JP5513347B2 - Endoscope bending operation device and endoscope device using the same - Google Patents

Endoscope bending operation device and endoscope device using the same Download PDF

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JP5513347B2
JP5513347B2 JP2010248889A JP2010248889A JP5513347B2 JP 5513347 B2 JP5513347 B2 JP 5513347B2 JP 2010248889 A JP2010248889 A JP 2010248889A JP 2010248889 A JP2010248889 A JP 2010248889A JP 5513347 B2 JP5513347 B2 JP 5513347B2
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bending
unit
shaft
friction
bending operation
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JP2012100683A (en
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崇和 石神
聖二 木村
善久 石川
洋一 穂坂
歩 稲田
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Olympus Corp
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本発明は、内視鏡の挿入部の先端側に設けられた湾曲部を湾曲させる操作を行う湾曲操作部にジョイスティック型の湾曲レバーが配設された内視鏡の湾曲操作装置、及びそれを用いた内視鏡装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an endoscope bending operation device in which a joystick-type bending lever is disposed in a bending operation portion that performs an operation of bending a bending portion provided on a distal end side of an insertion portion of an endoscope, and The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus used.

一般に、内視鏡には、管腔内に挿入される長尺の挿入部が設けられている。また、この種の内視鏡には、挿入部の先端部に湾曲部が配設され、この湾曲部を湾曲操作することにより、内視鏡の観察方向を任意の方向に向けることができるようになっている。また、挿入部の基端部に連結された操作部などには、湾曲部を遠隔的に湾曲操作するための湾曲操作部が設けられている。   In general, an endoscope is provided with a long insertion portion that is inserted into a lumen. Also, in this type of endoscope, a bending portion is provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and the bending direction of the bending portion can be used to direct the observation direction of the endoscope in an arbitrary direction. It has become. In addition, a bending operation section for remotely bending the bending section is provided on an operation section connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion section.

特許文献1には、上記湾曲操作部として、ジョイスティック型の操作部材を使用し、この操作部材の操作によって湾曲操作ワイヤなどの牽引部材を牽引操作して湾曲部を遠隔的に湾曲操作する構成が示されている。操作部材の操作軸の基端部は、操作部を構成するフレームに回動自在に設けられた軸受けに固設されている。湾曲操作ワイヤなどの牽引部材の先端部は、前記湾曲部の所定位置に固定されている。操作軸の基端側には、軸受けを挟んで複数のアーム部が設けられており、各アーム部に牽引部材の基端部が固定されている。   In Patent Document 1, a joystick-type operation member is used as the bending operation unit, and a bending operation is remotely performed by pulling a pulling member such as a bending operation wire by operating the operation member. It is shown. The base end portion of the operation shaft of the operation member is fixed to a bearing that is rotatably provided on a frame that constitutes the operation unit. The tip of a pulling member such as a bending operation wire is fixed at a predetermined position of the bending portion. A plurality of arm portions are provided on the base end side of the operation shaft with bearings interposed therebetween, and the base end portion of the traction member is fixed to each arm portion.

そして、湾曲部の湾曲操作時には、操作部材の操作によって操作軸の傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作軸の傾倒操作によって湾曲操作ワイヤなどの牽引部材を牽引操作して湾曲部の湾曲操作を行うようになっている。
さらに、上記特許文献1には、操作軸の操作位置を摩擦力により保持する摩擦力保持部が設けられている。この摩擦力保持部は、操作軸の基端側に設けた曲面状の摩擦部材と、この摩擦部材に対して適合した形状を有し、この摩擦部材に押し当てることで発生する摩擦力により操作軸の操作位置を保持するストッパ部材とを具備して構成される。そして、摩擦部材にストッパ部材を押し当てることで発生する摩擦力により操作軸の操作位置が保持される。
Then, during the bending operation of the bending portion, the bending operation of the bending portion is performed by pulling the pulling member such as a bending operation wire by the operation of tilting the operation shaft that changes the tilt direction and the tilt angle of the operation shaft by operating the operation member. It is like that.
Furthermore, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is provided with a friction force holding portion that holds the operation position of the operation shaft with a friction force. The friction force holding portion has a curved friction member provided on the base end side of the operation shaft and a shape suitable for the friction member, and is operated by the friction force generated by pressing against the friction member. And a stopper member that holds the operating position of the shaft. Then, the operation position of the operation shaft is held by the frictional force generated by pressing the stopper member against the friction member.

特開2009−89955号公報JP 2009-89955 A

上記特許文献1の湾曲操作部では、操作軸の基端側に設けた曲面状の摩擦部材にストッパ部材を押し当てるための付勢力を発生させるためにばね部材を使用している。そのため、操作軸の摩擦力保持部にばね部材が組み込まれているので、部品数が増え、コスト高になる。したがって、内視鏡の湾曲操作部の構成を簡素化するうえで、問題がある。   In the bending operation portion of Patent Document 1, a spring member is used to generate a biasing force for pressing the stopper member against a curved friction member provided on the base end side of the operation shaft. For this reason, since the spring member is incorporated in the frictional force holding portion of the operation shaft, the number of parts increases and the cost increases. Therefore, there is a problem in simplifying the configuration of the bending operation portion of the endoscope.

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、湾曲操作部の構成を簡素化することができ、湾曲操作部全体を小型化するうえで有利となり、製造コストを低減することができる内視鏡の湾曲操作装置、及びそれを用いた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 its purpose is to simplify the configuration of the bending operation unit, which is advantageous for downsizing the entire bending operation unit, and to reduce the manufacturing cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide a bending operation device for an endoscope, and an endoscope device using the same.

本発明の一局面の態様は、挿入部の先端側に設けた湾曲部の湾曲操作を指示入力する湾曲操作部が前記挿入部の基端部に連設する操作部に設けられ、先端部が前記湾曲部の所定位置に固定された牽引部材の基端部が前記湾曲操作部に固定され、前記湾曲操作部の操作によって前記牽引部材を介して前記湾曲部を湾曲させる内視鏡の湾曲操作装置において、前記湾曲操作部は、前記湾曲部の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作軸の傾倒操作によって行う操作指示手段と、前記操作軸の基端側が固設され、前記操作部を構成するフレームに回動自在に設けられた軸受けと、前記フレームに設けられ、前記軸受けの回転中心を中心とした所定半径の半球面を有する半球形状のガイド面と、前記牽引部材の基端部を固定する前記湾曲操作部の牽引部材固定部に設けられ、前記ガイド面に圧接される弾性体の摩擦部材と、を具備し、前記フレームの前記ガイド面に前記摩擦部材を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される前記操作軸の傾倒操作位置を保持して前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡の湾曲操作装置である。 One aspect aspect of the invention, the bending operation portion for instructing inputting a bending operation of the bending portion provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion is provided on the operation unit for continuously arranged on the proximal end of the insertion section, the distal end portion A bending of an endoscope in which a base end portion of a traction member fixed at a predetermined position of the bending portion is fixed to the bending operation portion, and the bending portion is bent via the traction member by operation of the bending operation portion. In the operation device, the bending operation unit includes an operation instructing unit that performs an operation of tilting the operation shaft that changes a tilt direction and a tilt angle, and a base end side of the operation shaft. A bearing rotatably provided on a frame constituting the portion, a hemispherical guide surface provided on the frame and having a hemispherical surface with a predetermined radius around the rotation center of the bearing, and a base of the traction member Said curvature to fix the end An elastic friction member that is provided on the pulling member fixing portion of the working portion and is pressed against the guide surface, and is tilted by a frictional force when the friction member is pressed against the guide surface of the frame. An bending operation apparatus for an endoscope, characterized in that a frictional force holding unit that holds a tilting operation position of the operation shaft to be operated and maintains a bending state of the bending unit is provided.

好ましくは、前記フレームは、樹脂材料で形成された樹脂フレームを有し、前記操作指示手段は、少なくとも前記牽引部材固定部と前記摩擦部材とが弾性体で一体成形された一体成形体を有する。
そして、上記構成では、少なくとも牽引部材固定部と摩擦部材とが弾性体で一体成形された一体成形体を設けることにより、湾曲操作部の構成を一層、簡素化することができる。
Preferably, the frame includes a resin frame formed of a resin material, and the operation instruction means includes an integral molded body in which at least the traction member fixing portion and the friction member are integrally molded with an elastic body.
And in the said structure, the structure of a bending operation part can be simplified further by providing the integrally molded body by which at least the traction member fixing | fixed part and the friction member were integrally molded with the elastic body.

好ましくは、前記フレームは、前記軸受けを前記操作指示手段とは反対側から回動自在に支持する第1の支え部と、前記軸受けを前記第1の支え部とは反対側から回動自在に支持する第2の支え部とを有し、前記第1の支え部および前記第2の支え部と前記軸受けとの接触部に摩擦力を発生させながら摺動し、前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持面を有する。
そして、上記構成では、軸受けを操作指示手段とは反対側から回動自在に支持する第1の支え部と、軸受けを第1の支え部とは反対側から回動自在に支持する第2の支え部との接触部の摩擦力保持面に摩擦力を発生させながら摺動し、湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する。
Preferably, the frame rotatably supports the bearing from a side opposite to the operation instruction means, and the bearing can rotate from a side opposite to the first support. A second support portion for supporting, and sliding while generating frictional force at the contact portion between the first support portion and the second support portion and the bearing, thereby changing the bending state of the bending portion. It has a frictional force retaining surface to maintain.
In the configuration described above, the first support portion that rotatably supports the bearing from the side opposite to the operation instruction means, and the second support that rotatably supports the bearing from the side opposite to the first support portion. It slides while generating frictional force on the frictional force holding surface of the contact part with the support part, and maintains the bending state of the bending part.

本発明の他の局面の態様は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部と、前記挿入部の先端側に設けられ、前記挿入部を湾曲操作する湾曲部と、前記挿入部の基端部に連接された操作部と、前記操作部に設けられ、前記湾曲部の湾曲操作を指示する湾曲操作部と、を備え、前記湾曲操作部は、前記湾曲部の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作軸の傾倒操作によって行う操作指示手段と、前記操作軸の基端側が固設され、前記操作部を構成するフレームに回動自在に設けられた軸受けと、前記フレームに設けられ、前記軸受けの回転中心を中心とした所定半径の半球面を有する半球形状のガイド面と、前記牽引部材の基端部を固定する前記湾曲操作部の牽引部材固定部に設けられ、前記ガイド面に圧接される弾性体の摩擦部材と、を具備し、前記フレームの前記ガイド面に前記摩擦部材を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される前記操作軸の傾倒操作位置を保持して前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡装置である。
そして、上記構成では、牽引部材の基端部を固定する湾曲操作部の牽引部材固定部に設けた弾性体の摩擦部材をフレームのガイド面に摩擦部材を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される操作軸の傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部を設けたことにより、操作軸の傾倒操作位置を保持するための付勢力を発生させるためにばね部材を使用する場合に比べて湾曲操作部の構成を簡素化することができる。そのため、湾曲操作部の部品点数を減らして湾曲操作部全体を小型化するうえで有利となり、内視鏡装置全体の製造コストを低減することができるようにしたものである。
In another aspect of the present invention, an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, a bending portion that is provided on a distal end side of the insertion portion, and that bends the insertion portion, and a proximal end portion of the insertion portion. A connecting operation section; and a bending operation section provided in the operation section and instructing a bending operation of the bending section, wherein the bending operation section has a tilt direction and a tilt angle for the bending operation of the bending section. An operation instructing means for performing an operation of tilting the operating shaft to be changed, a base end side of the operating shaft is fixed, a bearing rotatably provided on a frame constituting the operating portion, and provided on the frame, A hemispherical guide surface having a hemispherical surface with a predetermined radius centered on the rotation center of the bearing, and a traction member fixing portion of the bending operation portion that fixes a base end portion of the traction member, and is in pressure contact with the guide surface And an elastic friction member. A friction force holding portion is provided that maintains a bending state of the bending portion by holding a tilting operation position of the operation shaft to be tilted by a friction force when the friction member is pressed against the guide surface of the frame. An endoscope apparatus characterized by that.
In the above configuration, the friction member of the elastic body provided in the traction member fixing portion of the bending operation portion that fixes the base end portion of the traction member is tilted by the friction force when the friction member is pressed against the guide surface of the frame. A spring is provided to generate a biasing force for holding the tilting operation position of the operation shaft by providing a frictional force holding unit that holds the tilting operation position of the operated operation shaft and maintains the bending state of the bending portion. The configuration of the bending operation unit can be simplified as compared with the case where a member is used. For this reason, the number of parts of the bending operation unit is reduced, which is advantageous for downsizing the entire bending operation unit, and the manufacturing cost of the entire endoscope apparatus can be reduced.

本発明によれば、湾曲操作部の全高が高くなるおそれがなく、湾曲操作部全体を小型化するうえで有利となり、汎用のジョイスティックユニットを使用でき、製造コストを低減することができる内視鏡の湾曲操作装置を提供することができる。   According to the present invention, there is no fear that the total height of the bending operation unit is increased, which is advantageous in reducing the entire bending operation unit, and a general-purpose joystick unit can be used, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. It is possible to provide a bending operation device.

本発明の第1の実施の形態の内視鏡装置の全体構成を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the whole structure of the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 第1の実施の形態の内視鏡の内部構成を示す要部の縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part which shows the internal structure of the endoscope of 1st Embodiment. 第1の実施の形態の内視鏡における湾曲操作部の操作部材の組み付けユニットの縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembly | attachment unit of the operation member of the bending operation part in the endoscope of 1st Embodiment. 第1の開示例の内視鏡装置における湾曲操作部の操作部材の組み付けユニットを示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the assembly | attachment unit of the operation member of the bending operation part in the endoscope apparatus of a 1st disclosure example. 第1の開示例の内視鏡の湾曲操作ワイヤのガイド部材を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the guide member of the bending operation wire of the endoscope of the 1st indication example. 第2の開示例の内視鏡装置における湾曲操作部の操作部材の組み付けユニットを示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the assembly | attachment unit of the operation member of the bending operation part in the endoscope apparatus of the 2nd disclosure example. (A)は第2の開示例の湾曲操作部の操作部材の操作軸が直立状態にある状態を示す要部の縦断面図、(B)は第2の開示例の湾曲操作部の操作部材の操作軸を傾倒した状態を示す要部の縦断面図。(A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part showing a state where the operation shaft of the operation member of the bending operation unit of the second disclosure example is in an upright state, and (B) is the operation member of the bending operation unit of the second disclosure example. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part which shows the state which inclined the operation axis | shaft. (A)は第3の開示例の湾曲操作部の操作部材の操作軸が中立位置にある状態を示す要部の縦断面図、(B)は第3の開示例の湾曲操作部の操作部材の操作軸を傾倒した状態を示す要部の縦断面図。(A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part showing a state where the operation shaft of the operation member of the bending operation unit of the third disclosure example is in a neutral position, and (B) is the operation member of the bending operation unit of the third disclosure example. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part which shows the state which inclined the operation axis | shaft. 第4の開示例の湾曲操作部の操作部材の組み付けユニットを示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the assembly | attachment unit of the operation member of the bending operation part of the 4th disclosure example. 第5の開示例の湾曲操作部の操作部材の組み付けユニットの分解斜視図。The disassembled perspective view of the assembly | attachment unit of the operation member of the bending operation part of the 5th example of an indication. (A)は第5の開示例の湾曲操作部の操作部材の組み付けユニットの第1の回動軸の第1の軸支部との組み付け状態を示す正面図、(B)は第5の開示例の湾曲操作部の操作部材の組み付けユニットの第2の回動軸の第2の軸支部との組み付け状態を示す正面図。(A) is a front view which shows the assembly | attachment state with the 1st axial support part of the 1st rotating shaft of the assembly | attachment unit of the operation member of the bending operation part of a 5th example of disclosure, (B) is the 5th example of disclosure. The front view which shows the assembly | attachment state with the 2nd axial support part of the 2nd rotating shaft of the assembly | attachment unit of the operation member of this bending operation part.

[第1の実施の形態]
(構成)
以下、本発明の第1の実施の形態を図1乃至図3を参照して説明する。図1は本実施の形態の工業用内視鏡装置1全体の概略構成を示すものである。図1に示すように本実施の形態の内視鏡装置1は、挿入部20の先端部21に撮像素子(不図示)を内蔵したバッテリ駆動型の例えば工業用内視鏡(以下、内視鏡と略記する)2と、この内視鏡2に接続された装置本体4とで主に構成されている。装置本体4は、内視鏡2の観察部位を照明する照明光を供給する光源部及び撮像素子の駆動及びこの撮像素子から出力される画像信号から映像信号を生成する画像処理部及び、この画像処理部から出力される映像信号を得て内視鏡画像を表示する表示装置であるモニタ3などを備えている。
[First Embodiment]
(Constitution)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire industrial endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a battery-driven industrial endoscope (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope) including an imaging element (not shown) built in a distal end portion 21 of an insertion portion 20. (Abbreviated as a mirror) 2 and an apparatus main body 4 connected to the endoscope 2. The apparatus body 4 includes a light source unit that supplies illumination light for illuminating an observation site of the endoscope 2, an image processing unit that drives the image sensor, and generates a video signal from an image signal output from the image sensor, A monitor 3 that is a display device that obtains a video signal output from the processing unit and displays an endoscopic image is provided.

内視鏡2は、細長で可撓性を有する挿入部20と、この挿入部20の基端部に連設する操作部24と、この操作部24から延出する可撓性を有するユニバーサルコード26とで構成されている。ユニバーサルコード26内には照明光を供給するライトガイドファイバー(不図示)や、撮像素子の駆動制御信号、或いはこの撮像素子で光電変換した画像信号の授受を行う信号ケーブル(不図示)等が内挿されている。   The endoscope 2 includes an elongated and flexible insertion portion 20, an operation portion 24 provided continuously with a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 20, and a flexible universal cord extending from the operation portion 24. 26. The universal cord 26 includes a light guide fiber (not shown) for supplying illumination light, a drive control signal for the image sensor, or a signal cable (not shown) for transmitting and receiving an image signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor. It is inserted.

挿入部20は、先端側から順に先端部21と、例えば上下/左右方向に湾曲するように構成した湾曲部22と、柔軟性を有する可撓管部23とで構成されている。先端部21の先端面には図示は省略するが、観察窓、照明窓、鉗子導出口、送水や送気用の噴射ノズル等が設けられている。   The insertion portion 20 includes a distal end portion 21 in order from the distal end side, a bending portion 22 configured to bend in the up / down / left / right directions, and a flexible tube portion 23 having flexibility. Although not shown in the drawing, the distal end surface of the distal end portion 21 is provided with an observation window, an illumination window, a forceps outlet, an injection nozzle for water supply and air supply and the like.

図2に示すように操作部24は、挿入部20の挿入軸の延出方向に延設されたベース部24aと、このベース部24aの延設方向とほぼ直交する方向に突出された突設部24bと、この突設部24bの突出端部(図2中で上端部)に一端が連結された把持部25とが設けられている。把持部25は、挿入部20の挿入軸と異なる軸を有する。   As shown in FIG. 2, the operation portion 24 includes a base portion 24 a that extends in the extending direction of the insertion shaft of the insertion portion 20, and a protrusion that protrudes in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the base portion 24 a. A portion 24b and a grip portion 25 having one end connected to a protruding end portion (upper end portion in FIG. 2) of the projecting portion 24b are provided. The grip part 25 has an axis different from the insertion axis of the insertion part 20.

突設部24bの端面(図2中で上端面)には、湾曲部22を湾曲動作させる湾曲操作を指示入力する湾曲操作部31が設けられている。また、把持部25の後端部には、ユニバーサルコード26の一端が接続されている。このユニバーサルコード26の他端は、装置本体4に電気的に接続されている。   A bending operation portion 31 for inputting a bending operation for bending the bending portion 22 is provided on an end surface (upper end surface in FIG. 2) of the protruding portion 24b. One end of the universal cord 26 is connected to the rear end portion of the grip portion 25. The other end of the universal cord 26 is electrically connected to the apparatus body 4.

湾曲操作部31は、操作指示手段であるジョイスティック型の操作部材32を有する。操作部材32は、湾曲部22の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作軸32aの基端側が軸受け40に固設されている。軸受け40は、操作部24を構成するフレーム38に回動中心Oを中心に回動自在に設けられている。そして、操作部材32は、操作軸32aの傾倒操作(操作軸32aの傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作)を行うことによって、後述する牽引部材を移動させて湾曲部22を所望の方向に所望の湾曲量だけ湾曲させるようになっている。なお、図2および図3に示すように操作部材32が直立状態のとき湾曲部22は直線状態になるように構成されている。   The bending operation unit 31 includes a joystick-type operation member 32 that is an operation instruction unit. In the operation member 32, the base end side of the operation shaft 32 a that changes the tilt direction and the tilt angle of the bending operation of the bending portion 22 is fixed to the bearing 40. The bearing 40 is provided on a frame 38 constituting the operation unit 24 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center O. Then, the operation member 32 performs a tilt operation of the operation shaft 32a (an operation to change the tilt direction and tilt angle of the operation shaft 32a), thereby moving the traction member described later to move the bending portion 22 in a desired direction. It is made to be bent by the amount of bending. 2 and 3, the bending portion 22 is configured to be in a straight line state when the operation member 32 is in the upright state.

湾曲部22は、複数の湾曲駒22a、…、22nを連設して構成されている。先端部21を構成する先端硬質部材21aに連結されるこの湾曲部22の最先端の湾曲駒22aには、例えば、上下/左右の操作方向にそれぞれ対応する牽引部材である4本の操作ワイヤ33の先端部がそれぞれ所定位置に固定されている。   The bending portion 22 is configured by connecting a plurality of bending pieces 22a, ..., 22n. For example, four operation wires 33 that are traction members respectively corresponding to up / down / left / right operation directions are provided on the most advanced bending piece 22a of the bending portion 22 connected to the distal end hard member 21a constituting the distal end portion 21. Each of the tip portions is fixed at a predetermined position.

図2に示すように本実施形態の湾曲装置30は、上記4本の操作ワイヤ33と、これらワイヤ33の中途部がそれぞれ巻回配置される周方向溝34aを有するプーリー34と、このプーリー34を湾曲操作時所定方向に所定トルクで回転させる駆動手段であるモータ35と、操作部材32の下端部に設けられたアーム部36とで主に構成されている。アーム部36には、ワイヤ33の基端部が固定される4つのワイヤ固定部(牽引部材固定部)36aが設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 2, the bending device 30 according to the present embodiment includes the four operation wires 33, a pulley 34 having a circumferential groove 34 a around which the middle portions of the wires 33 are wound, and the pulley 34. Is mainly composed of a motor 35 that is a driving means for rotating the lens in a predetermined direction during a bending operation with a predetermined torque, and an arm portion 36 provided at the lower end of the operation member 32. The arm portion 36 is provided with four wire fixing portions (traction member fixing portions) 36a to which the base end portion of the wire 33 is fixed.

4本の操作ワイヤ33は、挿入部20内に挿通配置されているワイヤ挿通管路33A内に挿通されて操作部24内まで延出され、プーリー34に巻回されている。そして、巻回された操作ワイヤ33の基端部は、アーム部36の4つのワイヤ固定部36aにそれぞれワイヤ止め33bによって一体的に固定されている。   The four operation wires 33 are inserted into the wire insertion conduit 33 </ b> A inserted and arranged in the insertion portion 20, extend into the operation portion 24, and are wound around the pulley 34. The proximal end portion of the wound operation wire 33 is integrally fixed to the four wire fixing portions 36a of the arm portion 36 by wire stoppers 33b.

操作ワイヤ33の中途部は、周方向溝34aに対して所定の弛緩状態で巻回配置されている。また、プーリー34は、モータ35の駆動力を伝達する第1歯車37a、第2歯車37bによって回転されるようになっている。
また、操作部材32の基端側には、アーム部36の下側に略半球状の下側接触部52aが設けられている。フレーム38には、軸受け40を操作部材32とは反対側から回動自在に支持する第1の支え部54を保持する保持板53が設けられている。アーム部36の下側接触部52aと接触する第1の支え部54の接触面には、アーム部36の下側接触部52aと対応する半球状の凹曲面が形成されている。
A midway portion of the operation wire 33 is wound around the circumferential groove 34a in a predetermined relaxed state. The pulley 34 is rotated by a first gear 37a and a second gear 37b that transmit the driving force of the motor 35.
Further, a substantially hemispherical lower contact portion 52 a is provided below the arm portion 36 on the proximal end side of the operation member 32. The frame 38 is provided with a holding plate 53 that holds a first support portion 54 that rotatably supports the bearing 40 from the side opposite to the operation member 32. A hemispherical concave curved surface corresponding to the lower contact portion 52a of the arm portion 36 is formed on the contact surface of the first support portion 54 that contacts the lower contact portion 52a of the arm portion 36.

さらに、フレーム38には、図3中で軸受け40の上側に軸受け40の回転中心Oを中心とした所定半径の半球面を有する半球形状のガイド面38aと、軸受け40を第1の支え部54とは反対側から回動自在に支持する第2の支え部38bとが形成されている。   Further, the frame 38 has a hemispherical guide surface 38 a having a hemispherical surface with a predetermined radius centered on the rotation center O of the bearing 40 on the upper side of the bearing 40 in FIG. 3, and the bearing 40 with the first support portion 54. And a second support portion 38b that is rotatably supported from the opposite side.

操作部材32のアーム部36の上側には、略半球状の上側接触部52bが設けられている。さらに、操作部材32のアーム部36の外周部位にはOリング39などの弾性体の摩擦部材が装着されている。このOリング39は、フレーム38のガイド面38aに圧接された状態で取り付けられている。   A substantially hemispherical upper contact portion 52 b is provided on the upper side of the arm portion 36 of the operation member 32. Further, an elastic friction member such as an O-ring 39 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the arm portion 36 of the operation member 32. The O-ring 39 is attached in a state of being pressed against the guide surface 38a of the frame 38.

そして、操作部材32の軸受け40は、アーム部36の下側接触部52aが第1の支え部54と接触し、アーム部36の上側接触部52bが第2の支え部38bと接触することで、第1の支え部54と第2の支え部38bとの間で挟まれた状態で、回動中心Oを中心に回動自在に支持されている。このとき、操作部材32のアーム部36のOリング39は、フレーム38のガイド面38aに圧接されている。これにより、フレーム38のガイド面38aにアーム部36のOリング39を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される操作部材32の操作軸32aの傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部50が設けられている。   In the bearing 40 of the operation member 32, the lower contact portion 52a of the arm portion 36 is in contact with the first support portion 54, and the upper contact portion 52b of the arm portion 36 is in contact with the second support portion 38b. In a state of being sandwiched between the first support portion 54 and the second support portion 38b, the support portion is rotatably supported around the rotation center O. At this time, the O-ring 39 of the arm portion 36 of the operation member 32 is in pressure contact with the guide surface 38 a of the frame 38. Thereby, the tilting operation position of the operation shaft 32a of the operation member 32 to be tilted is held by the frictional force when the O-ring 39 of the arm portion 36 is pressed against the guide surface 38a of the frame 38, and the bending portion 22 is moved. A frictional force holding unit 50 that maintains the curved state is provided.

ここで、操作部材32の操作軸32aは、軸受け40の回転中心Oを中心にX,Y方向それぞれに回動可能である。そして、例えば、操作部材32の回動中心Oを中心に操作部材32を任意の回動位置で停止した際に、摩擦力保持部50のフレーム38のガイド面38aとアーム部36のOリング39との間の摩擦力で、操作部材32をその停止状態で保持することができる。   Here, the operation shaft 32 a of the operation member 32 is rotatable in the X and Y directions around the rotation center O of the bearing 40. For example, when the operation member 32 is stopped at an arbitrary rotation position around the rotation center O of the operation member 32, the guide surface 38 a of the frame 38 of the friction force holding unit 50 and the O-ring 39 of the arm unit 36. The operating member 32 can be held in its stopped state by the frictional force between the two.

なお、保持板53には、ワイヤ33の数に応じた数(4つ)のワイヤ挿通孔55が形成されており、各挿通孔55には、ワイヤ33を移動可能に挿通するガイド部材56が設けられている。
(作用)
次に、上記構成の作用について説明する。本実施の形態の工業用内視鏡装置1は、図2および図3に示すように湾曲操作部31の操作部材32が直立状態のとき湾曲部22は直線状態になるように構成されている。そして、湾曲操作部31の操作部材32の傾倒操作(操作軸32aの傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作)を行うことによって、湾曲部22を遠隔的に湾曲操作させることにより、挿入部20の先端部21の観察方向を任意の方向に向ける操作が行われる。
The holding plate 53 is formed with a number (four) of wire insertion holes 55 corresponding to the number of wires 33, and guide members 56 through which the wires 33 are movably inserted are inserted into the insertion holes 55. Is provided.
(Function)
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the industrial endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the bending portion 22 is in a linear state when the operation member 32 of the bending operation portion 31 is in an upright state. . Then, by performing a tilting operation of the operation member 32 of the bending operation unit 31 (an operation for changing the tilting direction and tilting angle of the operation shaft 32a), the bending unit 22 is remotely operated to perform the bending operation. An operation of directing the observation direction of the distal end portion 21 in an arbitrary direction is performed.

ここで、操作部材32が直立状態から傾倒操作された場合には、操作軸32aは、軸受け40の回転中心Oを中心として直立状態の位置から任意の方向に任意の角度に傾動させた操作位置まで傾動される。この場合には、4つのワイヤ固定部36aのうち特定のワイヤ固定部36aが保持板53から離れる方向に移動するとともに、他のワイヤ固定部36aが保持板53に近づく方向に移動する。ここで、ワイヤ固定部36aが保持板53から離れる方向に移動すると、このワイヤ固定部36aに保持されているワイヤ33が引っ張られることになる。また、ワイヤ固定部36aが保持板53に近づく方向に移動すると、このワイヤ固定部36aに保持されているワイヤ33が弛むことになる。このため、4つのワイヤ33のうち、特定のワイヤ33が引っ張られるとともに、他のワイヤ33が弛められると、湾曲部22は、4つのワイヤ33の引っ張り状態及び弛み状態に応じて、所定の方向に湾曲操作される。これにより、挿入部20の先端部21の観察方向を変更することができる。   Here, when the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state, the operation shaft 32a is tilted at an arbitrary angle in an arbitrary direction from an upright position about the rotation center O of the bearing 40. Tilt up to. In this case, among the four wire fixing portions 36 a, the specific wire fixing portion 36 a moves in a direction away from the holding plate 53, and the other wire fixing portion 36 a moves in a direction approaching the holding plate 53. Here, when the wire fixing portion 36a moves away from the holding plate 53, the wire 33 held by the wire fixing portion 36a is pulled. Further, when the wire fixing portion 36a moves in a direction approaching the holding plate 53, the wire 33 held by the wire fixing portion 36a is loosened. For this reason, when the specific wire 33 among the four wires 33 is pulled and the other wires 33 are loosened, the bending portion 22 is predetermined according to the pulled state and the loosened state of the four wires 33. Curved in the direction. Thereby, the observation direction of the front-end | tip part 21 of the insertion part 20 can be changed.

また、本実施の形態の湾曲操作部31の操作部材32は、摩擦力保持部50によってフレーム38のガイド面38aにアーム部36のOリング39を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される操作部材32の操作軸32aの傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持される。したがって、湾曲操作部31の操作部材32を傾倒させた状態で操作部材32より手を離しても操作軸32aが動かず、操作軸32aは手を離す直前の傾倒状態を保持することができる。   In addition, the operation member 32 of the bending operation unit 31 according to the present embodiment is tilted by a frictional force when the O-ring 39 of the arm unit 36 is pressed against the guide surface 38a of the frame 38 by the frictional force holding unit 50. The bending operation state of the bending portion 22 is maintained by maintaining the tilting operation position of the operation shaft 32 a of the operation member 32. Therefore, even when the operation member 32 of the bending operation unit 31 is tilted and the hand is released from the operation member 32, the operation shaft 32a does not move, and the operation shaft 32a can maintain the tilted state immediately before the hand is released.

さらに、操作部材32の操作軸32aの傾倒操作状態では、湾曲操作部31の操作部材32を摩擦力保持部50の摩擦力以上の力で操作すれば、保持状態のまま湾曲操作部31の操作部材32を動かすことができる。これにより、観察位置の微調整を簡単に行うことができる。   Further, in the tilting operation state of the operation shaft 32a of the operation member 32, if the operation member 32 of the bending operation unit 31 is operated with a force greater than the frictional force of the frictional force holding unit 50, the operation of the bending operation unit 31 is maintained in the holding state. The member 32 can be moved. Thereby, fine adjustment of an observation position can be performed easily.

(効果)
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、本実施の形態の内視鏡装置1では、湾曲操作部31にフレーム38のガイド面38aにアーム部36のOリング39を圧接させた際の摩擦力によって湾曲操作部31の操作部材32の操作位置を保持する摩擦力保持部50を設けている。そのため、従来の湾曲操作部のように操作軸の基端側に設けた曲面状の摩擦部材にストッパ部材を押し当てるための付勢力を発生させるためにばね部材を使用する場合に比べて湾曲操作部31の構成を簡素化することができる。したがって、湾曲操作部31の部品点数を減らして湾曲操作部31全体を小型化するうえで有利となり、製造コストを低減することができる内視鏡の湾曲操作装置を提供することができる。
(effect)
Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the operation member 32 of the bending operation unit 31 is caused by the frictional force generated when the O-ring 39 of the arm unit 36 is brought into pressure contact with the guide surface 38a of the frame 38. A frictional force holding unit 50 that holds the operation position is provided. Therefore, the bending operation is performed as compared with the case where a spring member is used to generate a biasing force for pressing the stopper member against the curved friction member provided on the proximal end side of the operation shaft as in the conventional bending operation unit. The structure of the part 31 can be simplified. Therefore, it is advantageous in reducing the number of parts of the bending operation unit 31 and reducing the size of the entire bending operation unit 31, and it is possible to provide an bending operation device for an endoscope that can reduce the manufacturing cost.

[第1の開示例]
(構成)
図4および図5は、第1の開示例を示す。本開示例は、第1の実施の形態(図1乃至図3参照)のようにアーム部36のOリング39をフレーム38のガイド面38aに圧接させた際の摩擦力によって湾曲操作部31の操作部材32の操作位置を保持する摩擦力保持部50とは異なる構成の摩擦力保持部60を設けたものである。なお、図4および図5中で、図1乃至図3と同一部分には同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
[First Disclosure Example]
(Constitution)
4 and 5 show a first disclosed example. In the present disclosure example, the bending operation portion 31 has a frictional force when the O-ring 39 of the arm portion 36 is brought into pressure contact with the guide surface 38a of the frame 38 as in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3). A friction force holding portion 60 having a different configuration from the friction force holding portion 50 that holds the operation position of the operation member 32 is provided. 4 and 5, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

本開示例の摩擦力保持部60は、図4に示すように保持板53のガイド部材56の内周面に弾性体の円管部材(摩擦部材)61を設けたものである。この円管部材61の内径は、操作ワイヤ33の外径よりも小径に設定されている。そして、ガイド部材56の内部に操作ワイヤ33を挿通させた際に、ガイド部材56の内部の円管部材61と操作ワイヤ33との間で摩擦力を発生させる。これにより、ガイド部材56と操作ワイヤ33との接触部位間で円管部材61を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される操作部材32の操作軸32aの傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する構成にしたものである。   As shown in FIG. 4, the friction force holding unit 60 according to the present disclosure includes an elastic circular tube member (friction member) 61 on the inner peripheral surface of the guide member 56 of the holding plate 53. The inner diameter of the circular pipe member 61 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the operation wire 33. When the operation wire 33 is inserted into the guide member 56, a frictional force is generated between the circular tube member 61 inside the guide member 56 and the operation wire 33. Thereby, the tilting operation position of the operation shaft 32a of the operation member 32 to be tilted is held and curved by the frictional force when the circular tube member 61 is pressed between the contact portions of the guide member 56 and the operation wire 33. In this configuration, the curved state of the portion 22 is maintained.

(作用・効果)
上記構成では、ガイド部材56と操作ワイヤ33との接触部位間で円管部材61を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される操作部材32の操作軸32aの傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部60を設けたので、従来の湾曲操作部のように操作軸の基端側に設けた曲面状の摩擦部材にストッパ部材を押し当てるための付勢力を発生させるためにばね部材を使用する場合に比べて湾曲操作部31の構成を簡素化することができる。したがって、湾曲操作部31の部品点数を減らして湾曲操作部31全体を小型化するうえで有利となり、製造コストを低減することができる内視鏡の湾曲操作装置を提供することができる。
(Action / Effect)
In the above configuration, the tilting operation position of the operating shaft 32a of the operating member 32 to be tilted is held by the frictional force when the circular pipe member 61 is pressed between the contact portions of the guide member 56 and the operating wire 33. Since the frictional force holding part 60 for maintaining the bending state of the bending part 22 is provided, an attachment for pressing the stopper member against the curved frictional member provided on the base end side of the operation shaft as in the conventional bending operation part. The configuration of the bending operation unit 31 can be simplified as compared with the case where a spring member is used to generate a force. Therefore, it is advantageous in reducing the number of parts of the bending operation unit 31 and reducing the size of the entire bending operation unit 31, and it is possible to provide an bending operation device for an endoscope that can reduce the manufacturing cost.

なお、上記開示例では、ガイド部材56の内周面に弾性体の円管部材61を設けた構成を示したが、これに限定されるものではない。例えば、操作ワイヤ33の外周面に弾性体の摩擦部材を貼り付ける構成にしてもよい。さらに、ガイド部材56の内周面に弾性体の円管部材61を設け、かつ操作ワイヤ33の外周面に弾性体の摩擦部材を貼り付ける構成にしてもよい。   In the above disclosed example, the configuration in which the elastic circular tube member 61 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the guide member 56 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an elastic friction member may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the operation wire 33. Furthermore, an elastic circular tube member 61 may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the guide member 56, and an elastic friction member may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the operation wire 33.

[第2の開示例]
(構成)
図6および図7は、第2の開示例を示す。本開示例は、第1の実施の形態(図1乃至図3参照)の内視鏡装置1の湾曲操作部31とは異なる構成の湾曲操作部71を設けたものである。なお、図6および図7中で、図1乃至図3と同一部分には同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
[Second Disclosure Example]
(Constitution)
6 and 7 show a second disclosed example. In the present disclosure example, a bending operation unit 71 having a configuration different from that of the bending operation unit 31 of the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3) is provided. 6 and 7, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

本開示例の湾曲操作部71は、操作部材32のアーム部36の下側に軸状の摩擦部材72を有する。この摩擦部材72の端面(図6中で下端面)には、平面からなる当接面73が形成されている。
また、フレーム38の保持板53には、操作部材32の摩擦部材72の基端部と当接するストッパ部材74と、このストッパ部材74を摩擦部材72の基端部に当接する方向に付勢するばね部材(付勢手段)75とが設けられている。ストッパ部材74の端面(図6中で上端面)には、平面からなる突き当て面76が形成されている。そして、ストッパ部材74と摩擦部材72の基端部と当接部の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される操作部材32の傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部77が設けられている。
The bending operation unit 71 according to the present disclosure includes an axial friction member 72 below the arm unit 36 of the operation member 32. A contact surface 73 having a flat surface is formed on the end surface (the lower end surface in FIG. 6) of the friction member 72.
Further, the holding plate 53 of the frame 38 is biased in a direction in which the stopper member 74 comes into contact with the base end portion of the friction member 72 and a stopper member 74 that makes contact with the base end portion of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32. A spring member (biasing means) 75 is provided. An abutting surface 76 that is a flat surface is formed on the end surface of the stopper member 74 (the upper end surface in FIG. 6). Then, the frictional force holding portion that maintains the bending state of the bending portion 22 by holding the tilting operation position of the operation member 32 to be tilted by the frictional force of the base end portion and the contact portion of the stopper member 74 and the friction member 72. 77 is provided.

(作用)
次に、上記構成の作用について説明する。本開示例の湾曲操作部71では、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合には、図7(A)に示すように操作部材32の摩擦部材72の当接面73と、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76とが平面同士の面接触状態で保持されている。そのため、この状態では、操作部材32の摩擦部材72の当接面73と、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76との接触面の面積が大きいので、操作部材32の摩擦部材72の当接面73と、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76との接触面間には比較的大きな摩擦力が作用する。その結果、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合には、摩擦力保持部77によって操作部材32が直立状態で安定に保持される。
(Function)
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. In the bending operation unit 71 of the present disclosure, when the operation member 32 is held in an upright state, the contact surface 73 of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 and the stopper member are illustrated in FIG. The 74 abutting surfaces 76 are held in a surface contact state between the flat surfaces. Therefore, in this state, since the area of the contact surface between the contact surface 73 of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 and the abutting surface 76 of the stopper member 74 is large, the contact surface 73 of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32. A relatively large frictional force acts between the contact surfaces of the stopper member 74 and the abutting surface 76. As a result, when the operation member 32 is held in the upright state, the operation member 32 is stably held in the upright state by the friction force holding portion 77.

また、操作部材32が直立状態から傾倒操作された場合には、操作軸32aは、軸受け40の回転中心Oを中心として直立状態の位置から任意の方向に任意の角度に傾動させた操作位置まで傾動される。この場合には、図7(B)に示すように操作部材32の摩擦部材72の当接面73が一端部を支点として傾斜するので、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76と操作部材32の摩擦部材72の当接面73との接触部位は、線接触状態、あるいは点接触状態に切り替わる。そのため、この状態では、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合に比べて操作部材32の摩擦部材72の当接面73と、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76との接触面間の面積が小さくなるので、操作部材32の摩擦部材72の当接面73と、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76との接触面間に作用する摩擦力は小さくなる。その結果、操作部材32が傾倒操作された場合には、摩擦力保持部77によって操作部材32の傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する力の大きさが小さくなる。   Further, when the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state, the operation shaft 32a is moved from the upright position to the operation position tilted at an arbitrary angle in an arbitrary direction around the rotation center O of the bearing 40. Tilted. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the contact surface 73 of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 is inclined with one end portion as a fulcrum, so the friction between the abutment surface 76 of the stopper member 74 and the operation member 32. The contact portion of the member 72 with the contact surface 73 is switched to a line contact state or a point contact state. Therefore, in this state, the area between the contact surfaces of the contact surface 73 of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 and the abutting surface 76 of the stopper member 74 is compared with the case where the operation member 32 is held in an upright state. Therefore, the frictional force acting between the contact surface 73 of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 and the contact surface 76 of the stopper member 74 is reduced. As a result, when the operation member 32 is tilted, the magnitude of the force for maintaining the bending state of the bending portion 22 by holding the tilting operation position of the operation member 32 by the frictional force holding portion 77 is reduced.

したがって、本開示例では、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合と、操作部材32が直立状態から傾倒操作された場合とで、操作部材32を操作する操作者の操作感などの感触が変化するので、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合と、操作部材32が直立状態から傾倒操作された場合との違いを操作部材32を操作する操作者の操作感などの感触の違いで判別することができる。   Therefore, in the present disclosure, a feeling such as an operation feeling of an operator who operates the operation member 32 when the operation member 32 is held in an upright state and when the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state. Therefore, the difference between the case where the operation member 32 is held in the upright state and the case where the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state is different from that of the operation feeling of the operator who operates the operation member 32. Can be determined by the difference.

(効果)
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、本開示例の内視鏡装置1の湾曲操作部71では、操作部材32のアーム部36の軸状の摩擦部材72の端面に、平面からなる当接面73を形成し、フレーム38の保持板53のストッパ部材74の端面に、平面からなる突き当て面76を形成している。そのため、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合と、操作部材32が直立状態から傾倒操作された場合とで、操作部材32を操作する操作者の操作感などの感触が変化するので、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合と、操作部材32が直立状態から傾倒操作された場合との違いを操作部材32を操作する操作者の操作感などの感触の違いで判別することができる効果がある。
(effect)
Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the bending operation unit 71 of the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure, a flat contact surface 73 is formed on the end surface of the shaft-like friction member 72 of the arm unit 36 of the operation member 32, and the frame 38. A flat abutting surface 76 is formed on the end surface of the stopper member 74 of the holding plate 53. Therefore, when the operation member 32 is held in the upright state and when the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state, the feeling of the operation of the operator who operates the operation member 32 changes. The difference between the case where the operation member 32 is held in the upright state and the case where the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state is discriminated based on the difference in feeling such as the operation feeling of the operator who operates the operation member 32. There is an effect that can.

[第3の開示例]
(構成)
図8(A),(B)は、第3の開示例を示す。本開示例は、第2の開示例(図6および図7参照)の変形例である。すなわち、本開示例では、操作部材32の摩擦部材72の端面(図8中で下端面)に、2つの平面からなる当接面81,82が形成されている。2つの当接面81,82はそれぞれ摩擦部材72の中心線L1に対してほぼ45°の角度で交差する傾斜面によって形成されている。
[Third Disclosure Example]
(Constitution)
8A and 8B show a third disclosed example. The present disclosure example is a modification of the second disclosure example (see FIGS. 6 and 7). That is, in the present disclosure example, the contact surfaces 81 and 82 composed of two planes are formed on the end surface (the lower end surface in FIG. 8) of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32. The two contact surfaces 81 and 82 are each formed by an inclined surface that intersects the center line L1 of the friction member 72 at an angle of approximately 45 °.

(作用)
次に、上記構成の作用について説明する。本開示例の湾曲操作部71では、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合には、図8(A)に示すように操作部材32の摩擦部材72の2つの当接面81,82間の交点の部分がストッパ部材74の突き当て面76と線接触状態、あるいは点接触状態の接触状態で保持されている。そのため、この状態では、操作部材32の摩擦部材72と、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76との接触面間の面積が小さくなるので、操作部材32の摩擦部材72と、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76との接触面間に作用する摩擦力は小さくなる。その結果、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合には、摩擦力保持部77によって操作部材32の操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する力の大きさが小さくなる。
(Function)
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. In the bending operation unit 71 according to the present disclosure, when the operation member 32 is held in an upright state, the two contact surfaces 81 and 82 of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 are illustrated in FIG. A portion of the intersection is held in contact with the abutting surface 76 of the stopper member 74 in a line contact state or a point contact state. Therefore, in this state, since the area between the contact surfaces of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 and the abutting surface 76 of the stopper member 74 is reduced, the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 and the abutment of the stopper member 74 are reduced. The frictional force acting between the contact surfaces with the surface 76 is reduced. As a result, when the operation member 32 is held in an upright state, the magnitude of the force that maintains the operation position of the operation member 32 by the friction force holding unit 77 and maintains the bending state of the bending portion 22 is reduced. .

これに対し、操作部材32が直立状態から傾倒操作され、例えば、図8(B)に示すように操作部材32の摩擦部材72の2つの当接面81,82のいずれか一方、本開示例では摩擦部材72の一方の当接面82がストッパ部材74の突き当て面76と平面同士の面接触状態に切替えられた場合には、操作部材32の摩擦部材72の一方の当接面82と、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76との接触面の面積が大きいので、操作部材32の摩擦部材72の当接面82と、ストッパ部材74の突き当て面76との接触面間には比較的大きな摩擦力が作用する。その結果、操作部材32が例えば、最大傾倒位置まで傾倒された状態で保持されている場合には、摩擦力保持部77によって操作部材32が最大傾倒状態で安定に保持される。   On the other hand, the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, either one of the two contact surfaces 81 and 82 of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 is disclosed. Then, when the one contact surface 82 of the friction member 72 is switched to the surface contact state between the abutting surface 76 of the stopper member 74 and the flat surface, the one contact surface 82 of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 is Since the area of the contact surface with the abutting surface 76 of the stopper member 74 is large, the contact surface 82 of the friction member 72 of the operating member 32 and the contact surface of the abutting surface 76 of the stopper member 74 are relatively small. A large frictional force acts. As a result, when the operation member 32 is held in a state of being tilted to the maximum tilt position, for example, the operation member 32 is stably held in the maximum tilt state by the frictional force holding unit 77.

したがって、本開示例でも、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合と、操作部材32が直立状態から最大傾倒状態まで傾倒操作された場合とで、操作部材32を操作する操作者の操作感などの感触が変化するので、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合と、操作部材32が直立状態から最大傾倒状態まで傾倒操作された場合との違いを操作部材32を操作する操作者の操作感などの感触の違いで判別することができる。   Therefore, also in the present disclosure, the operation of the operator who operates the operation member 32 when the operation member 32 is held in the upright state and when the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state to the maximum tilted state. Since the feeling such as a feeling changes, an operation for operating the operating member 32 is different from a case where the operating member 32 is held in an upright state and a case where the operating member 32 is tilted from an upright state to a maximum tilted state. It is possible to discriminate based on a difference in touch such as a user's operation feeling.

(効果)
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、本開示例の内視鏡装置1の湾曲操作部71では、操作部材32のアーム部36の軸状の摩擦部材72の端面に、平面からなる2つの当接面81,82を形成し、フレーム38の保持板53のストッパ部材74の端面に、平面からなる突き当て面76を形成している。そのため、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合と、操作部材32が直立状態から最大傾倒状態まで傾倒操作された場合とで、操作部材32を操作する操作者の操作感などの感触が変化するので、操作部材32が直立状態で保持されている場合と、操作部材32が直立状態から最大傾倒状態まで傾倒操作された場合との違いを操作部材32を操作する操作者の操作感などの感触の違いで判別することができる効果がある。
(effect)
Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the bending operation unit 71 of the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure, two contact surfaces 81 and 82 each having a flat surface are formed on the end surface of the axial friction member 72 of the arm portion 36 of the operation member 32. A flat abutting surface 76 is formed on the end surface of the stopper member 74 of the holding plate 53 of the frame 38. Therefore, when the operation member 32 is held in the upright state and when the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state to the maximum tilted state, the operator who operates the operation member 32 feels such as operation feeling. Therefore, the difference between the case where the operation member 32 is held in the upright state and the case where the operation member 32 is tilted from the upright state to the maximum tilted state is the operational feeling of the operator who operates the operation member 32, etc. There is an effect that can be distinguished by the difference in touch.

なお、上記開示例では、操作部材32の摩擦部材72の端面に、1つの平面からなる当接面73または2つの平面からなる当接面81,82を設けた例を示したが、当接面の数は、3以上の複数であってもよい。
[第4の開示例]
(構成)
図9は、第4の開示例を示す。本開示例は、第1の実施の形態(図1乃至図3参照)の内視鏡装置1の湾曲操作部31とは異なる構成の湾曲操作部91を設けたものである。なお、図9中で、図1乃至図3と同一部分には同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
In the above disclosed example, an example in which the contact surface 73 formed of one plane or the contact surfaces 81 and 82 formed of two planes is provided on the end surface of the friction member 72 of the operation member 32 is described. The number of faces may be three or more.
[Fourth Disclosure Example]
(Constitution)
FIG. 9 shows a fourth disclosed example. In the present disclosure example, a bending operation unit 91 having a configuration different from that of the bending operation unit 31 of the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3) is provided. 9, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

本開示例の湾曲操作部91は、湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部92の構成が第1の実施の形態とは異なる。本開示例の摩擦力保持部92は、操作部材32の軸受け40の回転中心Oを中心とした所定半径の半球面を有する半球形状の摩擦部材93と、この摩擦部材93の所定半径に対して摺動する面を形成したストッパ部材94と、を具備する。摩擦部材93は、摩擦部材93の回転中心Oに対して操作部材32の先端部側に凹む半球状のガイド面95を有する。   The bending operation unit 91 according to the present disclosure is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the frictional force holding unit 92 that maintains the bending state of the bending unit 22. The friction force holding portion 92 according to the present disclosure includes a hemispherical friction member 93 having a hemispherical surface with a predetermined radius around the rotation center O of the bearing 40 of the operation member 32, and a predetermined radius of the friction member 93. And a stopper member 94 formed with a sliding surface. The friction member 93 has a hemispherical guide surface 95 that is recessed toward the distal end side of the operation member 32 with respect to the rotation center O of the friction member 93.

ストッパ部材94は、摩擦部材93のガイド面95と当接する当接部材96と、この当接部材96をガイド面95に当接する方向に付勢するばね部材(付勢手段)97とを有する。そして、本開示例の摩擦力保持部92は、ストッパ部材94の当接部材96と摩擦部材93のガイド面95との摩擦力で、傾倒操作される操作部材32の傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する構成になっている。   The stopper member 94 includes a contact member 96 that contacts the guide surface 95 of the friction member 93 and a spring member (biasing means) 97 that biases the contact member 96 in a direction to contact the guide surface 95. The frictional force holding unit 92 according to the present disclosure holds the tilt operation position of the operation member 32 to be tilted by the frictional force between the contact member 96 of the stopper member 94 and the guide surface 95 of the friction member 93. It is configured to maintain the bending state of the bending portion 22.

(効果)
上記構成のものにあっては次の効果を奏する。すなわち、本開示例の湾曲操作部91では、摩擦部材93の回転中心Oに対して操作部材32の先端部側に凹む半球状のガイド面95を摩擦部材93の内面に設け、この凹曲面状のガイド面95にストッパ部材94の当接部材96を当接させている。そのため、本開示例の湾曲操作部91では、摩擦部材93の内面に凹曲面状のガイド面95が形成されていない場合に比べて湾曲操作部91のユニット全体の高さを低くすることができる。その結果、湾曲操作部91のユニット全体の小型化を図ることができる。
(effect)
The above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the bending operation portion 91 of the present disclosure example, a hemispherical guide surface 95 that is recessed toward the distal end side of the operation member 32 with respect to the rotation center O of the friction member 93 is provided on the inner surface of the friction member 93. The contact member 96 of the stopper member 94 is brought into contact with the guide surface 95. Therefore, in the bending operation unit 91 according to the present disclosure, the height of the entire unit of the bending operation unit 91 can be reduced as compared with the case where the concave curved guide surface 95 is not formed on the inner surface of the friction member 93. . As a result, the entire unit of the bending operation unit 91 can be reduced in size.

[第5の開示例]
(構成)
図10および図11(A),(B)は、第5の開示例を示す。本開示例は、第1の実施の形態(図1乃至図3参照)の内視鏡装置1の湾曲操作部31とは異なる構成の湾曲操作部101を設けたものである。なお、図10および図11(A),(B)中で、図1乃至図3と同一部分には同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
[Fifth Disclosure Example]
(Constitution)
10 and FIGS. 11A and 11B show a fifth disclosed example. In the present disclosure, a bending operation unit 101 having a configuration different from that of the bending operation unit 31 of the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3) is provided. 10 and 11A and 11B, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

本開示例の湾曲操作部101は、ジョイスティック型の操作部材32の操作軸32aの基端部に第1の回動軸102が固設されている。第1の回動軸102は、第1の軸支部103によって操作部材32の操作軸32aの軸心方向と直交する方向(X方向)の回転中心を中心に回動可能に軸支されている。第1の軸支部103は、リング状の2つの軸支部構成体103a、103bを有する。2つの軸支部構成体103a、103bは、第1の回動軸102の両側から第1の回動軸102にそれぞれ嵌め込まれる。また、2つの軸支部構成体103a、103bの内端面には、操作軸32aと嵌合する長溝状の凹部103a1,103b1がそれぞれ形成されている。そして、2つの軸支部構成体103a、103bを第1の回動軸102の両側から第1の回動軸102にそれぞれ嵌め込んで組み付けた際に、2つの軸支部構成体103a、103bの凹部103a1,103b1間に操作軸32aが嵌合される状態で組み付けられるようになっている。   In the bending operation unit 101 according to the present disclosure, a first rotation shaft 102 is fixed to the proximal end portion of the operation shaft 32 a of the joystick-type operation member 32. The first rotation shaft 102 is pivotally supported by the first shaft support portion 103 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center in a direction (X direction) orthogonal to the axial direction of the operation shaft 32 a of the operation member 32. . The first shaft support portion 103 includes two ring-shaped shaft support portion structures 103a and 103b. The two shaft support structure bodies 103a and 103b are fitted into the first rotation shaft 102 from both sides of the first rotation shaft 102, respectively. In addition, long groove-like recesses 103a1 and 103b1 which are fitted to the operation shaft 32a are formed on the inner end surfaces of the two shaft support structure bodies 103a and 103b, respectively. When the two pivotal support components 103a and 103b are fitted and assembled to the first pivotal shaft 102 from both sides of the first pivotal shaft 102, the concave portions of the two pivotal support components 103a and 103b are assembled. 103a1 and 103b1 are assembled in a state where the operation shaft 32a is fitted.

また、第1の軸支部103の外周面には、第1の回動軸102の軸心方向と直交する方向(Y方向)に延設された2つの第2の回動軸104が設けられている。ここで、第1の軸支部103の一側面には、一方の第2の回動軸104、第1の軸支部103の他側面には、他方の第2の回動軸104がそれぞれ配置されている。   In addition, two second rotating shafts 104 extending in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 102 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft support portion 103. ing. Here, one second rotation shaft 104 is disposed on one side surface of the first shaft support portion 103, and the other second rotation shaft 104 is disposed on the other side surface of the first shaft support portion 103. ing.

また、2つの第2の回動軸104は、それぞれ円柱状の軸を2つに切断した2つの回動軸構成体104a、104bを有する。一方の軸支部構成体103aには、2つの回動軸構成体104a、104aが固定され、他方の軸支部構成体103bには、2つの回動軸構成体104b、104bが固定されている。そして、2つの軸支部構成体103a、103bと第1の回動軸102との組み付け時には、2つの回動軸構成体104a、104b間が接合されて2つの第2の回動軸104が形成されるようになっている。   The two second rotating shafts 104 include two rotating shaft constituting bodies 104a and 104b each having a cylindrical shaft cut into two. Two pivot shaft constituting bodies 104a and 104a are fixed to one pivot support section 103a, and two pivot shaft constituting bodies 104b and 104b are fixed to the other pivot support section 103b. When the two pivot support parts 103a, 103b and the first rotary shaft 102 are assembled, the two rotary shaft constituents 104a, 104b are joined to form two second rotary shafts 104. It has come to be.

2つの第2の回動軸104は、リング状の第2の軸支部105がそれぞれ嵌め込まれている。そして、第2の回動軸104は、第2の軸支部105によって第1の回動軸102の回動方向(X方向)と直交するY方向の回転中心を中心に回動可能に軸支されている。   Two second rotating shafts 104 are fitted with ring-shaped second shaft support portions 105, respectively. The second rotation shaft 104 is pivotally supported by the second shaft support portion 105 so as to be rotatable around a rotation center in the Y direction perpendicular to the rotation direction (X direction) of the first rotation shaft 102. Has been.

また、第1の回動軸102と第1の軸支部103との間には、円管状の弾性体の摩擦部材(第1の摩擦力発生手段)106が介設されている。この摩擦部材106によって第1の回動軸102と第1の軸支部103との間に摩擦力を発生させるようになっている。さらに、第2の回動軸104と第2の軸支部105との間には、円管状の弾性体の摩擦部材(第2の摩擦力発生手段)107が介設されている。この摩擦部材107によって第2の回動軸104と第2の軸支部105との間に摩擦力を発生させるようになっている。そして、第1の回動軸102と第1の軸支部103との間の摩擦部材106および第2の回動軸104と第2の軸支部105との間の摩擦部材107の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される操作部材32の操作軸32aの傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部108が設けられている。   Further, a circular elastic friction member (first frictional force generating means) 106 is interposed between the first rotating shaft 102 and the first shaft support portion 103. The friction member 106 generates a frictional force between the first rotating shaft 102 and the first shaft support portion 103. Further, between the second rotating shaft 104 and the second shaft support portion 105, a circular elastic friction member (second friction force generating means) 107 is interposed. The friction member 107 generates a frictional force between the second rotating shaft 104 and the second shaft support portion 105. The friction force of the friction member 106 between the first rotation shaft 102 and the first shaft support portion 103 and the friction force of the friction member 107 between the second rotation shaft 104 and the second shaft support portion 105, A frictional force holding unit 108 that holds the tilting operation position of the operation shaft 32 a of the operation member 32 to be tilted and maintains the bending state of the bending portion 22 is provided.

(効果)
上記構成のものにあっては次の効果を奏する。すなわち、本開示例の湾曲操作部101では、第1の回動軸102と第1の軸支部103との間の摩擦部材106および第2の回動軸104と第2の軸支部105との間の摩擦部材107の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される操作部材32の操作軸32aの傾倒操作位置を保持して湾曲部22の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部108を設けている。そのため、本開示例の湾曲操作部101では、従来の湾曲操作部のように操作軸の基端側に設けた曲面状の摩擦部材にストッパ部材を押し当てるための付勢力を発生させるためにばね部材を省略することができる。
(effect)
The above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the bending operation unit 101 according to the present disclosure, the friction member 106 between the first rotation shaft 102 and the first shaft support portion 103 and the second rotation shaft 104 and the second shaft support portion 105 are connected. A friction force holding portion 108 is provided that maintains the bending state of the bending portion 22 by holding the tilting operation position of the operation shaft 32a of the operation member 32 to be tilted by the friction force of the friction member 107 therebetween. Therefore, in the bending operation unit 101 of the present disclosure, a spring is used to generate an urging force for pressing the stopper member against the curved friction member provided on the proximal end side of the operation shaft as in the conventional bending operation unit. The member can be omitted.

さらに、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) 細長な挿入部の先端側に設けられた湾曲自在な湾曲部の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる傾倒操作によって行う、前記挿入部の基端部に連設する操作部を構成するフレームに回動自在に設けられた軸受けに基端側が固設され当該軸受けの回転中心点に対して所定の方向に回動可能な、先端側が当該操作部の外部に突出して設けられた操作指示手段と、先端部が前記湾曲部の所定位置に固定され、基端部が前記操作指示手段の基端側であって、前記軸受けを挟んで設けられたアーム部材が有する複数のアーム部に固定された、前記操作指示手段の傾倒操作によって移動されて前記湾曲部を湾曲させる牽引部材と、を具備する内視鏡において、前記フレームに前記牽引部材を移動可能に挿通するガイド部材を設け、前記ガイド部材と前記牽引部材との接触部位間の少なくともいずれか一方に弾性体の摩擦部材を設け、前記ガイド部材と前記牽引部材との接触部位間で前記摩擦部材を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される前記操作指示手段の傾倒操作位置を保持して前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application are appended as follows.
Record
(Additional Item 1) An operation connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion portion, wherein the bending operation of the bendable bending portion provided on the distal end side of the elongated insertion portion is performed by a tilting operation that changes a tilt direction and a tilt angle. A base end side is fixed to a bearing that is rotatably provided on a frame that constitutes the portion, and is rotatable in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotation center point of the bearing. A plurality of arm members provided on both sides of the bearing, the distal end portion being fixed at a predetermined position of the bending portion, the proximal end portion being the proximal end side of the operation instruction portion, A guide member that is fixed to an arm portion and that is moved by a tilting operation of the operation instruction means to bend the bending portion; and a guide member that movably inserts the pulling member into the frame Provided An elastic friction member is provided in at least one of the contact portions between the guide member and the traction member, and the friction force when the friction member is pressed between the contact portions between the guide member and the traction member. An endoscope comprising a frictional force holding portion that holds a tilting operation position of the operation instruction means that is tilted and maintains the bending state of the bending portion.

(付記項2) 細長な挿入部の先端側に設けた湾曲自在な湾曲部の湾曲操作を指示入力する湾曲操作部が前記挿入部の基端部に連設する操作部に設けられ、先端部が前記湾曲部の所定位置に固定された牽引部材の基端部が前記湾曲操作部に固定され、前記湾曲操作部の操作によって前記牽引部材を介して前記湾曲部を湾曲させる内視鏡の湾曲操作装置において、前記湾曲操作部は、前記湾曲部の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作軸の傾倒操作によって行う操作指示手段と、前記操作軸の基端側が固設された第1の回動軸と、前記第1の回動軸の軸心を中心に前記第1の回動軸を回動可能に軸支する第1の軸支部と、前記第1の軸支部に設けられ、前記第1の回動軸の軸心方向と直交する方向に延設された第2の回動軸と、前記第2の回動軸の軸心を中心に前記第2の回動軸を回動可能に軸支する第2の軸支部と、前記第1の回動軸と前記第1の軸支部との間に介設され、前記第1の回動軸と前記第1の軸支部との間に摩擦力を発生させる第1の摩擦力発生手段と、前記第2の回動軸と前記第2の軸支部との間に介設され、前記第2の回動軸と前記第2の軸支部との間に摩擦力を発生させる第2の摩擦力発生手段と、を具備し、前記第1の摩擦力発生手段および前記第2の摩擦力発生手段の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される前記操作指示手段の前記操作軸の傾倒操作位置を保持して前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡の湾曲操作装置。   (Additional Item 2) A bending operation unit that inputs and inputs a bending operation of a bendable bending portion provided on the distal end side of the elongated insertion portion is provided in an operation portion that is provided continuously with a proximal end portion of the insertion portion. A bending of an endoscope in which a base end portion of a traction member fixed at a predetermined position of the bending portion is fixed to the bending operation portion, and the bending portion is bent via the traction member by operation of the bending operation portion. In the operating device, the bending operation section includes a first operation instruction unit that performs a bending operation of the bending section by a tilting operation of an operation shaft that changes a tilt direction and a tilt angle, and a base end side of the operation shaft is fixedly provided. Provided on the first shaft support portion, a first shaft support portion for pivotally supporting the first rotation shaft about the axis of the first rotation shaft, and the first shaft support portion. A second rotation shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first rotation shaft, and the front A second shaft supporting portion that pivotally supports the second rotating shaft about the axis of the second rotating shaft, and the first rotating shaft and the first shaft supporting portion. A first friction force generating means interposed between the first rotation shaft and the first shaft support portion; the second rotation shaft; and the second rotation shaft. A second frictional force generating means that is interposed between the second pivot shaft and the second pivot shaft, and generates a frictional force between the second pivot shaft and the second pivotal support portion. Friction force holding for maintaining the bending state of the bending portion by holding the tilting operation position of the operation shaft of the operation instruction means to be tilted by the frictional force of the frictional force generating means and the second frictional force generating means Endoscope bending operation device characterized in that a section is provided.

(付記項3) 細長な挿入部の先端側に設けられた湾曲自在な湾曲部の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる傾倒操作によって行う、前記挿入部の基端部に連設する操作部を構成するフレームに回動自在に設けられた軸受けに基端側が固設され当該軸受けの回転中心点に対して所定の方向に回動可能な、先端側が当該操作部の外部に突出して設けられた操作指示手段と、先端部が前記湾曲部の所定位置に固定され、基端部が前記操作指示手段の基端側であって、前記軸受けを挟んで設けられたアーム部材が有する複数のアーム部に固定された、前記操作指示手段の傾倒操作によって移動されて前記湾曲部を湾曲させる牽引部材と、を具備する内視鏡において、前記操作指示手段は、前記湾曲部の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作軸を有し、前記操作軸の基端部は、少なくとも1つの平面からなる当接面を有し、前記軸受けは、前記操作軸の基端部と当接するストッパ部材と、前記ストッパ部材を前記操作軸の基端部に当接する方向に付勢する付勢手段とを有し、前記ストッパ部材と前記操作軸の基端部との摩擦力で、傾倒操作される前記操作指示手段の前記操作軸の傾倒操作位置を保持して前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。   (Additional Item 3) An operation connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion portion, wherein the bending operation of the bendable bending portion provided on the distal end side of the elongated insertion portion is performed by a tilting operation that changes the tilting direction and the tilting angle. A base end side is fixed to a bearing that is rotatably provided on a frame that constitutes the portion, and is rotatable in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotation center point of the bearing. A plurality of arm members provided on both sides of the bearing, the distal end portion being fixed at a predetermined position of the bending portion, the proximal end portion being the proximal end side of the operation instruction portion, An endoscope having a pulling member that is fixed to an arm portion and is moved by a tilting operation of the operation instruction unit to bend the bending unit, wherein the operation instruction unit tilts the bending operation of the bending unit Change direction and tilt angle An operation shaft to be operated, and a base end portion of the operation shaft has an abutting surface including at least one plane, and the bearing includes a stopper member that contacts the base end portion of the operation shaft, and the stopper member Urging means that urges the operation shaft in a direction in contact with the base end portion of the operation shaft, and the operation instruction means is tilted by a frictional force between the stopper member and the base end portion of the operation shaft. An endoscope comprising a frictional force holding portion that holds a tilting operation position of the operation shaft and maintains a bending state of the bending portion.

(付記項4) 細長な挿入部の先端側に設けられた湾曲自在な湾曲部の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる傾倒操作によって行う、前記挿入部の基端部に連設する操作部を構成するフレームに回動自在に設けられた軸受けに基端側が固設され当該軸受けの回転中心点に対して所定の方向に回動可能な、先端側が当該操作部の外部に突出して設けられた操作指示手段と、先端部が前記湾曲部の所定位置に固定され、基端部が前記操作指示手段の基端側であって、前記軸受けを挟んで設けられたアーム部材が有する複数のアーム部に固定された、前記操作指示手段の傾倒操作によって移動されて前記湾曲部を湾曲させる牽引部材と、を具備する内視鏡において、前記操作指示手段の軸受けの回転中心を中心とした所定半径の半球面を有する半球形状の摩擦部材と、前記摩擦部材の所定半径に対して摺動する面を形成したストッパ部材と、を具備し、前記摩擦部材は、前記摩擦部材の回転中心に対して前記操作指示手段の先端部側に凹む半球状のガイド面を有し、前記ストッパ部材は、前記ガイド面と当接する当接部材と、前記当接部材を前記ガイド面に当接する方向に付勢する付勢手段とを有し、前記ストッパ部材の前記当接部材と前記摩擦部材のガイド面との摩擦力で、傾倒操作される前記操作指示手段の傾倒操作位置を保持して前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。   (Additional Item 4) An operation that is connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion portion, wherein the bending operation of the bendable bending portion provided on the distal end side of the elongated insertion portion is performed by a tilting operation that changes the tilting direction and the tilting angle. A base end side is fixed to a bearing that is rotatably provided on a frame that constitutes the portion, and is rotatable in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotation center point of the bearing. A plurality of arm members provided on both sides of the bearing, the distal end portion being fixed at a predetermined position of the bending portion, the proximal end portion being the proximal end side of the operation instruction portion, And a pulling member that is fixed to the arm portion and is moved by a tilting operation of the operation instruction means to bend the bending portion. A predetermined centering on a rotation center of a bearing of the operation instruction means. Has a radius hemisphere A hemispherical friction member, and a stopper member formed with a surface that slides with respect to a predetermined radius of the friction member, and the friction member is operated with respect to a rotation center of the friction member. The stopper member has an abutting member that abuts against the guide surface, and an urging means that urges the abutting member in a direction to abut against the guide surface. And maintaining the bending state of the bending portion by holding the tilt operation position of the operation instruction means tilted by the frictional force between the contact member of the stopper member and the guide surface of the friction member. An endoscope characterized in that a frictional force holding portion is provided.

本発明は、内視鏡の挿入部の先端側に設けられた湾曲部を湾曲させる操作を行う湾曲操作部にジョイスティック型の操作部材が配設された内視鏡の湾曲操作装置を使用する技術分野や、これを製造する技術分野に有効である。   The present invention uses a bending operation device for an endoscope in which a joystick-type operation member is disposed in a bending operation portion that performs an operation for bending a bending portion provided on a distal end side of an insertion portion of an endoscope. It is effective in the field and the technical field for manufacturing it.

20…挿入部、22…湾曲部、24…操作部、31…湾曲操作部、32…操作部材(操作指示手段)、32a…操作軸、33…操作ワイヤ(牽引部材)、38aガイド面、36a…ワイヤ固定部(牽引部材固定部)、38…フレーム、39…Oリング(摩擦部材)、40…軸受け、O…回転中心、50…摩擦力保持部。     DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Insertion part, 22 ... Bending part, 24 ... Operation part, 31 ... Bending operation part, 32 ... Operation member (operation instruction means), 32a ... Operation axis, 33 ... Operation wire (traction member), 38a guide surface, 36a ... wire fixing part (traction member fixing part), 38 ... frame, 39 ... O-ring (friction member), 40 ... bearing, O ... center of rotation, 50 ... friction force holding part.

Claims (4)

挿入部の先端側に設けた湾曲部の湾曲操作を指示入力する湾曲操作部が前記挿入部の基端部に連設する操作部に設けられ、
先端部が前記湾曲部の所定位置に固定された牽引部材の基端部が前記湾曲操作部に固定され、前記湾曲操作部の操作によって前記牽引部材を介して前記湾曲部を湾曲させる内視鏡の湾曲操作装置において、
前記湾曲操作部は、前記湾曲部の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作軸の傾倒操作によって行う操作指示手段と、
前記操作軸の基端側が固設され、前記操作部を構成するフレームに回動自在に設けられた軸受けと、
前記フレームに設けられ、前記軸受けの回転中心を中心とした所定半径の半球面を有する半球形状のガイド面と、
前記牽引部材の基端部を固定する前記湾曲操作部の牽引部材固定部に設けられ、前記ガイド面に圧接される弾性体の摩擦部材と、を具備し、
前記フレームの前記ガイド面に前記摩擦部材を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される前記操作軸の傾倒操作位置を保持して前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡の湾曲操作装置。
Bending operation portion for inputting an instruction bending operation of the bending portion provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion is provided on the operation unit for continuously arranged on the proximal end of the insertion section,
An endoscope in which a proximal end portion of a traction member having a distal end portion fixed at a predetermined position of the bending portion is fixed to the bending operation portion, and the bending portion is bent via the traction member by operation of the bending operation portion. In the bending operation device of
The bending operation unit includes an operation instruction unit that performs a bending operation of the bending unit by a tilting operation of an operation shaft that changes a tilting direction and a tilting angle;
A base end side of the operation shaft is fixed, and a bearing rotatably provided on a frame constituting the operation unit;
A hemispherical guide surface provided on the frame and having a hemispherical surface with a predetermined radius around the rotation center of the bearing;
An elastic friction member provided at a traction member fixing portion of the bending operation portion that fixes a base end portion of the traction member, and being in pressure contact with the guide surface;
A friction force holding portion is provided that maintains a bending state of the bending portion by holding a tilting operation position of the operation shaft to be tilted by a friction force when the friction member is pressed against the guide surface of the frame. An endoscope bending operation apparatus characterized by the above.
前記フレームは、樹脂材料で形成された樹脂フレームを有し、
前記操作指示手段は、少なくとも前記牽引部材固定部と前記摩擦部材とが弾性体で一体成形された一体成形体を有する
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の内視鏡の湾曲操作装置。
The frame has a resin frame formed of a resin material,
The bending operation apparatus for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the operation instructing unit includes an integral molded body in which at least the pulling member fixing portion and the friction member are integrally molded with an elastic body.
前記フレームは、前記軸受けを前記操作指示手段とは反対側から回動自在に支持する第1の支え部と、前記軸受けを前記第1の支え部とは反対側から回動自在に支持する第2の支え部とを有し、
前記第1の支え部および前記第2の支え部と前記軸受けとの接触部に摩擦力を発生させながら摺動し、前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持面を有する
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の内視鏡の湾曲操作装置。
The frame includes a first support portion that rotatably supports the bearing from a side opposite to the operation instruction means, and a first support portion that rotatably supports the bearing from a side opposite to the first support portion. 2 support parts,
A friction force holding surface that slides while generating a frictional force at a contact portion between the first support portion and the second support portion and the bearing, and maintains a bending state of the bending portion. The bending operation apparatus for an endoscope according to claim 1.
被検体内に挿入される挿入部と、
前記挿入部の先端側に設けられ、前記挿入部を湾曲操作する湾曲部と、
前記挿入部の基端部に連接された操作部と、
前記操作部に設けられ、前記湾曲部の湾曲操作を指示する湾曲操作部と、
を備え、
前記湾曲操作部は、前記湾曲部の湾曲操作を傾倒方向及び傾倒角度を変化させる操作軸の傾倒操作によって行う操作指示手段と、
前記操作軸の基端側が固設され、前記操作部を構成するフレームに回動自在に設けられた軸受けと、
前記フレームに設けられ、前記軸受けの回転中心を中心とした所定半径の半球面を有する半球形状のガイド面と、
前記牽引部材の基端部を固定する前記湾曲操作部の牽引部材固定部に設けられ、前記ガイド面に圧接される弾性体の摩擦部材と、を具備し、
前記フレームの前記ガイド面に前記摩擦部材を圧接させた際の摩擦力で、傾倒操作される前記操作軸の傾倒操作位置を保持して前記湾曲部の湾曲状態を維持する摩擦力保持部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡装置。
An insertion part to be inserted into the subject;
A bending portion that is provided on a distal end side of the insertion portion and performs a bending operation on the insertion portion;
An operation unit connected to the proximal end of the insertion unit;
A bending operation unit provided in the operation unit and instructing a bending operation of the bending unit;
With
The bending operation unit includes an operation instruction unit that performs a bending operation of the bending unit by a tilting operation of an operation shaft that changes a tilting direction and a tilting angle;
A base end side of the operation shaft is fixed, and a bearing rotatably provided on a frame constituting the operation unit;
A hemispherical guide surface provided on the frame and having a hemispherical surface with a predetermined radius around the rotation center of the bearing;
An elastic friction member provided at a traction member fixing portion of the bending operation portion that fixes a base end portion of the traction member, and being in pressure contact with the guide surface;
A friction force holding portion is provided that maintains a bending state of the bending portion by holding a tilting operation position of the operation shaft to be tilted by a friction force when the friction member is pressed against the guide surface of the frame. An endoscope apparatus characterized by that.
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