JP5030658B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

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JP5030658B2
JP5030658B2 JP2007123853A JP2007123853A JP5030658B2 JP 5030658 B2 JP5030658 B2 JP 5030658B2 JP 2007123853 A JP2007123853 A JP 2007123853A JP 2007123853 A JP2007123853 A JP 2007123853A JP 5030658 B2 JP5030658 B2 JP 5030658B2
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bending
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pieces
bending piece
protrusions
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JP2008278969A (en
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栄二郎 佐藤
英二 松田
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Olympus Medical Systems Corp
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Description

本発明は、医療用内視鏡、工業用内視鏡における可撓性のある挿入部の一部に湾曲操作可能な湾曲部を有する内視鏡に関する。   The present invention relates to an endoscope having a bending portion that can be bent at a part of a flexible insertion portion in a medical endoscope or an industrial endoscope.

例えば、医療用内視鏡について説明すると、体腔内に挿入される可撓性のある挿入部の一部に設けられた湾曲部は、挿入部の軸方向へ直線的に複数の湾曲駒を並べ、隣接する湾曲駒の端縁同士をリベットピン等により回動自在に枢着することにより各湾曲駒を連結して構成されている。挿入部の基端部には操作部が設けられ、挿入部内には湾曲部を湾曲操作するための操作ワイヤが進退自在に挿通されている。   For example, a medical endoscope will be described. A bending portion provided in a part of a flexible insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity has a plurality of bending pieces arranged linearly in the axial direction of the insertion portion. The bending pieces are connected to each other by pivoting the edges of the adjacent bending pieces with a rivet pin or the like. An operation portion is provided at the base end portion of the insertion portion, and an operation wire for bending the bending portion is inserted into the insertion portion so as to be able to advance and retract.

そして、操作部においての湾曲駆動操作に伴い、操作ワイヤを牽引すると、各湾曲駒はリベットピンを中心として牽引する向きに回動し、隣接する湾曲駒の端縁同士が互いに当接するまで湾曲部を湾曲することができるようになっている。   When the operation wire is pulled along with the bending drive operation in the operation unit, each bending piece rotates in the direction of pulling around the rivet pin, and the bending portion is moved until the edges of the adjacent bending pieces come into contact with each other. It can be curved.

このように内視鏡の挿入部の湾曲部において、挿入部の軸方向へ直線的に連結する複数の管状部材の湾曲駒を横断面D字形状にし、これら湾曲駒をリベットピンによって回動自在に連結する。そして、操作ワイヤを牽引して湾曲部を湾曲する際に、湾曲部が所望する方向に湾曲するようにした内視鏡が知られている(例えば、特許文献1参照。)。   In this way, in the bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, the bending pieces of the plurality of tubular members that are linearly connected in the axial direction of the insertion portion have a D-shaped cross section, and these bending pieces can be freely rotated by the rivet pins. Connect to An endoscope is known in which a bending portion is bent in a desired direction when an operation wire is pulled to bend the bending portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

また、隣接する湾曲駒の端縁近傍に、隣接する湾曲駒の端縁同士が当接しない場合、一方の湾曲駒の端縁が当接する凸部を他方の湾曲駒に設け、所定の湾曲角度を逸脱して湾曲駒同士が回動してしまう、いわゆる駒落ちという現象を防止するものも知られている(例えば、特許文献2参照。)。   In addition, when the edges of the adjacent bending pieces do not contact each other in the vicinity of the edge of the adjacent bending piece, a convex portion that contacts the edge of one of the bending pieces is provided on the other bending piece so as to deviate from a predetermined bending angle. There is also known one that prevents the phenomenon of so-called piece dropping, in which curved pieces rotate, for example (see Patent Document 2, for example).

さらに、湾曲部を含む挿入部の内部には、光学繊維束、チューブ、信号線、操作ワイヤ等の内蔵物が挿通されることを考慮して、湾曲駒の内側にワイヤガイドより内方に突出し、内蔵物の乗り越えを規制する乗り越え規制部材を設けたものも知られている(例えば、特許文献3参照。)。
特開平7−59728号公報 特開2000−316797号公報 特開2002−320587号公報
Furthermore, in consideration of insertion of optical fiber bundles, tubes, signal lines, operation wires and other built-in items inside the insertion portion including the bending portion, the inner side of the bending piece protrudes inward from the wire guide, There is also known one provided with a climbing restricting member that restricts the climbing of a built-in object (for example, see Patent Document 3).
JP 7-59728 A JP 2000-316797 A JP 2002-320587 A

ところで、近年、内視鏡は患者への低侵襲化を図るためにより細径化されてきている。挿入部を細径化するためには、各部品を小型化する必要があるが、湾曲部を含む挿入部には光学繊維束、チューブ、信号線、操作ワイヤ等の内蔵物が挿通されるとともに、これら内蔵物がその機能を果たすために、内部はそれらに見合う、またそれらにフィットする空間領域の確保が求められる。   By the way, in recent years, endoscopes have been made thinner in order to reduce the invasiveness of patients. In order to reduce the diameter of the insertion part, it is necessary to reduce the size of each part, but the insertion part including the bending part is inserted with built-in items such as an optical fiber bundle, a tube, a signal line, and an operation wire. In order for these built-in functions to fulfill their functions, the interior must be secured to a space area that meets and fits them.

従って、前述のような要求を満足するために各部品の薄肉化が必要であり、湾曲部を構成する管状部材からなる湾曲駒も細径化され、さらにその肉厚も薄くなってきている。そのため加工誤差によっては隣接する湾曲駒の端縁同士が当接せず、設計値以上に湾曲駒同士が回動してしまう、いわゆる駒落ちという現象が生じてしまう場合がある。   Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce the thickness of each part in order to satisfy the above-described requirements, and the bending piece made of a tubular member constituting the bending portion is also reduced in diameter, and the thickness thereof is further reduced. Therefore, depending on the processing error, the edges of adjacent bending pieces do not come into contact with each other, and there is a case where a so-called piece dropping phenomenon occurs in which the bending pieces turn more than the design value.

すなわち、湾曲部は隣接する湾曲駒の端縁部同士の当接によって湾曲角度や湾曲半径が決定されるが、湾曲駒を薄肉にすることによって、当接する面(線または点)の範囲が小さくなり、湾曲駒の端縁部が隣の湾曲駒の端縁部の内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、所望の湾曲角度が得られない。さらに、急激に湾曲が掛かって内蔵物に損傷を与える虞もある。   That is, the bending angle and the bending radius of the bending portion are determined by abutting between the edge portions of adjacent bending pieces, but by reducing the thickness of the bending piece, the range of the contact surface (line or point) is reduced. The end edge part of the bending piece enters the inside or the outside of the end edge part of the adjacent bending piece, and a desired bending angle cannot be obtained. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the built-in object may be damaged due to sharp bending.

例えば、特許文献1においては、管状部材の湾曲駒を横断面D字形状にしているが、隣接する湾曲駒の端縁部同士は同一形状であるため、加工誤差によっては隣接する湾曲駒の端縁同士が当接せず、設計値以上に湾曲駒同士が回動してしまう、いわゆる駒落ちという現象が生じる虞がある。   For example, in Patent Document 1, the bending piece of the tubular member has a D-shaped cross section, but the edges of the adjacent bending pieces have the same shape. There is a possibility that a phenomenon of so-called piece dropping occurs, in which the curved pieces rotate more than the design value without contacting each other.

また、特許文献2においては、凸部によって、いわゆる駒落ちという現象を防止するものであるが、凸部が湾曲駒の外周面に設けられているため、挿入部の外径が太くなるという問題がある。   Moreover, in patent document 2, although the phenomenon of what is called a piece dropping is prevented by a convex part, since the convex part is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the bending piece, there exists a problem that the outer diameter of an insertion part becomes thick. is there.

さらに、特許文献3は、湾曲駒の内部に内蔵物の乗り越えを規制する乗り越え規制部材を別途設けた構造であり、乗り越え規制部材が湾曲駒の内部空間を狭める原因となり、内蔵物を挿通するレイアウトが困難となり、組み立て作業性が悪くなると考えられる。   Furthermore, Patent Document 3 is a structure in which a climbing restricting member for restricting the climbing of the built-in object is separately provided inside the bending piece, and the jumping restricting member causes the internal space of the bending piece to be narrowed, and the layout for inserting the built-in object is difficult Therefore, it is considered that the assembly workability is deteriorated.

本発明は、前記事情に着目してなされたもので、その目的とするところは、挿入部の細径化に伴って湾曲部を構成する湾曲駒が薄肉化されても、隣接する湾曲駒の端縁同士が確実に当接して所定の湾曲角度を大きく逸脱して湾曲駒同士が回動してしまう駒落ち現象を防止することができ、内蔵物の破損を防止することができる内視鏡を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to provide an end of an adjacent bending piece even if the bending piece constituting the bending portion is thinned as the diameter of the insertion portion is reduced. An endoscope capable of preventing a piece dropping phenomenon in which edges are securely in contact with each other, greatly deviating from a predetermined bending angle, and the bending pieces are rotated, and damage to built-in objects can be prevented. It is to provide.

本発明は、前記目的を達成するために、請求項1は、体腔内に挿入される挿入部の基端部側に操作部が連結されるとともに、前記挿入部の先端部側に、複数の湾曲駒を前記挿入部の軸方向に沿って順次連結した湾曲部を有する内視鏡において、隣接する前記湾曲駒の少なくとも端縁部に、前記湾曲部の湾曲方向の軸上に位置し、かつ前記湾曲駒の内側に突出する突部を設け、さらに隣接する前記湾曲駒の突部同士は形状が異なることを特徴とする。   In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an operation unit is coupled to a proximal end side of an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, and a plurality of the operation portions are disposed on a distal end side of the insertion portion. In an endoscope having a bending portion in which bending pieces are sequentially connected along the axial direction of the insertion portion, the bending piece is positioned on an axis in the bending direction of the bending portion at least at an end edge portion of the adjacent bending piece, and A protrusion protruding inside the bending piece is provided, and the protrusions of the adjacent bending pieces are different in shape.

請求項2は、請求項1の前記突部は、隣接する前記湾曲駒同士では曲率半径が異なる円弧状であることを特徴とする。   A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the protrusion of the first aspect has an arc shape having different curvature radii between the adjacent bending pieces.

請求項3は、請求項1の前記突部は、隣接する前記湾曲駒同士ではカット幅が異なるDカット形状であることを特徴とする。   A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the projecting portion of the first aspect has a D-cut shape having a different cut width between the adjacent bending pieces.

請求項4は、請求項1〜3のいずれかの前記突部は、隣接する前記湾曲駒同士では該湾曲駒の周方向にずれていることを特徴とする。   A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the protrusions according to any one of the first to third aspects are shifted in the circumferential direction of the bending pieces between the adjacent bending pieces.

請求項5は、請求項1〜4のいずれかの前記突部は、前記湾曲駒相互を回動自在に連結する連結軸心を挟んで略対称的に対をなして設けられていることを特徴とする。   According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the protrusions according to any one of the first to fourth aspects are provided in a substantially symmetrical pair with a connecting shaft center that rotatably connects the bending pieces to each other. Features.

請求項6は、請求項1〜4のいずれかの前記突部は、前記湾曲駒相互を回動自在に連結する連結軸心を挟んで略対称的に対をなして設けられ、かつ対をなす前記突部は形状が異なることを特徴とする。   In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the protrusions according to any one of the first to fourth aspects are provided in substantially symmetrical pairs with a connecting shaft center that rotatably connects the bending pieces to each other. The protrusions formed have different shapes.

請求項7は、請求項1〜6の前記突部は、前記湾曲部を湾曲操作する操作ワイヤのワイヤガイドを兼ねていることを特徴とする。   A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the projecting portion of the first to sixth aspects also serves as a wire guide for an operation wire for performing a bending operation on the bending portion.

請求項8は、請求項1〜7の前記突部は、前記湾曲駒の端縁部のみに設けられていることを特徴とする。   An eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the protrusions of the first to seventh aspects are provided only at an end edge portion of the bending piece.

請求項9は、請求項1〜7の前記突部は、前記湾曲駒の軸方向の全長に亘って設けられていることを特徴とする。   A ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the protrusions of the first to seventh aspects are provided over the entire length of the bending piece in the axial direction.

本発明によれば、挿入部の湾曲部の隣接する湾曲駒の少なくとも端縁部に、湾曲駒の内側に突出する突部を設け、さらに隣接する湾曲駒の突部同士は形状が異なるように構成したことを特徴とする。従って、挿入部の細径化に伴って湾曲部を構成する湾曲駒が薄肉化されても、隣接する湾曲駒の端縁同士が確実に当接して所定の湾曲角度を大きく逸脱して湾曲駒同士が回動してしまう駒落ち現象を防止することができ、内蔵物の破損を防止することができるという効果がある。さらに、湾曲駒の一部に突部を設けることにより、湾曲駒の製作精度、組立て精度が要求されないため、コストダウンを図ることができるという効果がある。   According to the present invention, at least the edge portion of the adjacent bending piece of the bending portion of the insertion portion is provided with a protruding portion that protrudes inside the bending piece, and the protruding portions of the adjacent bending pieces are configured to have different shapes. It is characterized by. Therefore, even if the bending piece constituting the bending portion is thinned with the reduction in the diameter of the insertion portion, the edges of the adjacent bending pieces reliably come into contact with each other and greatly deviate from a predetermined bending angle. It is possible to prevent the drop-off phenomenon that the lens rotates, and to prevent damage to the built-in objects. Furthermore, by providing a protrusion on a part of the bending piece, the manufacturing accuracy and the assembly accuracy of the bending piece are not required, so that the cost can be reduced.

以下、本発明の各実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図1〜図4は第1の実施形態を示し、図1は、内視鏡1の全体構成図である。内視鏡1は挿入部2と操作部3とから構成されている。操作部3には送気送水ボタン4、鉗子挿通口金5及び湾曲操作ノブ6等が設けられているとともに、ユニバーサルコード7が接続されている。   1 to 4 show a first embodiment, and FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope 1. The endoscope 1 includes an insertion unit 2 and an operation unit 3. The operation unit 3 is provided with an air / water supply button 4, a forceps insertion cap 5, a bending operation knob 6, and the like, and a universal cord 7 is connected thereto.

挿入部2は軟性部8と、この先端に連接された湾曲部9と、この湾曲部9の最先端に設けられた先端構成部10からなり、その内部には画像伝送用信号線、照明用ファイバー及び鉗子挿入管路用チューブ等が挿通され、これらは先端側で前記先端構成部10に固定されている。   The insertion portion 2 includes a flexible portion 8, a bending portion 9 connected to the distal end, and a tip constituting portion 10 provided at the forefront of the bending portion 9, and includes an image transmission signal line and an illumination portion. A fiber, a tube for inserting a forceps tube, and the like are inserted, and these are fixed to the distal end component 10 on the distal end side.

図2は、上下2方向の湾曲部9の内部構造を示し、外皮チューブ(図示しない)の内側には複数の湾曲駒11が、挿入部2の軸方向に沿って順次直列に配設されており、隣接する湾曲駒11同士はリベット状の軸ピン12により、回動自在に連結されている。   FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the bending portion 9 in two vertical directions, and a plurality of bending pieces 11 are sequentially arranged in series along the axial direction of the insertion portion 2 inside the outer tube (not shown). The adjacent bending pieces 11 are rotatably connected by a rivet-shaped shaft pin 12.

図3及び図4に湾曲駒11を示し、図3(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒11の横断面図、図4は湾曲駒11の斜視図である。湾曲駒11は、金属の薄肉管状部材からなり、先端側端縁11a及び基端側端縁11bのそれぞれの周辺の左右部位2ケ所の位置には耳状の連結部13が、一体的に突設して左右対称に形成されている。これらの連結部13にはそれぞれ軸穴14が設けられている。そして、隣接する湾曲駒11の対応する連結部13の軸穴14の各組のものにはそれぞれ前記軸ピン12が挿通され、軸ピン12を支点として上下2方向に回動自在であり、Sは湾曲方向の軸線を示し、軸線Sは軸ピン12の軸方向と直交している。   3 and 4 show the bending piece 11, FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of adjacent bending pieces 11, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bending piece 11. The bending piece 11 is made of a thin metal tubular member, and the ear-shaped connecting portions 13 protrude integrally at the positions of the left and right portions around the distal end edge 11a and the proximal end edge 11b. And is formed symmetrically. Each connecting portion 13 is provided with a shaft hole 14. The shaft pins 12 are inserted into the respective sets of the shaft holes 14 of the corresponding connecting portions 13 of the adjacent bending pieces 11, and are rotatable in two directions up and down with the shaft pin 12 as a fulcrum. Indicates an axis in the bending direction, and the axis S is orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft pin 12.

このようにして、隣接する湾曲駒11が直列に連結されている。湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11a及び基端側端縁11bのいずれにも、湾曲駒11の中心軸Oに対して上方側及び下方側にそれぞれ直線的な端面を形成する切欠部15が形成されている。各切欠部15の端面は外側ほど、それ自体の湾曲駒11の中心側に寄る向きで傾斜すると共に、その傾斜端面の延長は前記軸穴14の中心もしくはその近傍を通るように形成されている。   In this way, adjacent bending pieces 11 are connected in series. A cutout portion 15 is formed on each of the distal end edge 11a and the proximal end edge 11b of the bending piece 11 so as to form linear end faces on the upper side and the lower side with respect to the central axis O of the bending piece 11, respectively. Has been. The end face of each notch 15 is inclined toward the center side of its own bending piece 11 toward the outer side, and the extension of the inclined end face is formed so as to pass through the center of the shaft hole 14 or the vicinity thereof. .

図2に示すように直列に連結された複数の湾曲駒11について説明を加えると、複数の湾曲駒11のうち、隣接する先端側の湾曲駒11の基端側端縁11bは、図3(a)に示すように形成され、これと隣接する基端側の湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aは、図3(b)に示すように構成されている。すなわち、先端側の湾曲駒11の基端側端縁11bは、図3(a)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中左側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の大きい突部16が設けられている。基端側の湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aは、図3(b)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中左側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の小さい突部17が設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of bending pieces 11 connected in series will be described. Among the plurality of bending pieces 11, the proximal end side edge 11 b of the adjacent bending piece 11 on the distal end side is shown in FIG. The distal end side edge 11a of the bending piece 11 on the proximal end side which is formed as shown in a) and adjacent thereto is configured as shown in FIG. That is, the proximal end side edge 11b of the bending piece 11 on the distal end side is formed on the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the left side in the figure across the axis S of the bending piece 11 as shown in FIG. Is provided with a protrusion 16 having a large radius of curvature that protrudes toward the central axis O. As shown in FIG. 3B, the distal end edge 11a of the bending piece 11 on the proximal end side is centered on the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the left side in the figure across the axis S of the bending piece 11. A protrusion 17 having a small radius of curvature that protrudes toward the axis O is provided.

このように隣接する湾曲駒11の端縁部は突部16と17との形状が異なることから湾曲部9の湾曲に伴って湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bとが当接したとき、突部16と17とが部分的に当接して先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bが内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、駒落ちするのを阻止している。   Since the end portions of the adjacent bending pieces 11 are different in shape from the protrusions 16 and 17, the distal end side edge 11a and the proximal end side edge 11b of the bending piece 11 are bent along with the bending of the bending portion 9. When the two come into contact with each other, the protrusions 16 and 17 partially come into contact with each other to prevent the leading end side edge 11a and the base end side edge 11b from entering the inside or the outside, thereby preventing the piece from falling.

さらに、図3(a)(b)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸方向の略中間部において、その軸線Sを挟んで図中右側に偏倚した位置の内周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径のワイヤガイド18が設けられている。このワイヤガイド18は湾曲駒11の周壁に平行する2本の切込み線を入れ、切込み線の間を中心軸Oに向かって突出することにより形成され、これらワイヤガイド18には、図2に示すように湾曲操作ワイヤ19が挿通されている。なお、ワイヤガイド18は、別部材のリングを湾曲駒11の内壁に溶接してもよい。   Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), in the substantially intermediate portion in the axial direction of the bending piece 11, there are central axes on the upper and lower portions of the inner peripheral wall at a position biased to the right side in the drawing across the axis S. A wire guide 18 having a radius of curvature projecting toward O is provided. The wire guide 18 is formed by inserting two cut lines parallel to the peripheral wall of the bending piece 11 and projecting between the cut lines toward the central axis O. These wire guides 18 are shown in FIG. In this way, the bending operation wire 19 is inserted. The wire guide 18 may weld a ring of another member to the inner wall of the bending piece 11.

また、湾曲駒11の内部空間部20には内蔵物としての処置具挿通チャンネル用管路21、ライトガイドファイバー22、撮像素子からの信号を伝達する信号線等の可撓性内蔵物23が挿通されている。そして、最も大径の処置具挿通チャンネル用管路21は軸線Sより左側に、ライトガイドファイバー22及び可撓性内蔵物23は軸線Sより右側に配置され、湾曲部9の湾曲時の湾曲抵抗の妨げにならないように構成されている。   Further, a treatment instrument insertion channel pipe line 21 as a built-in object, a light guide fiber 22, and a flexible built-in object 23 such as a signal line for transmitting a signal from the image sensor are inserted into the internal space portion 20 of the bending piece 11. Has been. The largest diameter treatment instrument insertion channel pipe line 21 is arranged on the left side of the axis S, the light guide fiber 22 and the flexible built-in object 23 are arranged on the right side of the axis S, and the bending resistance of the bending portion 9 during bending is arranged. It is configured so as not to interfere.

次に、本実施形態の作用について説明する。   Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

術者による手元側の操作部3の湾曲操作レバ−6の湾曲駆動操作に伴い湾曲操作ワイヤ−19を牽引すると、その牽引された湾曲操作ワイヤ19の先端部が固定された先端構成部10が湾曲部9の基端方向へ引き寄せられる。このとき、軸ピン12周りに発生する回転モーメントにより各湾曲駒11はそれらの軸ピン12を中心に回動し、隣接する湾曲駒11の切欠部15の端面同士が当接するまで回動する。   When the bending operation wire 19 is pulled in accordance with the bending drive operation of the bending operation lever 6 of the operation unit 3 on the hand side by the surgeon, the distal end configuration unit 10 to which the distal end portion of the pulled bending operation wire 19 is fixed is obtained. The curved portion 9 is drawn toward the proximal end. At this time, the bending pieces 11 are rotated around the shaft pins 12 by the rotational moment generated around the shaft pins 12 and are rotated until the end surfaces of the notch portions 15 of the adjacent bending pieces 11 come into contact with each other.

ここで、湾曲駒11の端縁部のおける内径が所定の寸法から外れてやや大きめに加工されている場合または老朽化し、連結部13での軸ピン12と軸穴14とにガタつきが発生した場合は、各湾曲駒11の切欠部15の端面同士は当接しない場合も発生する。しかし、隣接する湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bとが当接したとき、端縁部に設けられた突部16と17との形状が異なるため、突部16と17とが部分的に当接してそれ以上湾曲駒11同士は回転しない。つまり、先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bが内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、駒落ちするのを阻止できる。   Here, when the inner diameter at the edge of the bending piece 11 is processed to be slightly larger than a predetermined dimension, or becomes obsolete, the shaft pin 12 and the shaft hole 14 at the connecting portion 13 are rattled. In this case, the end surfaces of the cutout portions 15 of the bending pieces 11 may not contact each other. However, when the distal end side edge 11a and the proximal end side edge 11b of the adjacent bending pieces 11 are in contact with each other, the shapes of the protrusions 16 and 17 provided on the end edge portion are different. 17 is partially in contact with each other and the bending pieces 11 do not rotate any more. That is, it is possible to prevent the leading edge 11a and the proximal edge 11b from entering the inside or the outside and dropping the pieces.

従って、湾曲部を所定の湾曲角度を大きく逸脱して湾曲駒同士が回動してしまう駒落ち現象を防止することができ、内蔵物の破損を防止することができる。その結果、内視鏡の耐久性が向上し、ユーザーも取扱に過剰に注意する心配が無くなる。   Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a drop-off phenomenon in which the bending pieces are rotated by greatly deviating from the predetermined bending angle of the bending portion, and it is possible to prevent damage to the built-in objects. As a result, the durability of the endoscope is improved, and the user does not have to worry about excessive handling.

図5は第2の実施形態を示し、第1の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図5(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒11の横断面図である。本実施形態は、先端側の湾曲駒11の基端側端縁11bは、図5(a)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中左側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する傾斜面からなる突部24が設けられている。基端側の湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aは、図5(b)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線S上の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する平坦面からなる突部25が設けられている。   FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of adjacent bending pieces 11. In this embodiment, the base end side edge 11b of the bending piece 11 on the distal end side is an outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the left side in the drawing with the axis S of the bending piece 11 in between, as shown in FIG. Protrusions 24 made of inclined surfaces projecting toward the central axis O are provided at the upper and lower portions. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the distal end side edge 11 a of the bending piece 11 on the proximal end side is a protrusion formed of a flat surface protruding toward the central axis O at the upper and lower portions on the axis S of the bending piece 11. A portion 25 is provided.

このように隣接する湾曲駒11の端縁部は突部24と25とは湾曲駒11の周方向の異なる位置に設けられ、しかも一方が逆傾斜し、他方は平行であることから湾曲部9の湾曲に伴って湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bとが当接したとき、突部24と25とが部分的に当接して先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bが内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、駒落ちするのを阻止している。   In this way, the end edges of the adjacent bending pieces 11 are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the bending piece 11 from the protrusions 24 and 25, and one of them is reversely inclined and the other is parallel, so that the bending portion 9 When the distal end side edge 11a and the proximal end edge 11b of the bending piece 11 come into contact with each other, the protrusions 24 and 25 partially contact with each other so that the distal end side edge 11a and the proximal end side are in contact with each other. The edge 11b enters the inside or the outside and prevents the piece from falling.

図6及び図7は第3の実施形態を示し、第1の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図6(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒11の横断面図、図7は湾曲駒11の斜視図である。   6 and 7 show a third embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of adjacent bending pieces 11, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bending piece 11.

先端側の湾曲駒11の基端側端縁11bは、図6(a)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線S上に位置する外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の大きい突部26が設けられている。基端側の湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aは、図6(b)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線S上に位置する外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の小さい突部27が設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 6A, the proximal end edge 11b of the distal bending piece 11 protrudes toward the central axis O at the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall located on the axis S of the bending piece 11. A protrusion 26 having a large curvature radius is provided. The distal end side edge 11a of the bending piece 11 on the proximal end side protrudes toward the central axis O at the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall located on the axis S of the bending piece 11 as shown in FIG. A protrusion 27 having a small curvature radius is provided.

このように隣接する湾曲駒11の端縁部は突部26と27との形状が異なることから湾曲部9の湾曲に伴って湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bとが当接したとき、突部26と27とが部分的に当接して先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bが内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、駒落ちするのを阻止している。さらに、湾曲駒11の軸方向の中間部には突部26と27とを区画する隔壁28が設けられている。   Since the end portions of the adjacent bending pieces 11 have different shapes from the protrusions 26 and 27, the distal end side edge 11a and the proximal end side edge 11b of the bending piece 11 are bent along with the bending of the bending portion 9. When the two come into contact with each other, the projections 26 and 27 partially come into contact with each other to prevent the leading end side edge 11a and the base end side edge 11b from entering the inside or the outside, thereby preventing the piece from falling. Further, a partition wall 28 that partitions the protrusions 26 and 27 is provided at an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the bending piece 11.

この隔壁28には突部26と27とを連通する連通孔が形成され、この連通孔によってワイヤガイド29を形成している。すなわち、突部26と27は湾曲駒11の外周壁から内部に向かって突出し、湾曲駒11の外周壁と突部26,27の底部との間にデッドスペースが形成されるため、このデッドスペースを利用してワイヤガイド29を形成している。従って、第1及び第2の実施形態のように、ワイヤガイド18を形成するために、湾曲駒11の周壁に別途突部を設ける必要がなく、湾曲駒11の内部空間部20を広めることができる。   The partition wall 28 is formed with a communication hole that connects the protrusions 26 and 27, and a wire guide 29 is formed by the communication hole. That is, the protrusions 26 and 27 protrude inward from the outer peripheral wall of the bending piece 11, and a dead space is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the bending piece 11 and the bottoms of the protrusions 26 and 27. The wire guide 29 is formed using the above. Therefore, unlike the first and second embodiments, it is not necessary to separately provide a protrusion on the peripheral wall of the bending piece 11 in order to form the wire guide 18, and the internal space portion 20 of the bending piece 11 can be widened. it can.

図8は第4の実施形態を示し、第1の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図8(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒11の横断面図である。   FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of adjacent bending pieces 11.

先端側の湾曲駒11の基端側端縁11bは、図8(a)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中左側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の大きい突部30が設けられている。基端側の湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aは、図8(b)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中左側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の小さい突部31が設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 8A, the proximal end edge 11b of the distal bending piece 11 is centered on the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the left in the figure across the axis S of the bending piece 11. A protrusion 30 having a large radius of curvature that protrudes toward the axis O is provided. As shown in FIG. 8B, the distal end side edge 11a of the bending piece 11 on the proximal end side is centered on the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the left side in the drawing across the axis S of the bending piece 11. A protrusion 31 having a small radius of curvature protruding toward the axis O is provided.

このように隣接する湾曲駒11の端縁部は突部30と31との形状が異なることから湾曲部9の湾曲に伴って湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bとが当接したとき、突部26と27とが部分的に当接して先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bが内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、駒落ちするのを阻止している。さらに、湾曲駒11の軸方向の中間部には突部30と31とを区画する隔壁32が設けられている。この隔壁32には突部30と31とを連通する連通孔が形成され、この連通孔によってワイヤガイド33を形成している。従って、第3の実施形態のように、ワイヤガイド18を形成するために、湾曲駒11の周壁に別途突部を設ける必要がなく、湾曲駒11の内部空間部20を広めることができる。   In this way, since the edge portions of the adjacent bending pieces 11 are different in shape from the protrusions 30 and 31, the distal end side edge 11a and the proximal end side edge 11b of the bending piece 11 are accompanied by the bending of the bending portion 9. When the two come into contact with each other, the projections 26 and 27 partially come into contact with each other to prevent the leading end side edge 11a and the base end side edge 11b from entering the inside or the outside, thereby preventing the piece from falling. Further, a partition wall 32 that partitions the protrusions 30 and 31 is provided at an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the bending piece 11. The partition wall 32 is formed with a communication hole that connects the protrusions 30 and 31, and a wire guide 33 is formed by the communication hole. Therefore, as in the third embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a separate protrusion on the peripheral wall of the bending piece 11 in order to form the wire guide 18, and the internal space 20 of the bending piece 11 can be widened.

図9は第5の実施形態を示し、第1,4の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図9(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒11の横断面図である。本実施形態は、第4の実施形態に対して湾曲駒11の内部空間部20に内蔵される内蔵物としての処置具挿通チャンネル用管路21、ライトガイドファイバー22、信号線等の可撓性内蔵物23の配置を変更したものであり、第4の実施形態と同様の効果がある。   FIG. 9 shows a fifth embodiment, and the same components as those in the first and fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views of adjacent bending pieces 11. In the present embodiment, the treatment instrument insertion channel conduit 21, the light guide fiber 22, the signal line, and the like as a built-in object incorporated in the internal space 20 of the bending piece 11 with respect to the fourth embodiment are flexible. The arrangement of the built-in object 23 is changed, and there are the same effects as in the fourth embodiment.

図10及び図11は第6の実施形態を示し、第1の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図10(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒11の横断面図、図11は湾曲駒11の斜視図である。   10 and 11 show a sixth embodiment, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of adjacent bending pieces 11, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bending piece 11.

先端側の湾曲駒11の基端側端縁11bは、図10(a)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中左側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の大きい突部34が設けられている。基端側の湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aは、図10(b)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中右側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の小さい突部35が設けられている。これら突部34,35は、図11に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸方向の全長に亘って設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 10A, the proximal end edge 11b of the bending piece 11 on the distal end side is centered on the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the left side in the figure across the axis S of the bending piece 11. A protrusion 34 having a large curvature radius that protrudes toward the axis O is provided. As shown in FIG. 10B, the distal end edge 11a of the bending piece 11 on the base end side is centered on the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the right side in the figure across the axis S of the bending piece 11. A protrusion 35 having a small radius of curvature that protrudes toward the axis O is provided. As shown in FIG. 11, the protrusions 34 and 35 are provided over the entire length of the bending piece 11 in the axial direction.

このように隣接する湾曲駒11の端縁部は突部34と35との形状が異なることから湾曲部9の湾曲に伴って湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bとが当接したとき、突部34と35とが部分的に当接して先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bが内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、駒落ちするのを阻止している。   As described above, since the edge portions of the adjacent bending pieces 11 are different in the shapes of the protrusions 34 and 35, the leading edge 11a and the proximal edge 11b of the bending piece 11 are bent along with the bending of the bending portion 9. When the two come into contact with each other, the protrusions 34 and 35 partially come into contact with each other to prevent the leading end side edge 11a and the base end side edge 11b from entering the inside or the outside, thereby preventing the piece from falling.

図12は第7の実施形態を示し、第1の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図12(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒11の横断面図である。本実施形態の先端側の湾曲駒11の基端側端縁11bは、図12(a)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中左側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する左傾斜の斜面からなる突部36が設けられている。基端側の湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aは、図12(b)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中右側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する右傾斜の斜面からなる突部37が設けられている。これら突部36,37は、湾曲駒11の軸方向の全長に亘って設けられている。   FIG. 12 shows a seventh embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views of adjacent bending pieces 11. As shown in FIG. 12A, the proximal end edge 11b of the bending piece 11 on the distal end side of the present embodiment is located above and below the outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the left in the figure across the axis S of the bending piece 11. The part is provided with a projecting part 36 made of a slope with a left slope projecting toward the central axis O. As shown in FIG. 12B, the distal end side edge 11a of the bending piece 11 on the proximal end side is centered on the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the right side in the drawing across the axis S of the bending piece 11. A protrusion 37 is provided that is formed of a right inclined surface protruding toward the axis O. These protrusions 36 and 37 are provided over the entire length of the bending piece 11 in the axial direction.

このように隣接する湾曲駒11の端縁部は突部36と37との傾斜方向が異なることから湾曲部9の湾曲に伴って湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bとが当接したとき、突部36と37とが部分的に当接して先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bが内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、駒落ちするのを阻止している。   As described above, since the edge portions of the adjacent bending pieces 11 have different inclination directions of the protrusions 36 and 37, the distal end side edge 11 a and the proximal end edge 11 b of the bending piece 11 are associated with the bending of the bending portion 9. When the two come into contact with each other, the protrusions 36 and 37 partially come into contact with each other to prevent the leading end side edge 11a and the base end side edge 11b from entering the inside or the outside, thereby preventing the piece from falling.

図13は第8の実施形態を示し、第1の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図13(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒11の横断面図である。本実施形態の先端側の湾曲駒11の基端側端縁11bは、図13(a)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線Sを挟んで図中左側に偏倚した位置の外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する左傾斜の斜面からなる突部38が設けられている。基端側の湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aは、図13(b)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線S上に位置した外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する平坦面からなる突部39が平行して設けられている。これら突部38,39は、湾曲駒11の軸方向の全長に亘って設けられている。   FIG. 13 shows an eighth embodiment, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views of adjacent bending pieces 11. As shown in FIG. 13A, the proximal end edge 11b of the bending piece 11 on the distal end side of the present embodiment is located above and below the outer peripheral wall at a position biased to the left side in the figure across the axis S of the bending piece 11. The part is provided with a projecting part 38 made of a left inclined surface projecting toward the central axis O. As shown in FIG. 13B, the distal end side edge 11 a of the bending piece 11 on the proximal end side protrudes toward the central axis O on the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall located on the axis S of the bending piece 11. Projections 39 made of a flat surface are provided in parallel. These protrusions 38 and 39 are provided over the entire length of the bending piece 11 in the axial direction.

このように隣接する湾曲駒11の端縁部は突部38と39とは形状が異なることから湾曲部9の湾曲に伴って湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bとが当接したとき、突部38と39とが部分的に当接して先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bが内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、駒落ちするのを阻止している。   As described above, since the end portions of the adjacent bending pieces 11 are different in shape from the protrusions 38 and 39, the bending end 9 is bent and the distal end side edge 11 a and the proximal end edge 11 b of the bending piece 11 are changed. When the two come into contact with each other, the projections 38 and 39 partially come into contact with each other to prevent the front end side edge 11a and the base end side edge 11b from entering the inside or the outside, thereby preventing the piece from falling.

図14及び図15は第9の実施形態を示し、第1の実施形態と同一構成部分は同一番号を付して説明を省略する。図14(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒11の横断面図、図15は湾曲駒11の斜視図である。   14 and 15 show a ninth embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of adjacent bending pieces 11, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bending piece 11.

本実施形態の湾曲駒11は、先端側端縁11a及び基端側端縁11bのそれぞれの周辺の左右部位2ケ所の位置には耳状の連結部13a,13bが一体的に突設して形成されているが、連結部13aと13bとは180°位相をずらして配置されており、これらの連結部13a,13bにはそれぞれ軸穴14が設けられている。そして、隣接する湾曲駒11の対応する連結部13a,13bの軸穴14の各組のものには第1の実施形態と同様にそれぞれ軸ピン12が挿通され、軸ピン12を支点として、上下・左右4方向に回動自在に連結されるように構成されている。   In the bending piece 11 of the present embodiment, the ear-shaped connecting portions 13a and 13b are integrally projected at the positions of the left and right portions around the distal end edge 11a and the proximal end edge 11b. Although formed, the connecting portions 13a and 13b are arranged 180 degrees out of phase, and the connecting portions 13a and 13b are provided with shaft holes 14, respectively. Then, the shaft pin 12 is inserted into each pair of the shaft holes 14 of the corresponding connecting portions 13a and 13b of the adjacent bending pieces 11 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the shaft pin 12 is used as a fulcrum. -It is configured to be pivotably connected in four directions.

先端側の湾曲駒11の基端側端縁11bは、図14(a)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線S上に位置する外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の大きい突部40が設けられている。基端側の湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aは、図14(b)に示すように、湾曲駒11の軸線S上に位置する外周壁の上下部には中心軸Oに向かって突出する曲率半径の小さい突部41が設けられている。これら突部40,41は、図15に示すように、湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11a及び基端側端縁11bに設けられている。   The proximal end side edge 11b of the bending piece 11 on the distal end side protrudes toward the central axis O at the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall located on the axis S of the bending piece 11 as shown in FIG. A protrusion 40 having a large curvature radius is provided. As shown in FIG. 14B, the distal end side edge 11 a of the bending piece 11 on the proximal end side protrudes toward the central axis O on the upper and lower portions of the outer peripheral wall located on the axis S of the bending piece 11. A protrusion 41 having a small curvature radius is provided. As shown in FIG. 15, the protrusions 40 and 41 are provided on the distal end side edge 11 a and the proximal end side edge 11 b of the bending piece 11.

このように隣接する湾曲駒11の端縁部は突部40と41との形状が異なることから湾曲部9の上下・左右方向の湾曲に伴って湾曲駒11の先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bとが当接したとき、突部40と41とが部分的に当接して先端側端縁11aと基端側端縁11bが内側もしくは外側に入り込んで、駒落ちするのを阻止している。なお、本実施形態においては、曲率半径の異なる突部40と41を設けたが、突部は、傾斜面と平坦面にしてもよく、斜面方向が異なる傾斜面の組み合わせでもよい。   As described above, the edge portions of the adjacent bending pieces 11 are different in the shape of the protrusions 40 and 41, so that the distal end side edge 11 a and the proximal end of the bending piece 11 are associated with the bending of the bending portion 9 in the vertical and horizontal directions. When the side edge 11b abuts, the protrusions 40 and 41 partially abut to prevent the leading edge 11a and the proximal edge 11b from entering the inside or the outside and preventing the piece from falling. is doing. In the present embodiment, the protrusions 40 and 41 having different radii of curvature are provided, but the protrusion may be an inclined surface and a flat surface, or may be a combination of inclined surfaces having different inclined directions.

前記構成によれば、隣接する湾曲駒の端縁部に、隣接する湾曲駒の端縁同士が当接しない場合でも、突部同士が当接することにより、所定の湾曲角度を大きく逸脱して湾曲駒同士が回動してしまう駒落ち現象を防止することができ、内蔵物の破損を防止することができる。その結果、内視鏡の耐久性が向上し、ユーザーも取扱に過剰に注意する心配が無くなるという効果がある。   According to the above configuration, even when the edges of the adjacent bending pieces do not come into contact with the edge portions of the adjacent bending pieces, the protruding pieces come into contact with each other, greatly deviating from a predetermined bending angle. It is possible to prevent the drop-off phenomenon that the lens rotates, and to prevent damage to the built-in objects. As a result, the durability of the endoscope is improved, and there is an effect that the user does not have to worry about excessive handling.

なお、本発明は、前記実施形態そのままに限定されるものではなく、実施段階ではその要旨を逸脱しない範囲で構成要素を変形して具体化できる。また、前記実施形態に開示されている複数の構成要素の適宜な組合せにより種々の発明を形成できる。例えば、実施形態に示される全構成要素から幾つかの構成要素を削除してもよい。さらに、異なる実施形態に亘る構成要素を適宜組み合わせてもよい。   Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine the component covering different embodiment suitably.

本発明の第1の実施形態における内視鏡の全体構成図。1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 同実施形態の湾曲部の側面図。The side view of the curved part of the embodiment. 同実施形態を示し、(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒の横断面図。The embodiment is shown, (a) (b) is a cross-sectional view of an adjacent bending piece. 同実施形態の湾曲駒の斜視図。The perspective view of the bending piece of the embodiment. 本発明の第2の実施形態を示し、(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒の横断面図。The 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) (b) is a cross-sectional view of the adjacent bending piece. 本発明の第3の実施形態を示し、(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒の横断面図。The 3rd Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) (b) is a cross-sectional view of the adjacent bending piece. 同実施形態の湾曲駒の斜視図。The perspective view of the bending piece of the embodiment. 本発明の第4の実施形態を示し、(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒の横断面図。The 4th Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) (b) is a cross-sectional view of the adjacent bending piece. 本発明の第5の実施形態を示し、(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒の横断面図。The 5th Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) (b) is a cross-sectional view of the adjacent bending piece. 本発明の第6の実施形態を示し、(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒の横断面図。The 6th Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) (b) is a cross-sectional view of the adjacent bending piece. 同実施形態の湾曲駒の斜視図。The perspective view of the bending piece of the embodiment. 本発明の第7の実施形態を示し、(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒の横断面図。The 7th Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) (b) is a cross-sectional view of the adjacent bending piece. 本発明の第8の実施形態を示し、(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒の横断面図。The 8th Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) (b) is a cross-sectional view of the adjacent bending piece. 本発明の第9の実施形態を示し、(a)(b)は隣接する湾曲駒の横断面図。The 9th Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) (b) is a cross-sectional view of the adjacent bending piece. 同実施形態の湾曲駒の斜視図。The perspective view of the bending piece of the embodiment.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

2…挿入部、3…操作部、9…湾曲部、11…湾曲駒、16,17…突部 2 ... Insertion part, 3 ... Operation part, 9 ... Bending part, 11 ... Bending piece, 16, 17 ... Projection part

Claims (9)

体腔内に挿入される挿入部の基端部側に操作部が連結されるとともに、前記挿入部の先端部側に、複数の湾曲駒を前記挿入部の軸方向に沿って順次連結した湾曲部を有する内視鏡において、
隣接する前記湾曲駒の少なくとも端縁部に、前記湾曲部の湾曲方向の軸上に位置し、かつ前記湾曲駒の内側に突出する突部を設け、さらに隣接する前記湾曲駒の突部同士は形状が異なることを特徴とする内視鏡。
The operation unit is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion to be inserted into the body cavity, and a bending portion in which a plurality of bending pieces are sequentially connected to the distal end side of the insertion portion along the axial direction of the insertion portion. In an endoscope having
Protrusions that are located on an axis in the bending direction of the bending portion and project inside the bending piece are provided at least at an edge portion of the adjacent bending pieces, and the protrusions of the adjacent bending pieces are different in shape. An endoscope characterized by that.
前記突部は、隣接する前記湾曲駒同士では曲率半径が異なる円弧状であることを特徴とする請求項1記載の内視鏡。   The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion has an arc shape with different curvature radii between the adjacent bending pieces. 前記突部は、隣接する前記湾曲駒同士ではカット幅が異なるDカット形状であることを特徴とする請求項1記載の内視鏡。   The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a D-cut shape with a cut width different between the adjacent bending pieces. 前記突部は、隣接する前記湾曲駒同士では該湾曲駒の周方向にずれていることを特徴とする請求項1〜3のいずれかに記載の内視鏡。   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protrusions are displaced in the circumferential direction of the bending pieces between the adjacent bending pieces. 前記突部は、前記湾曲駒相互を回動自在に連結する連結軸心を挟んで略対称的に対をなして設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1〜4のいずれかに記載の内視鏡。   5. The projection according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions are provided in a substantially symmetrical pair with a connecting shaft center that rotatably connects the bending pieces. Endoscope. 前記突部は、前記湾曲駒相互を回動自在に連結する連結軸心を挟んで略対称的に対をなして設けられ、かつ対をなす前記突部は形状が異なることを特徴とする請求項1〜4のいずれかに記載の内視鏡。   The protrusions are provided in substantially symmetrical pairs with a connecting shaft center that rotatably connects the bending pieces, and the protrusions forming a pair have different shapes. Item 5. The endoscope according to any one of Items 1 to 4. 前記突部は、前記湾曲部を湾曲操作する操作ワイヤのワイヤガイドを兼ねていることを特徴とする請求項1〜6のいずれかに記載の内視鏡。   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protrusion also serves as a wire guide of an operation wire for bending the bending portion. 前記突部は、前記湾曲駒の端縁部のみに設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1〜7のいずれかに記載の内視鏡。   The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided only at an end edge of the bending piece. 前記突部は、前記湾曲駒の軸方向の全長に亘って設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1〜7のいずれかに記載の内視鏡。   The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided over the entire length of the bending piece in the axial direction.
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