the friction surface 68 and the rotation of the up / down bending operation knob 13 is suppressed. Thereby, the rotation position of the up / down bending operation knob 13 can be fixed, and the bending position of the bending portion at the distal end of the insertion portion can be fixed at an arbitrary position.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13が第1の制動操作部材27によって固定されている状態では第1の圧接部材22の係合溝部43と第1の可動部材23の係合突起部44との係合により第1の圧接部材22は第1の可動部材23に強固に係止されている為、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13に回転方向の操作力を加えても、回転せず、圧接部41と被摩擦面68との摩擦力が回転の抵抗となり、回転の操作力量が増加する。   Further, in the state where the up / down bending operation knob 13 is fixed by the first braking operation member 27, the engagement between the engagement groove 43 of the first pressure contact member 22 and the engagement protrusion 44 of the first movable member 23. Accordingly, since the first pressure contact member 22 is firmly locked to the first movable member 23, even if an operation force in the rotation direction is applied to the up / down bending operation knob 13, the first pressure contact member 22 does not rotate, The frictional force with the rubbed surface 68 becomes a rotational resistance, and the amount of rotational operating force increases.

また、この状態において、当接部63aは当接部63に向けて押圧されているが、当接部63aと当接部63との摺動抵抗は非常に少ない為、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14は軽い操作力量で回転可能である。また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13を回転させても左右用湾曲操作ノブ14は回転しない。   In this state, the abutting portion 63a is pressed toward the abutting portion 63, but the sliding resistance between the abutting portion 63a and the abutting portion 63 is very small. Can rotate with light operating force. Further, even if the up / down bending operation knob 13 is rotated, the left / right bending operation knob 14 does not rotate.

なお、この状態において、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させた場合、当接部63aと当接部63の摺動抵抗Oと、Oリング52eを介した上下用湾曲操作ノブ13と左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の摺動抵抗Pと、圧接部41と被摩擦面68の摺動抵抗Sとの関係はS>O+Pである為、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は圧接部41によって固定され、回転しない。   In this state, when the left / right bending operation knob 14 is rotated, the sliding resistance O between the contact portion 63a and the contact portion 63, the up / down bending operation knob 13 via the O-ring 52e, and the left / right bending operation are performed. Since the relationship between the sliding resistance P of the operation knob 14 and the sliding resistance S of the pressure contact portion 41 and the friction surface 68 is S> O + P, the vertical bending operation knob 13 is fixed by the pressure contact portion 41 and does not rotate. .

また、制動レバー29を制動解除方向に戻す方向に回転させると、制動端部側の係止突起40a2 がガイドピン37を乗り越えて第1の制動操作部材27が制動解除方向に回転する。そして、制動解除端部側の係止突起40a1 がガイドピン37を乗り越えてストッパ部38がガイドピン37に当接した所で制動解除端部側の係止突起40a1 がガイドピン37に係止されて第1の制動操作部材27の回転位置が制動解除位置で固定される。 Also, it is rotated in a direction to return the brake lever 29 in the brake releasing direction, locking projections 40a 2 of the brake end side first brake operating member 27 rides over the guide pin 37 is rotated in the brake releasing direction. Then, engaging the engaging projections 40a 1 guide pin 37 of the brake releasing end side where the stopper portion 38 abuts against the guide pin 37 engaging projections 40a 1 of the brake releasing end side gets over the guide pin 37 The rotation position of the first braking operation member 27 is stopped and the braking position is fixed.

さらに、このときのカム部35の回転によりカム部35と第1の可動部材23の係合ピン部36との係合が外れて、第1の可動部材23と第1の圧接部材22とは軸方向に移動可能となる。このとき、被摩擦面68に当接した第1の圧接部材22の付勢突起42の弾性力によって第1の圧接部材22及び第1の可動部材23は第1の制動操作部材27の方向に向けて押圧されて移動し、圧接部41が被摩擦面68から離間する。これにより、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転の抑止が解除されて上下用湾曲操作ノブ13は自由に回転可能となる。以上の動作によって容易に上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転の固定と固定の解除が行える。   Further, the cam portion 35 and the engagement pin portion 36 of the first movable member 23 are disengaged by the rotation of the cam portion 35 at this time, and the first movable member 23 and the first pressure contact member 22 are separated from each other. It can move in the axial direction. At this time, the first pressure contact member 22 and the first movable member 23 are moved in the direction of the first braking operation member 27 by the elastic force of the biasing protrusion 42 of the first pressure contact member 22 in contact with the friction surface 68. The pressure contact portion 41 is separated from the friction surface 68 by being pressed and moved. Thereby, the suppression of the rotation of the up / down bending operation knob 13 is released, and the up / down bending operation knob 13 can be freely rotated. With the above operation, the rotation of the up / down bending operation knob 13 can be easily fixed and released.

次に、左右湾曲操作用の第2の湾曲操作手段Bの第2の制動操作部材56の作用について説明する。図2に示す自然状態より制動ノブ57を制動方向に回転操作すると、制動ノブ軸受け58に回転力が与えられて制動解除端部側の係止突起40b1 が第2の可動部材55の係合ピン部36aを押圧する。これにより、係合ピン部36aが外周側に弾性変形することにより係止突起40b1 が係合ピン部36aを乗り越えるので、第2の制動操作部材56が回転可能となる。 Next, the operation of the second braking operation member 56 of the second bending operation means B for left / right bending operation will be described. When the brake knob 57 is rotated in the braking direction from the natural state shown in FIG. 2, a rotational force is applied to the brake knob bearing 58, and the locking protrusion 40 b 1 on the brake release end side engages with the second movable member 55. The pin part 36a is pressed. Thus, the locking projection 40b 1 by the engagement pin portion 36a is elastically deformed to the outer peripheral side so get over the engagement pin portion 36a, a second brake operating member 56 is rotatable.

この状態で、第2の制動操作部材56がさらに回転すると制動ノブ軸受け58の回転にともない係合ピン部36aは制動ノブ軸受け58のカム溝60に沿って制動ノブ軸受け58の外周面上を移動する。   In this state, when the second brake operation member 56 further rotates, the engagement pin portion 36a moves on the outer peripheral surface of the brake knob bearing 58 along the cam groove 60 of the brake knob bearing 58 as the brake knob bearing 58 rotates. To do.

このとき、係合ピン部36aはカム溝60に沿って軸方向に移動するので、この係合ピン部36aの動作によって第2の可動部材55が下降し、この第2の可動部材55とともに第2の圧接部材54が下降する。そして、カム溝60の回転にともない、最上部69に位置していた第2の可動部材55の係合ピン部36aがカム溝60によって押し下げられて最下部70に達する。   At this time, since the engaging pin portion 36a moves in the axial direction along the cam groove 60, the second movable member 55 is lowered by the operation of the engaging pin portion 36a, and the second movable member 55 is moved together with the second movable member 55. The second pressure contact member 54 is lowered. As the cam groove 60 rotates, the engaging pin portion 36 a of the second movable member 55 located at the uppermost portion 69 is pushed down by the cam groove 60 and reaches the lowermost portion 70.

さらに、制動ノブ57が回転すると、もう一方の制動端部側の係止突起40b2 が係合ピン部36aに当接する。この係合ピン部36aの弾性力に抗してさらに制動ノブ57に回転力を与えると係合ピン部36aが弾性変形することにより係止突起40b2 が係合ピン部36aを乗り越えて図16(A)中に点線で示すように係合ピン部36aにストッパ部38aが当接する。このストッパ部38aとの当接により更なる回転が不能となり、また、制動端部側の係止突起40b2 が係合ピン部36aに係止されることにより、第2の制動操作部材56の回転位置が制動位置で固定される。 Further, when the brake knob 57 is rotated, the other locking projection 40b 2 on the brake end side comes into contact with the engagement pin portion 36a. Figure locking projection 40b 2 by the elastic force given a rotational force further to the braking knob 57 against the engagement pin portion 36a of the engaging pin portion 36a is elastically deformed to get over the engagement pin portion 36a 16 As shown by the dotted line in (A), the stopper portion 38a comes into contact with the engaging pin portion 36a. This further rotation by contact with the stopper portion 38a is impossible, also, by the locking projections 40b 2 of the brake end side is engaged with the engagement pin portion 36a, of the second brake operating member 56 The rotational position is fixed at the braking position.

以上のように係合ピン部36aとカム溝60との係合により第2の可動部材55及び第2の圧接部材54は回転方向には回転せずに左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の被摩擦面68aに向けて軸方向にのみ移動する。   As described above, the second movable member 55 and the second pressure contact member 54 do not rotate in the rotation direction due to the engagement between the engagement pin portion 36a and the cam groove 60, and the frictional surface of the left / right bending operation knob 14 does not rotate. It moves only in the axial direction toward 68a.

そして、第2の圧接部材54の圧接部41aが被摩擦面68aに当接すると、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14及び第2の回転軸10は押されて第2のギア12側に移動し、第2の回転軸10の下端が第2のギア12に当接する。   When the pressure contact portion 41a of the second pressure contact member 54 comes into contact with the friction target surface 68a, the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the second rotary shaft 10 are pushed and moved to the second gear 12 side. The lower end of the second rotary shaft 10 contacts the second gear 12.

さらに、第2の圧接部材54の圧接部41aは弾性変形によりD−(E+F)だけ圧縮された状態で被摩擦面68aに圧接される。このように圧接部41aが被摩擦面68aに圧接されることにより被摩擦面68aに摩擦力を与えて左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の回転を抑止する。これにより、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の回転位置を固定することができ、挿入部先端の湾曲部の湾曲位置を任意の位置で固定できる。   Further, the pressure contact portion 41a of the second pressure contact member 54 is pressed against the friction target surface 68a while being compressed by D- (E + F) due to elastic deformation. In this way, the pressure contact portion 41a is pressed against the friction surface 68a, thereby applying a frictional force to the friction surface 68a and suppressing the rotation of the left / right bending operation knob 14. Thereby, the rotation position of the left and right bending operation knob 14 can be fixed, and the bending position of the bending portion at the distal end of the insertion portion can be fixed at an arbitrary position.

この状態で、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させる場合には回転不能な第2の圧接部材54の圧接部41aと被摩擦面68aとの摩擦力が左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の回転の抵抗となる。   In this state, when the left / right bending operation knob 14 is rotated, the frictional force between the pressure contact portion 41a of the second pressure contact member 54 and the friction surface 68a, which cannot be rotated, is the resistance to rotation of the left / right bending operation knob 14. Become.

また、制動ノブ57を戻せば、上記と逆の作用により係合ピン部36aとカム溝60の係合により第2の可動部材55及び第2の圧接部材54は第2の制動操作部材56側に向けて移動し、軸方向の位置が固定される。また、制動ノブ57は回転方向の位置が固定される。この際、圧接部41aが被摩擦面68aと離間して左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の回転の抑止が解除されて左右用湾曲操作ノブ14は自由に回転可能となる。   When the brake knob 57 is returned, the second movable member 55 and the second pressure contact member 54 are moved to the second brake operation member 56 side by the engagement of the engagement pin portion 36a and the cam groove 60 by the reverse operation. The position in the axial direction is fixed. Further, the brake knob 57 is fixed in the rotational direction. At this time, the pressure contact portion 41a is separated from the friction surface 68a, the rotation of the left / right bending operation knob 14 is released, and the left / right bending operation knob 14 can freely rotate.

また、第2の湾曲操作手段Bにおいては第2の可動部材55を軸方向に選択的に移動させる手段として制動ノブ軸受け58にカム溝60を設けている為、圧接部41aと被摩擦面68aの圧接及び離間の2方向の移動が強制的に行える。そのため、圧接部41aと被摩擦面68aとの間を離間させるための付勢部材を格別に設ける必要が無いため、構成を簡略化できる。以上によって容易に左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の回転の固定と固定の解除が行える。   In the second bending operation means B, since the cam groove 60 is provided in the brake knob bearing 58 as means for selectively moving the second movable member 55 in the axial direction, the pressure contact portion 41a and the friction surface 68a. It is possible to forcibly move in the two directions of pressure contact and separation. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an urging member for separating the pressure contact portion 41a and the friction target surface 68a, so that the configuration can be simplified. As described above, the rotation of the left / right bending operation knob 14 can be easily fixed and released.

また、本実施の形態では第1の制動機構Cの第1の圧接部材22と、第2の制動機構Dの第2の圧接部材54には係合溝部43、43aをそれぞれ設け、第1の可動部材23と第2の可動部材55には係合溝部43、43aと係合する係合突起部44、44aをそれぞれ設けている。この場合、係合溝部43、43a及び係合突起部44、44aは湾曲操作ノブ13、14の回転方向と略直交する径方向に向けて延設された直線形状に形成されている。そのため、湾曲操作ノブ13、14の回転方向に対する係合溝部43、43aと係合突起部44、44aとの間の係合面積が大きい為、これらの係合により係合溝部43、43aと係合突起部44、44aとの係合が外れることがないので、第1の圧接部材22、第2の圧接部材54を第1の可動部材23、第2の可動部材55にそれぞれ強固に回転不能に支持させることができる。その結果、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13および左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を固定したままの状態で、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13および左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させた際に圧接部41、41aの摩擦力によって第1の圧接部材22、第2の圧接部材54が回転してしまうことがなく、確実に所望の回転の操作力量が得られる。   In the present embodiment, the first pressing member 22 of the first braking mechanism C and the second pressing member 54 of the second braking mechanism D are provided with engaging groove portions 43 and 43a, respectively. The movable member 23 and the second movable member 55 are provided with engaging protrusions 44 and 44a that engage with the engaging groove portions 43 and 43a, respectively. In this case, the engagement groove portions 43 and 43a and the engagement projection portions 44 and 44a are formed in a linear shape extending in a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation direction of the bending operation knobs 13 and 14. For this reason, since the engagement area between the engagement groove portions 43 and 43a and the engagement projection portions 44 and 44a with respect to the rotation direction of the bending operation knobs 13 and 14 is large, the engagement with the engagement groove portions 43 and 43a is caused by these engagements. Since the engagement with the mating projections 44 and 44a is not disengaged, the first pressure contact member 22 and the second pressure contact member 54 cannot be firmly rotated to the first movable member 23 and the second movable member 55, respectively. Can be supported. As a result, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 are rotated with the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 fixed, the friction of the pressure contact portions 41, 41a is increased. The first pressure contact member 22 and the second pressure contact member 54 are not rotated by the force, and a desired rotational operation force amount can be obtained with certainty.

また、第1の圧接部材22と第1の可動部材23との間、および第2の圧接部材54と第2の可動部材55との間のそれぞれの回転方向の係止の為の構成を簡略化でき、組立には接着等の手段が不要となる。   Further, the configuration for locking in the rotational direction between the first pressure contact member 22 and the first movable member 23 and between the second pressure contact member 54 and the second movable member 55 is simplified. Thus, no means such as adhesion is required for assembly.

また、本実施の形態では第1の圧接部材22と第2の圧接部材54に弾性変形可能な取付け部45、45aを設け、第1の可動部材23と第2の可動部材55に取付け溝46、46aを設けて、これらを係合させて取付け部45、45aの弾性力により第1の圧接部材22と第1の可動部材23、第2の圧接部材54と第2の可動部材55とをそれぞれ固定している構成の為、接着等の作業が不要であり、これらの組立が容易である。   In the present embodiment, the first pressure contact member 22 and the second pressure contact member 54 are provided with elastically deformable attachment portions 45 and 45 a, and the first movable member 23 and the second movable member 55 have attachment grooves 46. 46a are engaged, and the first press contact member 22, the first movable member 23, the second press contact member 54, and the second movable member 55 are engaged with each other by the elastic force of the mounting portions 45, 45a. Since they are fixed to each other, work such as bonding is not required, and assembling them is easy.

また、第1の圧接部材22の圧接部41および第2の圧接部材54の圧接部41aがそれぞれすり減った時等に修理を行う際の分解や、第1の圧接部材22、第2の圧接部材54の交換が容易に行える。   Further, when the pressure contact portion 41 of the first pressure contact member 22 and the pressure contact portion 41a of the second pressure contact member 54 are worn, the disassembly when repairing, the first pressure contact member 22 and the second pressure contact member are performed. 54 can be easily replaced.

したがって、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を固定した状態で上下用湾曲操作ノブ13、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させる際に所望の操作力量が得られる為、操作性が良い。さらに、第1の制動機構Cおよび第2の制動機構Dの構成を簡略化でき、小型化、軽量化、コストダウンが図れる。また、第1の制動機構Cおよび第2の制動機構Dの組立費を削減できる為、コストダウンが図れる。以上により操作性が良く、安価で、修理性の良い内視鏡装置を提供できる。   Therefore, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 are rotated in a state where the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 are fixed, a desired amount of operation force can be obtained. good. Furthermore, the configuration of the first braking mechanism C and the second braking mechanism D can be simplified, and the size, weight, and cost can be reduced. In addition, since the assembly cost of the first braking mechanism C and the second braking mechanism D can be reduced, the cost can be reduced. As described above, it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus that has good operability, is inexpensive, and has good repairability.

また、本実施の形態では上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の当接部63aおよび左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の当接部63をそれぞれ樹脂にて形成すると共に、これらが当接することにより上下用湾曲操作ノブ13及び第1の回転軸9の軸方向の位置の規制を行い、かつ当接部63aと当接部63との当接面の接触面積を微少に形成し、これらの摺動抵抗を少なくしている。これにより、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13および左右用湾曲操作ノブ14のフリー状態において上下用湾曲操作ノブ13および左右用湾曲操作ノブ14をそれぞれ回転させる為の力量を軽くすることができる。さらに、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13を回転させた際の左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の共回り、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させた際の上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の共回りを防止できる。   In the present embodiment, the abutting portion 63a of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the abutting portion 63 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 are formed of resin, and the up / down bending operation knob is brought into contact therewith. 13 and the axial position of the first rotating shaft 9 are restricted, and the contact area of the contact surface between the contact portion 63a and the contact portion 63 is formed to be small, and these sliding resistances are reduced. ing. Thereby, in the free state of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14, it is possible to reduce the amount of force for rotating the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14. Further, it is possible to prevent the left and right bending operation knob 14 from rotating together when the up and down bending operation knob 13 is rotated, and the up and down bending operation knob 13 from rotating together when the left and right bending operation knob 14 is rotated.

また、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13のロック状態において左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させる為の力量が軽く、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13を回転させた際の左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の共回り、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させた際の上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の共回りを防止できる。以上の作用により当接部63aと当接部63との間の摺動抵抗を軽減する為の部材を設けることなく、圧接部41の被摩擦面68への圧接方向の上下用湾曲操作ノブ13、第1の回転軸9の位置規制の為の部材を不要とすることが可能であり、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の制動を行う為の構成を簡略化できる。   Further, the amount of force required to rotate the left / right bending operation knob 14 is light when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is locked, and the left / right bending operation knob 14 rotates together with the left / right bending operation knob 13. It is possible to prevent the vertical bending operation knob 13 from rotating together when the bending operation knob 14 is rotated. With the above operation, the bending operation knob 13 for vertical movement in the pressure contact direction of the pressure contact portion 41 with respect to the friction surface 68 is provided without providing a member for reducing the sliding resistance between the contact portion 63a and the contact portion 63. A member for regulating the position of the first rotary shaft 9 can be eliminated, and the configuration for braking the up / down bending operation knob 13 can be simplified.

したがって、操作性が良い。構成を簡略化できる為、小型化、軽量化、コストダウンが図れる。組立費を削減できる為、コストダウンが図れる。等の効果が得られる。   Therefore, operability is good. Since the configuration can be simplified, the size, weight, and cost can be reduced. Because assembly costs can be reduced, costs can be reduced. Etc. are obtained.

また、本実施の形態では第1の圧接部材22に付勢突起42を設けたので、第1の圧接部材22の移動を第1の可動部材23と第1の制動操作部材27のように一方向のみの強制移動を行うカム機構にて行う場合においても上下用湾曲操作ノブ13のフリー状態においては確実に被摩擦面68と圧接部41とを離間することができる。そのため、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転の操作力量が軽く、操作力量を一定に保つことができる。さらに、付勢突起42が摩耗しにくい。また、付勢突起42を圧接部41と共に第1の圧接部材22に圧縮成形法や、射出成形法により一体に設けたことにより、部品数を増やすことなく構成を簡略化できる。   In the present embodiment, since the biasing protrusion 42 is provided on the first pressure contact member 22, the movement of the first pressure contact member 22 is performed as in the first movable member 23 and the first braking operation member 27. Even in the case of a cam mechanism that forcibly moves only in the direction, the friction surface 68 and the pressure contact portion 41 can be reliably separated in the free state of the up / down bending operation knob 13. Therefore, the amount of operation force for rotating the up / down bending operation knob 13 is light, and the amount of operation force can be kept constant. Further, the biasing protrusion 42 is not easily worn. Further, by providing the urging protrusion 42 together with the pressure contact portion 41 on the first pressure contact member 22 by a compression molding method or an injection molding method, the configuration can be simplified without increasing the number of parts.

したがって、操作性が良い。構成を簡略化できる為、小型化、軽量化、コストダウンが図れる。組立費を削減できる為、コストダウンが図れる。等の効果が得られる。   Therefore, operability is good. Since the configuration can be simplified, the size, weight, and cost can be reduced. Because assembly costs can be reduced, costs can be reduced. Etc. are obtained.

また、本実施の形態の第1の制動機構Cでは係合ピン部36とカム部35との係合によるカム機構にて第1の可動部材23及び第1の圧接部材22を軸方向に選択的に移動可能に構成し、第2の制動機構Dでは係合ピン部36aとカム溝60の係合によるカム機構にて第2の可動部材55及び第2の圧接部材54を軸方向に選択的に移動可能に構成したので、第1の可動部材23、第2の可動部材55の移動の為にねじ係合による移動機構を用いていない。そのため、第1の固定軸6と第1の可動部材23、第1の制動操作部材27、第2の固定軸7と第1の圧接部材22、第2の制動操作部材56の何れにもねじ部が設けられていない為、これらの部品を簡略化できる。さらに、ねじ山や、ねじ溝等が潰れる、いわゆるねじバカ等の不具合が発生しない為、これらの部品を樹脂を用いて射出成形等によって形成でき、部品を安価に形成できる。   In the first braking mechanism C of the present embodiment, the first movable member 23 and the first pressure contact member 22 are selected in the axial direction by the cam mechanism by the engagement of the engagement pin portion 36 and the cam portion 35. In the second braking mechanism D, the second movable member 55 and the second pressure contact member 54 are selected in the axial direction by the cam mechanism by the engagement of the engagement pin portion 36a and the cam groove 60. Since the first movable member 23 and the second movable member 55 are moved, a moving mechanism by screw engagement is not used. Therefore, any of the first fixed shaft 6 and the first movable member 23, the first braking operation member 27, the second fixed shaft 7, the first pressure contact member 22, and the second braking operation member 56 is screwed. Since no part is provided, these parts can be simplified. In addition, since there are no problems such as so-called screw burrs that cause screw threads, screw grooves, and the like to be crushed, these parts can be formed by injection molding using a resin, and the parts can be formed at low cost.

また、カム部35と係合ピン部36及びカム溝60と係合ピン部36を複数設けることにより、第1の可動部材23及び第2の可動部材55を軸方向に移動させる際、第1の可動部材23、第2の可動部材55の全体にわたり均一に軸方向へ付勢することができる。そのため、第1の可動部材23と第1の固定軸6や、第2の可動部材55と第2の固定軸7とのかじり等が発生することがなく、第1の可動部材23、第2の可動部材55をスムーズかつ確実に移動させることができ、操作感が良い。   Further, by providing a plurality of cam portions 35 and engaging pin portions 36 and cam grooves 60 and engaging pin portions 36, when the first movable member 23 and the second movable member 55 are moved in the axial direction, the first The movable member 23 and the second movable member 55 can be uniformly biased in the axial direction. Therefore, the first movable member 23 and the second fixed shaft 6 and the second movable member 55 and the second fixed shaft 7 are not galvanized and the like. The movable member 55 can be moved smoothly and reliably, and the operation feeling is good.

また、圧接部41と圧接部41aの全面がそれぞれ被摩擦面68、68aに対して均一に圧接する為、確実に上下用湾曲操作ノブ13,左右用湾曲操作ノブ14をロック可能である。さらに、ロック状態において上下用湾曲操作ノブ13、左右用湾曲操作ノブ14を回転させる際の操作力量が安定する。以上により操作性が良い。   Further, since the entire surfaces of the pressure contact portion 41 and the pressure contact portion 41a are uniformly pressed against the friction surfaces 68 and 68a, respectively, the up and down bending operation knob 13 and the left and right bending operation knob 14 can be reliably locked. Furthermore, the amount of operation force when rotating the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 in the locked state is stabilized. As described above, operability is good.

また、第1の制動操作部材27のカム部35と第1の可動部材23の係合ピン部36とを略同一の硬度、摩耗性を有する樹脂や金属等で形成すれば、繰り返しの作動によるカム部35または係合ピン部36の何れか一方の急激な摩耗が防止でき、耐久性が良い。さらに、第2の制動操作部材56のカム溝60と第2の可動部材55の係合ピン部36aについても同様である。   Further, if the cam portion 35 of the first braking operation member 27 and the engaging pin portion 36 of the first movable member 23 are formed of substantially the same hardness and wearable resin, metal, etc., the operation is repeated. Abrupt wear of either the cam portion 35 or the engaging pin portion 36 can be prevented, and durability is good. The same applies to the cam groove 60 of the second braking operation member 56 and the engaging pin portion 36a of the second movable member 55.

また、何れか一方、例えば係合ピン部36を硬度、摩耗性がカム部35に対して低い素材から形成すれば、繰り返しの作動によってもカム部35は摩耗しない為、耐久性が良く、交換が不要である。そのため、係合ピン部36を有する可動部材23の交換のみを行えば良く、修理性が良好である。さらに、第2の制動操作部材56のカム溝60と第2の可動部材55の係合ピン部36aについても同様である。   In addition, if either one of the engaging pin portions 36 is made of a material whose hardness and wear resistance are lower than those of the cam portion 35, the cam portion 35 will not be worn even by repeated operations, so the durability is good and replacement is possible. Is unnecessary. Therefore, it is only necessary to replace the movable member 23 having the engagement pin portion 36, and the repairability is good. The same applies to the cam groove 60 of the second braking operation member 56 and the engaging pin portion 36a of the second movable member 55.

また、第1の制動操作部材27のカム部に上面部34を設けて第1の可動部材23の係合ピン36が当接し、平面同士が当接する構成としている為、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13のロックの際に第1の可動部材23および第1の圧接部材22の軸方向の位置が変化しない。この為、圧接部41の被摩擦面68への圧接量が変化しないので、斜面同士が係合するカム機構に較べ、確実に上下用湾曲操作ノブ13をロック可能であり、上下用湾曲操作ノブ13をロックした際の上下用湾曲操作ノブ13の回転操作の操作力量が安定し、操作性が良い。   Further, since the upper surface portion 34 is provided on the cam portion of the first braking operation member 27 so that the engagement pins 36 of the first movable member 23 are in contact with each other and the flat surfaces are in contact with each other, the up / down bending operation knob 13 is provided. The positions of the first movable member 23 and the first pressure contact member 22 in the axial direction do not change during the locking. For this reason, since the amount of pressure contact of the pressure contact portion 41 with respect to the friction target surface 68 does not change, the up / down bending operation knob 13 can be reliably locked as compared with the cam mechanism in which the inclined surfaces engage with each other. The operation force amount of the rotation operation of the up / down bending operation knob 13 when 13 is locked is stable, and the operability is good.

また、本実施の形態では第1の回転軸9と上下用湾曲操作ノブ13、第2の回転軸10と左右用湾曲操作ノブ14の接続は凸部19と切欠部20、凸部19aと切欠部20aの係合により接続する構成としたが、これらを第1の回転軸9及び第2の回転軸10に係止部を設けて、樹脂からなる上下用湾曲操作ノブ13,左右用湾曲操作ノブ14に弾性変形部を有する係合部を設けて係止部と係合部との係合によりこれらを固定する、いわゆるスナップフィットによる接続に変更しても良い。   In the present embodiment, the connection between the first rotary shaft 9 and the up / down bending operation knob 13, the second rotation shaft 10 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 is the convex portion 19 and the notch portion 20, and the convex portion 19 a and the notch portion. Although it is configured to be connected by engagement of the portion 20a, these are provided with a locking portion on the first rotating shaft 9 and the second rotating shaft 10, and the bending operation knob 13 for up and down made of resin, the bending operation for left and right The knob 14 may be provided with an engaging portion having an elastically deforming portion, and the connection may be changed to a so-called snap-fit connection in which the engaging portion and the engaging portion are fixed to each other.

また、ガイドピン37を弾性変形不能な硬質部材にて形成し、ピンガイド溝39の両端に係止突起40a1 ,40a2 の代わりとして係止部が設けられた弾性変形可能な金属製の板バネを介挿した構成としても良い。 Further, the guide pin 37 is formed of a hard member that cannot be elastically deformed, and an elastically deformable metal plate in which a locking portion is provided at both ends of the pin guide groove 39 instead of the locking protrusions 40a 1 and 40a 2. It is good also as a structure which inserted the spring.

さらに、第2の湾曲操作手段Bにおいて制動ノブ軸受け58にカム溝60の代わりに第1の湾曲操作手段Aの制動レバー軸受け部28と同様のカム部35を設け、第2の可動部材55に第1の可動部材23と同様の係合ピン部36を設け、第2の圧接部材54に第1の圧接部材22と同様の付勢突起42を設けた構成としても良い。   Further, in the second bending operation means B, the braking knob bearing 58 is provided with a cam portion 35 similar to the braking lever bearing portion 28 of the first bending operation means A in place of the cam groove 60, and the second movable member 55 is provided with the cam portion 60. An engagement pin portion 36 similar to that of the first movable member 23 may be provided, and a biasing protrusion 42 similar to that of the first pressure contact member 22 may be provided on the second pressure contact member 54.

また、第1の湾曲操作手段Aにおいて第1の圧接部材22,第1の可動部材23,制動レバー軸受け部28を第2の湾曲操作手段Bの第2の圧接部材54,第2の可動部材55,制動ノブ軸受け58のように構成しても良い。   Further, in the first bending operation means A, the first pressure contact member 22, the first movable member 23, and the brake lever bearing portion 28 are replaced with the second pressure contact member 54 of the second bending operation means B, the second movable member. 55, a brake knob bearing 58 may be configured.

また、図18は本発明の第2の実施の形態を示すものである。本実施の形態は第1の実施の形態のような鉗子起上装置及び鉗子起上操作部3が不要である内視鏡装置に本発明を適用したものである。   FIG. 18 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to an endoscope apparatus that does not require the forceps raising device and the forceps raising operation unit 3 as in the first embodiment.

すなわち、本実施の形態では図18に示すようにケーシング4に第1の固定軸6の装着孔部91が設けられている。この装着孔部91には第1の固定軸6が内嵌されている。さらに、第1の固定軸6に外嵌された第1の制動操作部材27の制動レバー軸受け部28の下面にはケーシング4との当接部92が設けられている。この当接部92にはOリング溝93が形成されている。このOリング溝93にはOリング94が介挿されている。そして、このOリング94によって第1の制動操作部材27の制動レバー軸受け部28とケーシング4との間を気密、液密的に封止することにより、上記第1の実施の形態と同様の作用、効果を得るようにしたものである。   That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the mounting hole 91 of the first fixed shaft 6 is provided in the casing 4. The first fixed shaft 6 is fitted in the mounting hole 91. Further, a contact portion 92 with the casing 4 is provided on the lower surface of the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first braking operation member 27 fitted on the first fixed shaft 6. An O-ring groove 93 is formed in the contact portion 92. An O-ring 94 is inserted into the O-ring groove 93. The O-ring 94 seals the space between the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first braking operation member 27 and the casing 4 in an air-tight and liquid-tight manner, so that the same action as in the first embodiment is achieved. , Which is effective.

また、図19は本発明の第3の実施の形態を示すものである。本実施の形態は第2の実施の形態(図18参照)の制動レバー軸受け部28の下部にケーシング4の装着孔部91内に挿入されるボス部101を突設し、このボス部101の外周部にOリング溝102を設け、このOリング溝102にOリング103を介挿して、第1の制動操作部材27とケーシング4の装着孔部91との間を気密、液密的に封止することにより、上記第1の実施の形態と同様の作用、効果を得るようにしたものである。   FIG. 19 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a boss 101 that is inserted into the mounting hole 91 of the casing 4 protrudes from the lower part of the brake lever bearing 28 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 18). An O-ring groove 102 is provided in the outer peripheral portion, and an O-ring 103 is inserted into the O-ring groove 102 to seal between the first braking operation member 27 and the mounting hole 91 of the casing 4 in an airtight and liquidtight manner. By stopping, the same operation and effect as the first embodiment are obtained.

なお、本発明は上記実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形実施できることは勿論である。
次に、本出願の他の特徴的な技術事項を下記の通り付記する。

(付記項1) 内視鏡の操作部に固定され操作部のケーシングに設けられた孔部から外部に突出した固定軸と、固定軸に回転可能に支持された少なくとも一つの回転軸と、回転軸に接続された湾曲操作ノブと、湾曲操作ノブの回転を選択的に制動する制動機構と、制動機構の作動を指示する為の制動レバーを有し回転可能な少なくとも一つの制動レバー部材と、からなる湾曲操作部を有する内視鏡装置において、前記湾曲操作ノブは内周側に設けられた制動機構を収納する収納部と、収納部の固定軸の軸方向に投影した面積と略同一か、又は大きな面積に形成された円筒状の開口孔部とを有し、前記制動レバー部材を開口孔部に内嵌して設け、前記開口孔部と前記制動レバー部材との間にシール部材を設け、前記固定軸と前記回転軸と前記制動機構とを前記湾曲操作部ノブと前記制動レバーとから囲まれた空間に配設して被覆したことを特徴とする内視鏡装置。
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, various deformation | transformation can be implemented in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.
Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application are appended as follows.
Record
(Additional Item 1) A fixed shaft that is fixed to the operation portion of the endoscope and protrudes to the outside from a hole provided in the casing of the operation portion, at least one rotation shaft that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft, and rotation A bending operation knob connected to the shaft, a braking mechanism for selectively braking rotation of the bending operation knob, and at least one braking lever member having a braking lever for instructing the operation of the braking mechanism, and rotatable. In the endoscope apparatus having the bending operation portion, the bending operation knob is substantially the same as the area projected in the axial direction of the fixed shaft of the storage portion and the storage portion for storing the braking mechanism provided on the inner peripheral side. Or a cylindrical opening hole portion formed in a large area, the brake lever member is provided in the opening hole portion, and a seal member is provided between the opening hole portion and the brake lever member. Providing the fixed shaft, the rotating shaft and the braking An endoscope apparatus, wherein a mechanism is disposed and covered in a space surrounded by the bending operation section knob and the brake lever.

(付記項1〜25の従来技術) 特開平6−327613号公報には外部に露出する部品間の接続部が少なく、洗滌性の良好な内視鏡の湾曲装置が開示されている。   (Prior Art of Additional Items 1 to 25) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-327613 discloses an endoscope bending apparatus having a small number of connection parts exposed to the outside and having good cleanability.

(付記項1〜25が解決しようとする課題) 特開平6−327613号公報の構成では回転力伝達機構やブレーキ押し機構を収納する第一の操作ノブ、第二の操作ノブ、第三の操作ノブを上面被覆カバーと下面被覆カバーとにより構成し、上面被覆カバーと下面被覆カバーとから回転力伝達機構やブレーキ押し機構を被覆し、下面被覆カバーと収容部材との間にOリングを設けて水密を確保する構成の為、第一の操作ノブ、第二の操作ノブ、第三の操作ノブのそれぞれにおいて操作ノブを構成する部品数が増大する為、部品費が高価となると共に組立費が高価となる。よって非常に高価となる。   (Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 1 to 25) In the configuration of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-327613, a first operation knob, a second operation knob, and a third operation that house a rotational force transmission mechanism and a brake pushing mechanism. The knob is composed of an upper surface covering cover and a lower surface covering cover, a rotational force transmission mechanism and a brake pushing mechanism are covered from the upper surface covering cover and the lower surface covering cover, and an O-ring is provided between the lower surface covering cover and the housing member. Since the number of parts constituting the operation knob in each of the first operation knob, the second operation knob, and the third operation knob is increased due to the configuration that ensures watertightness, the parts cost is increased and the assembly cost is increased. It becomes expensive. Therefore, it becomes very expensive.

(付記項1〜25の目的) 洗浄性が良好で安価な内視鏡装置の提供。   (Purpose of Supplementary Items 1 to 25) Providing an endoscope apparatus with good cleanability and low cost.

(付記項1〜25の作用) 固定軸、回転軸、制動機構に汚物や薬液が触れることがない。この為、作動が確実で、各部品の劣化がなく、洗滌の手間が軽減する。又、確実な防水構造の構成を簡略化できる。   (Operation of Additional Items 1 to 25) No dirt or chemicals touch the fixed shaft, the rotating shaft, or the braking mechanism. Therefore, the operation is reliable, there is no deterioration of each part, and the labor of washing is reduced. In addition, a reliable waterproof structure can be simplified.

(付記項2) 前記湾曲操作ノブは単一の部材からなることを特徴とする付記項1の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 2) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, wherein the bending operation knob includes a single member.

(付記項3) 第一の回転軸と第一の回転軸に接続された第一の湾曲操作ノブと、第一の回転軸に内嵌した第二の回転軸と第二の回転軸に接続された第二の湾曲操作ノブとを有し、第一の湾曲操作ノブと第二の湾曲操作ノブの間にシール部材を設けて、第一の回転軸の開口部を水密、気密的に封止したことを特徴とする付記項1,2の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 3) Connected to the first rotating shaft, the first bending operation knob connected to the first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft fitted into the first rotating shaft, and the second rotating shaft And a sealing member is provided between the first bending operation knob and the second bending operation knob to seal the opening of the first rotating shaft in a watertight and airtight manner. Endoscope apparatus according to additional items 1 and 2, characterized by stopping.

(付記項4) 前記湾曲操作部の少なくとも外表面に露出した部分は樹脂にて形成された部材によってのみ構成されていることを特徴とする付記項1、2、3の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 4) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 1, 2, and 3, wherein at least a portion exposed on the outer surface of the bending operation unit is configured only by a member formed of resin.

(付記項5) 前記湾曲操作ノブの少なくとも外表面に露出した部分は樹脂にて形成された部材によってのみ構成されていることを特徴とする付記項4の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 5) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 4, wherein at least a portion exposed to the outer surface of the bending operation knob is configured only by a member formed of resin.

(付記項5〜11が解決しようとする課題) 特開平6−327613号公報の構成では第二のスリーブと第二の下カバーとを固定し、第二の下カバーと第一の操作手段との間の水密を確保する為のOリングを支持する第一の固定部材や、第一の下カバーに一部を内嵌され、操作レバーが接続されたブレーキ操作板が外部に露出している。これらの部材が金属により形成されている場合、操作者の誤使用により操作ノブを濡れた手で操作したり、操作ノブを濡れたまま使用したりした際には第一の固定部材やブレーキ操作板に付着した水を介して内視鏡内部に導通したこれらの部材と操作者が導通する可能性がある。   (Problems to be solved by Supplementary Items 5 to 11) In the configuration of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-327613, the second sleeve and the second lower cover are fixed, and the second lower cover and the first operating means are fixed. The first fixing member that supports the O-ring for ensuring watertightness between the two and the brake operation plate that is partially fitted into the first lower cover and connected to the operation lever is exposed to the outside. . When these members are made of metal, the first fixing member or brake operation should be performed when the operation knob is operated with wet hands due to misuse by the operator or when the operation knob is used wet. There is a possibility that the operator is electrically connected to these members that are conducted to the inside of the endoscope through the water attached to the plate.

又、比較的強度が要求され、かつ薄肉であることが要求される為に金属で形成せざるを得ない操作レバーには樹脂からなる操作つまみや熱収縮チューブ等を被覆して絶縁する必要がある為、部品費が高価になると共に組立費か高価となる。   In addition, since it is required to be relatively strong and thin, it is necessary to insulate the operation lever, which must be formed of metal, by covering it with a resin operation knob or heat shrinkable tube. As a result, the parts cost is high and the assembly cost is high.

又、内視鏡は種々の洗滌、消毒、滅菌が行われる為、金属はこれらに使用される薬剤やガス等により腐食する為に耐久性が悪い。操作部を軽量に形成する為にはアルミを使用するのが好適であるが、腐食を防止する為に表面処理等を行うと非常に高価となる。又、ステンレスを用いた場合には操作部の重量が重くなり操作性が悪化する。   In addition, since endoscopes are variously cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized, metals are corroded by chemicals, gases, etc. used for these, so that durability is poor. It is preferable to use aluminum in order to make the operation part lightweight, but if surface treatment or the like is performed to prevent corrosion, it becomes very expensive. In addition, when stainless steel is used, the weight of the operation unit is increased and the operability is deteriorated.

(付記項5〜11の目的) 耐久性が良好で、操作性が良く、安全で、小型、軽量、安価な内視鏡装置の提供。   (Purpose of Additional Items 5 to 11) To provide an endoscope apparatus having good durability, good operability, safety, small size, light weight, and low cost.

(付記項5〜11の作用) 上記の付記項1〜25の作用に加え、金属部品が外部に露出せず、金属部品に汚物や薬液が触れることがない為、耐久性が良い。又、金属部品を腐食し易いアルミで形成できる為、軽量化が図れる。又、内視鏡内部の金属部品が完全に絶縁される。   (Operation of Additional Items 5 to 11) In addition to the operation of Additional Items 1 to 25 described above, the metal parts are not exposed to the outside, and the metal parts are not touched by dirt or chemicals, so that the durability is good. Further, since the metal parts can be formed of aluminum which is easily corroded, the weight can be reduced. Also, the metal parts inside the endoscope are completely insulated.

(付記項6) 前記制動レバー部材は固定軸に外嵌する軸受け部を有し、前記軸受け部の少なくとも外表面に露出した部分は樹脂にて形成されていることを特徴とする付記項4、5の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 6) The additional item 4, wherein the brake lever member has a bearing portion that is fitted onto a fixed shaft, and at least a portion of the bearing portion exposed on the outer surface is formed of resin. 5. Endoscopic apparatus.

(付記項7) 前記ケーシングは樹脂にて形成され、前記制動レバー部材の軸受け部とケーシングとの間にシール部材を設けたことを特徴とする付記項6の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 7) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 6, wherein the casing is made of resin, and a seal member is provided between a bearing portion of the brake lever member and the casing.

(付記項8) 前記制動レバー部材は軸受け部を前記孔部に内嵌して設け、軸受け部と孔部との間にシール部材を設けたことを特徴とする付記項7の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 8) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 7, wherein the brake lever member is provided with a bearing portion fitted in the hole portion, and a seal member is provided between the bearing portion and the hole portion. .

(付記項9) 少なくとも外表面に露出した部分は樹脂にて形成された回転筒部材を前記固定軸の一部に外嵌すると共に、ケーシングの孔部に内嵌して設け、前記制動レバー部材の軸受け部を前記固定軸の一部に外嵌して設け、回転筒部材と孔部との間にシール部材を設けると共に、回転筒部材と軸受け部との間にシール部材を設けたことを特徴とする付記項6の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 9) At least a portion exposed on the outer surface is provided by fitting a rotating cylinder member formed of resin to a part of the fixed shaft, and to be fitted in a hole of the casing. The bearing portion is externally fitted to a part of the fixed shaft, the seal member is provided between the rotating cylinder member and the hole portion, and the seal member is provided between the rotating cylinder member and the bearing portion. The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 6, characterized in that it is characterized in that

(付記項10) 前記回転筒部材は鉗子起上装置に接続されると共に鉗子起上操作レバーが固定された鉗子起上回転軸であることを特徴とする付記項9の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 10) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 9, wherein the rotating cylinder member is a forceps raising rotation shaft to which the forceps raising operation lever is fixed while being connected to the forceps raising device.

(付記項11) 前記制動レバー部材は前記制動レバーと前記軸受け部とが樹脂にて一体に形成されていることを特徴とする付記項6の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 11) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 6, wherein the brake lever member is formed by integrally forming the brake lever and the bearing portion with resin.

(付記項12) 前記制動レバー部材は前記湾曲操作ノブの開口孔部に内嵌される嵌合部を有し、前記開口孔部と嵌合部の間にシール部材を設け、制動レバー部材に前記嵌合部よりも内周側に前記制動機構との接続部を設け、制動機構に被接続部を設け、接続部と被接続部の何れか一方に弾性変形可能な弾性変形部と係止部を設け、他の一方に前記係止部と係合する係合部を設け、前記制動レバー部材と前記制動機構とを係合したことを特徴とする付記項1〜11の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 12) The brake lever member has a fitting portion fitted in the opening hole portion of the bending operation knob, and a seal member is provided between the opening hole portion and the fitting portion, A connecting portion to the braking mechanism is provided on the inner peripheral side of the fitting portion, a connected portion is provided to the braking mechanism, and an elastically deformable portion that can be elastically deformed in either the connecting portion or the connected portion is engaged. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of additional items 1 to 11, wherein an engagement portion that engages with the locking portion is provided on the other side, and the brake lever member and the brake mechanism are engaged with each other. .

(付記項12〜14の作用) 上記付記項1〜25の作用に加え、制動レバー部材と制動機構との接続部位を液密、気密に保つ為のシール手段が不要となり、更に構成を簡略化できる。   (Operation of Additional Items 12 to 14) In addition to the operation of Additional Items 1 to 25, there is no need for a sealing means for keeping the connection portion between the brake lever member and the brake mechanism liquid-tight and air-tight, and the configuration is further simplified. it can.

(付記項13) 前記係止部と前記係合部を複数設けたことを特徴とする付記項12の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 13) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 12, wherein a plurality of the locking portions and the engagement portions are provided.

(付記項14) 前記弾性変形部は樹脂からなることを特徴とする付記項12の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 14) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 12, wherein the elastic deformation portion is made of resin.

(付記項15) 前記樹脂は変性ポリフェニレンオキサイドであることを特徴とする付記項4〜11、14の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 15) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11 and 14, wherein the resin is a modified polyphenylene oxide.

(付記項16) 前記樹脂はポリサルホンであることを特徴とする付記項4〜11、14の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 16) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11 and 14, wherein the resin is polysulfone.

(付記項17) 前記樹脂はポリエーテルサルホンであることを特徴とする付記項4〜11、14の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 17) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11 and 14, wherein the resin is polyethersulfone.

(付記項18) 前記樹脂はポリエーテルイミドであることを特徴とする付記項4〜11、14の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 18) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11 and 14, wherein the resin is polyetherimide.

(付記項19) 前記樹脂はポリフェニレンサルファイドであることを特徴とする付記項4〜11、14の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 19) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11 and 14, wherein the resin is polyphenylene sulfide.

(付記項20) 前記樹脂はポリエーテルエーテルケトンであることを特徴とする付記項4〜11、14の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 20) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11 and 14, wherein the resin is polyetheretherketone.

(付記項21) 前記樹脂は液晶ポリマーであることを特徴とする付記項4〜11、14の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 21) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11 and 14, wherein the resin is a liquid crystal polymer.

(付記項22) 前記樹脂はフッ素樹脂であることを特徴とする付記項4〜11、14の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 22) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11 and 14, wherein the resin is a fluororesin.

(付記項23) 前記湾曲操作ノブは外周側に突設した爪部を有し、爪部に設けられた肉抜き部を有するノブ本体と、前記ノブ本体の肉抜き部を閉塞する閉塞部材を有すると共に、ノブ本体を1次成形し、閉塞部材をノブ本体と同一の樹脂にて2次成形する二色成形法なる射出成形法にてこれらを一体に成形したことを特徴とする付記項5の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 23) The bending operation knob has a claw portion protruding on the outer peripheral side, and includes a knob body having a lightening portion provided on the claw portion, and a closing member for closing the lightening portion of the knob body. And an integral molding of the knob body by an injection molding method, which is a two-color molding method in which the knob main body is primary molded and the closing member is secondarily molded with the same resin as the knob main body. Endoscope device.

(付記項24) 前記二色成形法の成形工程内において、ノブ本体と閉塞部材との当接部を融着し、前記当接部を段差無く形成したことを特徴とする付記項23の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 24) In the Additional Item 23, the contact portion between the knob body and the closing member is fused in the molding process of the two-color molding method, and the contact portion is formed without any step. Endoscopic device.

(付記項25) 前記湾曲操作ノブは外周側に突設した爪部を有し、厚肉成形なる射出成形法にて形成したことを特徴とする付記項5の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 25) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 5, wherein the bending operation knob has a claw projecting on an outer peripheral side, and is formed by an injection molding method in which thick molding is performed.

(付記項26) 内視鏡の操作部に固定され外部に突出した少なくとも一つの固定軸と、固定軸に回転可能に支持され、軸方向操作部側への移動を規制された第一の回転筒と、固定軸に回転可能に支持され、軸方向の移動が規制された第二の回転筒と、第一の回転筒に接続された第一の湾曲操作ノブと、第二の回転筒に接続された第二の湾曲操作ノブと、第一の湾曲操作ノブに設けられた被制動部と、回転筒の軸方向に選択的に移動して被制動部に圧接する圧接部材を有する制動手段と、を有する内視鏡装置において、前記第一の回転筒又は前記第一の湾曲操作ノブに第一の当接部を設け、前記第二の回転筒又は前記第二の湾曲操作ノブに、前記圧接部材が被制動部に圧接した際に第一の当接部に当接する第二の当接部を設け、前記第一の当接部と前記第二の当接部との摩擦抵抗は、前記被制動部と圧接部との摩擦抵抗よりも小さいことを特徴とする内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 26) At least one fixed shaft that is fixed to the operation portion of the endoscope and protrudes to the outside, and a first rotation that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft and restricted to move toward the axial operation portion. A cylinder, a second rotary cylinder that is rotatably supported by a fixed shaft and restricted in axial movement, a first bending operation knob connected to the first rotary cylinder, and a second rotary cylinder Brake means having a second bending operation knob connected, a braked portion provided in the first bending operation knob, and a pressure contact member that selectively moves in the axial direction of the rotary cylinder and presses against the braked portion In the endoscope apparatus having the first rotating cylinder or the first bending operation knob provided with a first contact portion, the second rotating cylinder or the second bending operation knob, A second abutting portion that abuts on the first abutting portion when the pressing member is in pressure contact with the braked portion is provided, and the first abutting portion is provided. Frictional resistance between parts and the second abutting section, an endoscope apparatus, wherein the smaller than the frictional resistance between the braking portion and the press contact portion.

(付記項26〜30の従来技術) 特開平6−327613号公報
(付記項26〜30が解決しようとする課題) 特開平6−327613号公報の構成では第一の操作ノブの制動機構は、固定軸に回転不能に支持された第一の取り付け板と、第二の支持板と、操作ノブが制動されない状態では操作ノブと一体的に回動する摩擦部材を含む制動手段(摩擦部材、第一の支持板、第二の支持板)を回転不能な固定軸に選択的に結合、結合の解除を行う為の結合手段(第一の取り付板、係止ばね等)が必要な為、構成が複雑であった。第一の操作ノブにおいて、第二の操作ノブの様な圧接板を操作ノブに回転不能に設けられた摩擦板に選択的に圧接させる機構を用いる場合は圧接板が圧接した際に圧接方向への第一の操作ノブの移動を規制する規制手段が必要であり、構成が複雑化する。
(Prior Art of Supplementary Items 26-30) JP-A-6-327613 (Problem to be Solved by Supplementary Items 26-30) In the configuration of JP-A-6-327613, the braking mechanism of the first operating knob is A first attachment plate that is non-rotatably supported on the fixed shaft, a second support plate, and a braking means (friction member, first friction plate) that includes a friction member that rotates integrally with the operation knob when the operation knob is not braked. (1 support plate, second support plate) is selectively connected to a non-rotatable fixed shaft, and connecting means (first mounting plate, locking spring, etc.) for releasing the connection is required. The configuration was complicated. In the first operation knob, when a mechanism for selectively pressing the pressure contact plate such as the second operation knob to the friction plate that is non-rotatable on the operation knob is used, when the pressure contact plate is pressed, it moves in the pressure contact direction. Therefore, a restricting means for restricting the movement of the first operation knob is required, which complicates the configuration.

(付記項26〜30の目的) 操作性が良く、小型、軽量、安価な内視鏡装置の提供。   (Purpose of Supplementary Items 26 to 30) To provide an endoscope apparatus that has good operability and is small, light, and inexpensive.

(付記項26〜30の作用) 第一の湾曲操作ノブ及び第一の回転筒の軸方向の移動を規制する部材が不要な為、湾曲操作ノブの制動機構を簡略化することができる。   (Operation of Additional Items 26 to 30) Since a member that restricts the axial movement of the first bending operation knob and the first rotating cylinder is unnecessary, the braking mechanism of the bending operation knob can be simplified.

(付記項27) 前記圧接部材と前記被制動部とが離間した状態における、前記第一の当接部と前記第二の当接部の距離Aと、圧接部材と被制動部の距離Bと、前記圧接部材の移動量CとはC≧A+Bなる関係に設けられていることを特徴とする付記項26の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 27) A distance A between the first contact portion and the second contact portion and a distance B between the pressure contact member and the braked portion in a state where the pressure contact member and the braked portion are separated from each other. The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 26, wherein the amount C of movement of the pressure contact member is provided in a relationship of C ≧ A + B.

(付記項28) 前記第一の当接部と第二の当接部は樹脂にて形成された部材からなることを特徴とする付記項26の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 28) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 26, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are made of a resin member.

(付記項28の作用) 第一の湾曲操作ノブを制動した状態において、第二の湾曲操作ノブの回転操作の操作力量が軽くなる。又、第一の湾曲操作ノブ又は第二の湾曲操作ノブの回転操作の際の他の一方の共回りを防止できる。第一の湾曲操作ノブを制動しない状態において、第一の湾曲操作ノブと第二の湾曲操作ノブの回転操作の操作力量が軽くなる。又、第一の湾曲操作ノブ又は第二の湾曲操作ノブの回転操作の際の他の一方の共回りを防止できる。   (Operation of Additional Item 28) In the state where the first bending operation knob is braked, the operation force amount of the rotation operation of the second bending operation knob becomes light. In addition, it is possible to prevent the other of the first bending operation knob or the second bending operation knob from rotating together during the rotation operation. In a state where the first bending operation knob is not braked, the operation force amount of the rotation operation of the first bending operation knob and the second bending operation knob becomes light. In addition, it is possible to prevent the other of the first bending operation knob or the second bending operation knob from rotating together during the rotation operation.

(付記項29) 前記圧接部は弾性変形可能な弾性部材から形成されることを特徴とする付記項26〜28の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 29) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 26 to 28, wherein the press contact portion is formed of an elastic member that is elastically deformable.

(付記項30) 操作部に一端が固定された筒状の第一の固定軸と、第一の固定軸に同心に設けられ、操作部に一端が固定された第二の固定軸と、第一の固定軸に内嵌して回転可能に支持された第一の回転筒と、第一の回転筒に内嵌して設けられ、第二の固定軸に外嵌して回転可能に支持された第二の回転筒と、第二の固定軸に設けられ、第二の回転筒の操作部から遠位の端部に当接して第二の回転筒の軸方向の移動を規制する規制部材とを有し、前記第一の湾曲操作ノブを前記操作部の近傍に設け、前記第二の湾曲操作ノブを第一の湾曲操作ノブよりも遠位に設け、第一の操作ノブの第二の操作ノブ側に前記第一の当接部を設け、第二の操作ノブの第一の操作ノブ側に前記第二の当接部を設けたことを特徴とする付記項26〜付記項29の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 30) A cylindrical first fixed shaft having one end fixed to the operation portion, a second fixed shaft provided concentrically with the first fixed shaft and having one end fixed to the operation portion, A first rotating cylinder that is fitted into one fixed shaft and supported rotatably; and a first rotating cylinder that is fitted inside the first rotating cylinder, and is rotatably fitted by being fitted around the second fixed shaft. A second rotating cylinder and a regulating member that is provided on the second fixed shaft and that abuts the distal end of the second rotating cylinder from the operating portion to restrict axial movement of the second rotating cylinder The first bending operation knob is provided in the vicinity of the operation portion, the second bending operation knob is provided distal to the first bending operation knob, and a second of the first operation knob is provided. Item 26 to Item 29, wherein the first contact part is provided on the operation knob side, and the second contact part is provided on the first operation knob side of the second operation knob. of Endoscope apparatus.

(付記項31) 内視鏡の操作部に固定され外部に突出した固定軸と、固定軸に回転可能に支持された少なくとも一つの回転軸と、回転軸に接続された湾曲操作ノブと、固定軸に回転不能かつ軸方向に移動可能に支持され、前記湾曲操作ノブに設けられた被制動面部に選択的に圧接する圧接部を有する圧接部材と、回転軸に回転可能に支持され、制動レバーを有し、前記圧接部材を被制動面部に向けて軸方向に選択的に移動させる制動レバー部材とを有する内視鏡装置において、前記圧接部材を被制動面部から離間させる方向に付勢すると共に、前記被制動面部に対して前記圧接部よりも低い摩擦抵抗を有する弾性体からなる付勢部材を圧接部材に一体に設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 31) A fixed shaft that is fixed to the operation portion of the endoscope and protrudes to the outside, at least one rotary shaft that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft, a bending operation knob that is connected to the rotary shaft, and a fixed A pressure contact member that is supported by the shaft so as not to rotate and is movable in the axial direction, and has a pressure contact portion that is selectively pressed against the braked surface portion provided on the bending operation knob; And a braking lever member that selectively moves the pressure contact member toward the braked surface portion in the axial direction, and urges the pressure contact member in a direction separating the pressure contact member from the braked surface portion. An endoscopic device characterized in that an urging member made of an elastic body having a lower frictional resistance than the pressure contact portion is provided integrally with the pressure contact member.

(付記項31〜42の従来技術) 特開平6−327613号公報、特公平1−16175号公報
(付記項31〜42が解決しようとする課題) 特開平6−327613号公報の第二の操作ノブの制動機構の様に圧接板を操作ノブに回転不能に固定された摩擦板に押し付けて制動する構成では、圧接板を強制的に引き離す機構が必要な為、固定軸とブレーキ押し機構をネジ係合することにより圧接板の圧接と引き離しを行っているが、ネジ部等が必要な為構成が複雑化していた。又、ネジばか等を防止する為、これらの部材は金属で形成する必要があり、重くなるという不具合があった。
(Prior Art of Additional Items 31-42) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-327613, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-16175 (Problems to be Solved by Additional Items 31-42) Second Operation of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-327613 In a configuration where the pressure contact plate is pressed against a friction plate fixed to the operation knob so that it cannot rotate, as in the brake mechanism of the knob, a mechanism for forcibly separating the pressure contact plate is required. Although the press contact plate is separated from the press contact by engaging, the configuration is complicated because a screw portion or the like is required. In addition, in order to prevent screw fools and the like, these members need to be formed of metal, which causes a problem that they become heavy.

特公平1−16175号公報の構成では被制動部材と摩擦部材との間にスペーサを介挿することにより自然状態において弾性体で形成された摩擦部材を被制動部材から引き離す構成の為、スペーサ等の部品が必要であった。   In the configuration of Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 1-16175, a spacer is inserted between the braked member and the friction member so that the friction member formed of an elastic body in a natural state is separated from the braked member. Parts were needed.

(付記項31〜42の目的) 操作性が良く、小型、軽量、安価な内視鏡装置の提供。   (Purpose of Supplementary Items 31 to 42) To provide an endoscope apparatus that is easy to operate, small, light, and inexpensive.

(付記項31〜42の作用) 確実に圧接部材と被制動面を離間することができる為、湾曲操作ノブの回転操作の操作力量を一定に保つことができる。又、圧接部材が摩耗しにくい。かつ、離間させる為の別部材が不要な為、構成を簡略化できる。   (Operation of Additional Items 31 to 42) Since the pressure contact member and the braked surface can be reliably separated from each other, the operation force amount of the rotation operation of the bending operation knob can be kept constant. Further, the pressure contact member is not easily worn. In addition, since a separate member for separating is unnecessary, the configuration can be simplified.

(付記項32) 前記付勢部材と前記被制動面部との接触面積は前記圧接部と被制動面部との接触面積よりも小さく設けられていることを特徴とする付記項31の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 32) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 31, wherein a contact area between the biasing member and the braked surface portion is smaller than a contact area between the pressure contact portion and the braked surface portion. .

(付記項33) 前記付勢部材を付勢方向と略直交する方向に弾性変形可能に設けたことを特徴とする付記項31、32の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 33) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 31, 32, wherein the urging member is provided so as to be elastically deformable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the urging direction.

(付記項34) 前記付勢部材を前記湾曲操作ノブの回転方向に弾性変形可能に設けたことを特徴とする付記項33の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 34) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 33, wherein the urging member is provided so as to be elastically deformable in a rotation direction of the bending operation knob.

(付記項35) 前記付勢部材を前記回転軸の軸方向に弾性変形可能に設けたことを特徴とする付記項31、32の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 35) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 31, 32, wherein the biasing member is provided so as to be elastically deformable in an axial direction of the rotation shaft.

(付記項36) 前記付勢部材を前記圧接部よりも内周側に設けたことを特徴とする付記項31〜34の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 36) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 31 to 34, wherein the urging member is provided on an inner peripheral side with respect to the pressure contact portion.

(付記項37) 前記付勢部材を複数設けたことを特徴とする付記項31〜36の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 37) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 31 to 36, wherein a plurality of the urging members are provided.

(付記項38) 前記弾性体は軟質弾性体であることを特徴とする付記項31〜37の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 38) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 31 to 37, wherein the elastic body is a soft elastic body.

(付記項39) 前記軟質弾性体は加硫ゴムであることを特徴とする付記項38の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 39) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 38, wherein the soft elastic body is vulcanized rubber.

(付記項40) 前記加硫ゴムはシリコンゴムであることを特徴とする付記項39の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 40) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 39, wherein the vulcanized rubber is silicon rubber.

(付記項41) 前記加硫ゴムはフッ素ゴムであることを特徴とする付記項39の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 41) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 39, wherein the vulcanized rubber is fluororubber.

(付記項42) 前記軟質弾性体は熱可塑性エラストマーであることを特徴とする付記項38の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 42) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 38, wherein the soft elastic body is a thermoplastic elastomer.

(付記項43) 内視鏡の操作部に固定され外部に突出した固定軸と、固定軸に回転可能に支持された少なくとも一つの回転軸と、回転軸に接続された湾曲操作ノブと回転軸又は湾曲操作ノブに設けられた被制動部と、固定軸に回転不能かつ軸方向に移動可能に支持された可動部材と、可動部材に支持された前記被制動部に選択的に圧接する圧接部材とを有する内視鏡装置において、前記可動部材と前記圧接部材の何れか一方に溝部を設け、他の一方に前記溝部と係合する係合突起を前記溝部と相対する位置に設け、溝部と係合突起の係合により前記圧接部材を可動部材に回転不能に支持したことを特徴とする内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 43) A fixed shaft that is fixed to the operation portion of the endoscope and protrudes to the outside, at least one rotation shaft that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft, a bending operation knob that is connected to the rotation shaft, and the rotation shaft Alternatively, a braked portion provided on the bending operation knob, a movable member supported so as not to rotate on the fixed shaft and movable in the axial direction, and a pressure contact member that selectively press-contacts the braked portion supported by the movable member. In one embodiment of the present invention, a groove is provided in one of the movable member and the pressure contact member, and an engaging projection that engages with the groove is provided in the other one at a position facing the groove. An endoscope apparatus, wherein the pressure contact member is supported by a movable member in a non-rotatable manner by engagement of an engagement protrusion.

(付記項43〜52の従来技術) 特公平1−16175号公報
(付記項43〜52が解決しようとする課題) 特公平1−16175号公報の構成では摩擦部材と円盤とは固定されていない構成の為、制動をかけた状態において湾曲操作レバーを操作してプーリを回転させると円盤と摩擦部材とが回転する場合とプーリと摩擦部材とが回転する場合とが生じる。この為、制動状態における湾曲操作レバーの操作力量が安定しないという不具合がある。又、プーリ、円盤、及び摩擦部材のプーリとの当接面、円盤との当接面の両面が摩耗する為、各部材が摩耗しやすく耐久性が悪い。又、これらを固定する為に接着材等や両面テープを用いた場合には組立費が高価になる。又、摩擦部材が摩耗した際には交換作業が煩雑となる。
(Prior Art of Supplementary Items 43 to 52) Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-16175 (Problems to be Solved by Supplementary Items 43 to 52) In the configuration of Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-16175, the friction member and the disk are not fixed. Due to the configuration, if the pulley is rotated by operating the bending operation lever in a braked state, the disk and the friction member rotate, and the pulley and the friction member rotate. For this reason, there is a problem that the amount of operation force of the bending operation lever is not stable in the braking state. Further, since both the contact surface of the pulley, the disk, and the friction member with the pulley and the contact surface with the disk are worn, each member is easily worn and the durability is poor. Further, when an adhesive or the like or a double-sided tape is used to fix them, the assembly cost becomes expensive. Further, when the friction member is worn, the replacement work becomes complicated.

又、摩擦部材又は円盤の何れか一方に単に凸部、他の一方に凹部を設けてこれらを係合させた場合には係合が外れてしまう恐れがある。   Further, when a convex portion is provided on either one of the friction member or the disk and a concave portion is provided on the other, and these are engaged, there is a possibility that the engagement is disengaged.

(付記項43〜52の目的) 操作性が良く、小型、軽量、安価で修理性の良い内視鏡装置の提供。   (Purpose of Supplementary Items 43 to 52) Provide an endoscope apparatus that has good operability, is small, lightweight, inexpensive, and has good repairability.

(付記項43〜52の作用) 湾曲操作ノブに制動をかけた状態においても圧接部材は可動部材及び固定軸に対して回転しない。この為、湾曲操作ノブの回転操作の操作力量が確実にかつ安定して得られる。又、圧接部材の被制動面との当接面のみしか摩耗しない。又、接着等を行わない為、組立が容易となる。又、圧接部材の交換が容易となる。   (Operation of Additional Items 43 to 52) Even when the bending operation knob is braked, the pressure contact member does not rotate with respect to the movable member and the fixed shaft. For this reason, the operation force amount of the rotation operation of the bending operation knob can be obtained reliably and stably. Further, only the contact surface of the pressure contact member with the braked surface is worn. Further, since no bonding or the like is performed, assembly is facilitated. Also, the pressure contact member can be easily replaced.

(付記項44) 前記溝部は前記湾曲操作ノブの回転方向と略直交する方向を長手方向とすることを特徴とする付記項43の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 44) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 43, wherein the groove portion has a longitudinal direction in a direction substantially orthogonal to a rotation direction of the bending operation knob.

(付記項45) 前記溝部と係合突起を複数設けたことを特徴とする付記項43、44の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 45) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 43 and 44, wherein a plurality of the groove portions and engagement protrusions are provided.

(付記項46) 前記圧接部材に弾性変形可能な係止部を設け前記可動部材に前記係止部と係合して圧接部材の回転軸の軸方向への移動を規制する係合溝部を設けたことを特徴とする付記項43、44、45の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 46) An elastically deformable locking portion is provided on the pressure contact member, and an engagement groove portion is provided on the movable member to engage the locking portion and restrict the movement of the pressure contact member in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. Endoscope apparatus according to additional items 43, 44, 45 characterized by that.

(付記項47) 前記圧接部材は弾性体からなることを特徴とする付記項43、44、45、46の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 47) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 43, 44, 45, and 46, wherein the pressure contact member is made of an elastic body.

(付記項48) 前記弾性体は軟質弾性体であることを特徴とする付記項47の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 48) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 47, wherein the elastic body is a soft elastic body.

(付記項49) 前記軟質弾性体は加硫ゴムであることを特徴とする付記項48の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 49) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 48, wherein the soft elastic body is vulcanized rubber.

(付記項50) 前記加硫ゴムはシリコンゴムであることを特徴とする付記項49の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 50) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 49, wherein the vulcanized rubber is silicon rubber.

(付記項51) 前記加硫ゴムはフッ素ゴムであることを特徴とする付記項49の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 51) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 49, wherein the vulcanized rubber is fluororubber.

(付記項52) 前記軟質弾性体は熱可塑性エラストマーであることを特徴とする付記項48の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 52) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 48, wherein the soft elastic body is a thermoplastic elastomer.

(付記項53) 操作部ケーシングと、操作部ケーシングより突出する固定軸と、固定軸に対し回転可能で湾曲ワイヤを牽引するための回転軸と、回転軸に固定されケーシング側に開口する収納部を有する湾曲操作ノブと、収納部に収納され湾曲ノブの回動に対して制動をかける制動機構と、前記湾曲操作ノブの収納室の内面に接するように前記収納室の開口部を覆うと共に、回動操作を制動機構に伝達し前記湾曲操作ノブに制動をかける制動操作部材と、前記湾曲操作ノブの収納室の内面と前記制動操作部材との間をシールするシール部材とを具備したことを特徴とする内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 53) An operation portion casing, a fixed shaft protruding from the operation portion casing, a rotation shaft that is rotatable with respect to the fixed shaft and for pulling the bending wire, and a storage portion that is fixed to the rotation shaft and opens to the casing side A bending operation knob having a storage portion, a braking mechanism for braking the rotation of the bending knob, and covering the opening of the storage chamber so as to contact the inner surface of the storage chamber of the bending operation knob, A braking operation member that transmits a rotation operation to a braking mechanism and applies braking to the bending operation knob; and a seal member that seals between an inner surface of a storage chamber of the bending operation knob and the braking operation member. Endoscopic device characterized.

(付記項54) 前記制動操作部材は、前記湾曲操作ノブの収納室の内面及び操作部ケーシングの外面に接するように前記収納室の開口部を覆い、前記シール部材は、前記湾曲操作ノブの収納室の内面と前記制動操作部材及び前記操作部ケーシングの外面と前記制動操作部材との間をシールすることを特徴とする付記項53の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 54) The braking operation member covers the opening of the storage chamber so as to contact the inner surface of the storage chamber of the bending operation knob and the outer surface of the operation portion casing, and the seal member stores the bending operation knob. The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 53, wherein a space between an inner surface of the chamber and the braking operation member and an outer surface of the operation portion casing and the braking operation member is sealed.

(付記項55) 操作部ケーシングは鉗子起上装置の一部で形成されることを特徴とする付記項53の内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 55) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 53, wherein the operation portion casing is formed as a part of the forceps raising device.

(付記項56) 内視鏡の操作部に固定され外部に突出した少なくとも一つの固定軸と、固定軸に回転可能に支持され、軸方向操作部側への移動を規制された第一の回転筒と、固定軸に回転可能に支持され、軸方向の移動が規制された第二の回転筒と、第一の回転筒に接続された第一の湾曲操作ノブと、第二の回転筒に接続された第二の湾曲操作ノブと、第一の湾曲操作ノブに設けられた被制動部と、回転筒の軸方向に選択的に移動して被制動部に圧接する圧接部材を有する制動手段と、を有する内視鏡装置において、前記第一の回転筒又は前記第一の湾曲操作ノブに第一の当接部を設け、前記第二の回転筒又は前記第二の湾曲操作ノブに、前記圧接部材が被制動部に圧接した際に第一の当接部に当接する第二の当接部を設け、前記第一の当接部と前記第二の当接部との摩擦抵抗を、前記被制動部と圧接部材との摩擦抵抗よりも小さく設定して前記制動手段の動作時の共回りを防止する手段を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡装置。   (Additional Item 56) At least one fixed shaft that is fixed to the operation portion of the endoscope and protrudes to the outside, and a first rotation that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft and restricted to move toward the axial operation portion. A cylinder, a second rotary cylinder that is rotatably supported by a fixed shaft and restricted in axial movement, a first bending operation knob connected to the first rotary cylinder, and a second rotary cylinder Brake means having a second bending operation knob connected, a braked portion provided on the first bending operation knob, and a pressure contact member that selectively moves in the axial direction of the rotating cylinder and presses against the braked portion In the endoscope device having the first rotating cylinder or the first bending operation knob provided with a first contact portion, the second rotating cylinder or the second bending operation knob, A second abutting portion that abuts on the first abutting portion when the pressure contacting member is in pressure contact with the braked portion is provided. A means for preventing co-rotation during operation of the braking means by setting a frictional resistance between the part and the second abutting part to be smaller than a frictional resistance between the braked part and the pressure contact member. Endoscopic device characterized.

本発明の第1の実施の形態の内視鏡の湾曲操作装置全体の概略構成を示す縦断面図。1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an entire bending operation apparatus for an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の要部構成を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the principal part structure of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の上下用湾曲操作ノブおよびその制動機構を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the bending operation knob for the up-and-down of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment, and its braking mechanism. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の左右用湾曲操作ノブおよびその制動機構を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the bending operation knob for right and left of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment, and its braking mechanism. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の構成要素を示すもので、(A)は第1の固定軸を示す斜視図、(B)は第1の回転軸を示す斜視図、(C)は第2の回転軸を示す斜視図。The components of the bending operation device of the first embodiment are shown, in which (A) is a perspective view showing a first fixed shaft, (B) is a perspective view showing a first rotating shaft, and (C) is a perspective view. The perspective view which shows a 2nd rotating shaft. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の第1の圧接部材を示すもので、(A)は第1の圧接部材の表面側を示す斜視図、(B)は第1の圧接部材の裏面側を示す斜視図。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The 1st press-contact member of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment is shown, (A) is a perspective view which shows the surface side of a 1st press-contact member, (B) is the back surface side of a 1st press-contact member FIG. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の第1の可動部材を示すもので、(A)は第1の可動部材の表面側を示す斜視図、(B)は第1の可動部材の裏面側を示す斜視図。The 1st movable member of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment is shown, (A) is a perspective view which shows the surface side of a 1st movable member, (B) is the back surface side of a 1st movable member FIG. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の制動レバー軸受け部を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the brake lever bearing part of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の第2の可動部材を示すもので、(A)は第2の可動部材の表面側を示す斜視図、(B)は第2の可動部材の裏面側を示す斜視図。The 2nd movable member of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment is shown, (A) is a perspective view which shows the surface side of a 2nd movable member, (B) is the back surface side of a 2nd movable member. FIG. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の制動ノブ軸受け部を示すもので、(A)は制動ノブ軸受け部の表面側を示す斜視図、(B)は制動ノブ軸受け部の裏面側を示す斜視図。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The braking knob bearing part of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment is shown, (A) is a perspective view which shows the surface side of a braking knob bearing part, (B) is a perspective view which shows the back surface side of a braking knob bearing part. Figure. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の第2の圧接部材を示すもので、(A)は第2の圧接部材の裏面側を示す斜視図、(B)は第2の圧接部材の表面側を示す斜視図。The 2nd press-contact member of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment is shown, (A) is a perspective view which shows the back surface side of a 2nd press-contact member, (B) is the surface side of a 2nd press-contact member FIG. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の上下用湾曲操作ノブの横断面図。The cross-sectional view of the bending operation knob for up and down of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の制動レバー軸受け部のカム部と第1の可動部材の係合ピン部との係合部の作用を説明するための縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the effect | action of the engaging part of the cam part of the brake lever bearing part of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment, and the engaging pin part of a 1st movable member. (A)は第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の第1の圧接部材の圧接リングと付勢突起とを示す平面図、(B)は第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の第1の回転軸の凸部と上下用湾曲操作ノブの切欠部との係合状態を示す横断面図、(C)は第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の左右用湾曲操作ノブの切欠部と第2の回転軸の凸部との係合状態を示す横断面図。(A) is a top view which shows the press-contact ring and biasing protrusion of the 1st press-contact member of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (B) is the 1st of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the engagement state of the convex part of the rotating shaft of this, and the notch part of the bending operation knob for up and down, (C) is the notch part of the bending operation knob for right and left of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows an engagement state with the convex part of a 2nd rotating shaft. 図4のN−N線断面図。NN sectional view taken on the line of FIG. (A)は第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の制動ノブ軸受け部のカム溝と第2の可動部材の係合ピン部との係合状態を示す横断面図、(B)は第2の固定軸の溝部と抜け止め部材の挿通溝との係合状態を示す横断面図。(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement state between the cam groove of the brake knob bearing portion of the bending operation device of the first embodiment and the engagement pin portion of the second movable member, and (B) is the second view. The cross-sectional view which shows the engagement state of the groove part of the fixed shaft of this, and the insertion groove | channel of the retaining member. 第1の実施の形態の湾曲操作装置の左右用湾曲操作ノブの制動レバーおよび上下用湾曲操作ノブの制動ノブをそれぞれロック位置まで移動させた状態を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which moved the braking lever of the bending operation knob for right and left of the bending operation apparatus of 1st Embodiment, and the braking knob of the bending operation knob for up-and-down to a locked position, respectively. 本発明の第2の実施の形態の要部構成を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the principal part structure of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第3の実施の形態の要部構成を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the principal part structure of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1…操作部、4…ケーシング、6…第1の固定軸、9…第1の回転軸、13…上下用湾曲操作ノブ、22…第1の圧接部材、27…第1の制動操作部材(制動レバー部材)、41…圧接部、42…付勢突起(付勢部材)、68…被摩擦面(被制動面部)。     DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation part, 4 ... Casing, 6 ... 1st fixed axis | shaft, 9 ... 1st rotating shaft, 13 ... Up and down bending operation knob, 22 ... 1st press-contact member, 27 ... 1st braking operation member ( Brake lever member), 41... Pressure contact portion, 42... Urging projection (biasing member), 68.

Claims (3)

内視鏡の操作部に固定され外部に突出した固定軸と、
前記固定軸に回転可能に支持された少なくとも一つの回転軸と、
前記回転軸に接続された湾曲操作ノブと、
前記固定軸に回転不能かつ軸方向に移動可能に支持され、前記湾曲操作ノブに設けられた被制動面部に対し接離可能に圧接する圧接部を有する圧接部材と、
前記回転軸に回転可能に支持され制動レバーを有し、前記制動レバーの回転動作にともない前記圧接部材を前記被制動面部に向けて軸方向に移動させ、前記被制動面部に対して前記圧接部を離間させた非制動位置と、前記被制動面部に対して前記圧接部を圧接させた制動位置とに切り換える制動レバー部材と
具備し、
前記圧接部材は、前記被制動面部に対して前記圧接部を離間させた非制動位置方向に付勢すると共に、前記被制動面部に対して接触した際の摩擦抵抗が前記圧接部よりも低い付勢部材が一体に設けられていることを特徴とする内視鏡装置。
A fixed shaft that is fixed to the operation section of the endoscope and protrudes to the outside;
At least one rotating shaft rotatably supported by the fixed shaft;
A bending operation knob connected to the rotating shaft;
A pressing member having a pressing portion to which the movably supported nonrotatably, but axially fixed shaft and separable therefrom pressed against the braked surface portion provided in the bending operation knob,
A brake lever rotatably supported on the rotary shaft, and the pressure contact member is moved in the axial direction toward the braked surface portion in accordance with a rotation operation of the brake lever, and the pressure contact is made with respect to the braked surface portion; A brake lever member that switches between a non-braking position in which the part is separated and a braking position in which the pressure contact part is pressed against the braked surface part ,
Comprising
The pressure contact member urges the braked surface portion in a non-braking position direction in which the pressure contact portion is spaced apart and has a lower frictional resistance than the pressure contact portion when contacting the braked surface portion . An endoscopic device characterized in that a biasing member is integrally provided .
前記付勢部材と前記被制動面部との接触面積は前記圧接部と前記被制動面部との接触面積よりも小さく設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の内視鏡装置。 The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact area between the braked surface and the biasing member is provided smaller than the contact area between the contact portion and the braked surface. 前記圧接部材は、前記圧接部がリング状に形成され、前記付勢部材は、前記圧接部よりも内周側にリング状に並設された複数の付勢突起によって形成されていることを特徴とする請求項1または2に記載の内視鏡装置。 In the pressure contact member, the pressure contact portion is formed in a ring shape, and the biasing member is formed by a plurality of biasing protrusions arranged in a ring shape on the inner peripheral side of the pressure contact portion. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
JP2004228413A 2004-08-04 2004-08-04 Endoscope device Expired - Fee Related JP4027923B2 (en)

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US9949623B2 (en) * 2013-05-17 2018-04-24 Endochoice, Inc. Endoscope control unit with braking system
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CN114403777A (en) * 2021-12-07 2022-04-29 广州瑞派医疗器械有限责任公司 Endoscope knob brake device, endoscope handle and endoscope

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