JP6169021B2 - Endoscope bending operation device, and endoscope having the bending operation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope bending operation device that is provided in an operation portion of an endoscope and that bends a bending portion of an insertion portion of the endoscope, and an endoscope including the bending operation device.

  In recent years, endoscopes are widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. Endoscopes used in the medical field observe an organ in a body cavity by inserting a long and thin insertion portion into a body cavity as a subject, and insert a channel for a treatment tool provided in the endoscope as necessary Various treatments can be performed using the treatment tool inserted in the inside.

  In addition, endoscopes used in the industrial field are designed to insert a long and narrow insertion portion of an endoscope into a jet engine or a subject such as a pipe of a factory. Observations such as corrosion and inspections such as various treatments can be performed.

  Here, a configuration in which a bending portion that can be bent in a plurality of directions is provided in an insertion portion of an endoscope is well known. In addition to improving the advanceability of the insertion portion at the bent portion in the duct, the bending portion changes the observation direction of the observation optical system provided at the distal end portion located on the distal end side in the insertion direction with respect to the bending portion. Make it variable.

  Usually, the bending portion provided in the insertion portion of the endoscope is configured to be bendable in, for example, four directions, up, down, left, and right, by connecting a plurality of bending pieces along the insertion direction of the insertion portion. In the bending operation device in which any one of the four wires inserted into the insertion portion in which the distal end in the insertion direction is fixed to the bending piece located closest to the distal end in the insertion direction among the bending pieces is provided in the operation portion. By being pulled by the first bending operation mechanism and the second bending operation mechanism, it can be bent in any direction, up, down, left and right.

  Specifically, the bending portion is rotated via the first rotation shaft when the first bending operation knob for bending left and right in the first bending operation mechanism provided in the operation portion is rotated. The left / right bending sprocket provided on the operation unit is rotated, and either the left chain portion or the right chain portion of the left / right bending chain wound around the sprocket is pulled, and either the left wire or the right wire is pulled. By being pulled, it is configured to bend in either the left direction or the right direction.

  The bending portion is provided coaxially with the first rotation shaft when the second bending operation knob for up and down bending in the second bending operation mechanism provided in the operation portion is rotated. One of the upper chain part and the lower chain part of the up / down bending chain wound around the sprocket by turning the up / down bending sprocket provided in the operation portion via the second turning shaft. By being pulled, either the upper wire or the lower wire is pulled and curved in either the upward direction or the downward direction.

  The first bending operation knob is positioned outside the operation unit so as to overlap with the second bending operation knob along the extending direction of the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft described above. At the same time, it is located on the distal side (hereinafter referred to as “upper”) in the extending direction from the outer casing of the operation portion with respect to the second bending operation knob.

  Further, the first operation for fixing the bending angle of the bending portion bent in the left direction or the right direction by the rotation operation of the first bending operation knob, that is, the rotation position of the first bending operation knob, to the operation portion. A second bending angle of the bending portion that is bent upward or downward by the turning operation of the left / right lock knob or the second bending operation knob, that is, the second bending operation knob is fixed. The structure provided with the up-and-down lock lever which is this operation member is also known, for example, is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  In Patent Document 1, a friction member that abuts the inner peripheral surface of the knob in a space in the second bending operation knob, a movable member that can be held between the friction members and is fixed to a vertical lock lever, A configuration in which a fixing member is provided is disclosed. Note that the up / down lock lever is positioned between the outer casing of the operation unit and the second bending operation knob in the extending direction.

  When the rotation position of the second bending operation knob is fixed using the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the vertical lock lever is rotated in one direction, and the movable member is moved in one direction together with the lock lever. By rotating, the movable member is moved upward along the extending direction with respect to the fixed member by using the screw mechanism, the friction member is sandwiched between the fixed member and the movable member, and is elastically deformed. By bringing the friction member into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the bending operation knob with a frictional force, the rotational position of the second bending operation knob is fixed by the frictional force.

  In Patent Document 1, the configuration for fixing the rotation position of the first bending operation knob has the same configuration as the configuration for fixing the rotation position of the second bending operation knob. Further, in Patent Document 1, the rotation position of the first bending operation knob is fixed by rotating the left and right lock knobs located above the first bending operation knob in the extending direction in one direction. The

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-286220

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the friction member is configured to be elastically deformed by being sandwiched between the movable member and the fixed member, the friction member is deteriorated with a plurality of elastic deformations. As a result, after a plurality of uses, the frictional force of the friction member against the inner peripheral surface of the bending operation knob decreases, that is, the frictional force of the friction member varies.

  In addition, in order to elastically deform the friction member, the friction member must be sandwiched between the fixed member and the movable member with a large force. Therefore, the up / down lock lever and the left / right lock knob for rotating the movable member also have a large force. There was a problem that it had to be rotated.

  Furthermore, the mechanism for holding the friction member between the two members using the screw mechanism has a problem that the bending operation device becomes large.

  In view of such a problem, a cam groove serving as a plate-like member moving portion provided in an annular member that is located in the space in the bending operation knob and rotates together with the fixing operation member is used without using a screw mechanism. The two plate-like members are moved so that the distance between each plate-like member is shortened, and the friction plate is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the bending operation knob via the elastic member using the two plate-like members. By holding, the frictional force is applied to the turning of the bending operation knob, so that the rotation position of the bending operation knob can be reliably fixed without variation even when using a small force. A configuration of a bending operation device is also conceivable.

  By the way, in such a bending operation device, it is known that the first bending operation mechanism and the second bending operation mechanism are substantially upside down in the extending direction for the purpose of reducing the manufacturing cost.

  Specifically, in the second bending operation mechanism, a fourth plate-like shape is formed by using a second cam groove serving as a second plate-like member moving portion provided in an upper portion of the second annular member. The second plate member is moved by moving the third plate member positioned above the member to the side (hereinafter referred to as the lower portion) closer to the exterior casing of the operation unit in the extending direction with respect to the fourth plate member. In the first bending operation mechanism, in the first bending operation mechanism, the first annular member having a shape substantially opposite to the second annular member is provided at a lower portion of the first annular member. Using the first cam groove serving as the first plate member moving portion, the second plate member positioned below the first plate member is moved upward with respect to the first plate member. Thus, a configuration in which the second friction plate is sandwiched is well known.

  The second plate abuts on the second surface of the first friction plate facing the second plate member and the third surface of the second friction plate facing the third plate member. The structure provided with the friction member which increases the frictional force with a plate-shaped member and a 3rd plate-shaped member is also known.

  Here, for the purpose of reducing the number of assembling steps and manufacturing costs, the second bending operation mechanism is first assembled in the extending direction, and then each bending operation mechanism for assembling the first bending operation mechanism is extended. A manufacturing process that overlaps in the present direction is generally performed.

  In the assembling process of the second bending operation mechanism, when the second bending operation knob is assembled to the second rotation shaft, the second bending operation knob is pressed downward to be assembled. The second friction plate that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the second bending operation knob via the elastic member is also pushed down.

  In the assembling process of the first bending operation mechanism, when assembling the first bending operation knob with respect to the first rotating shaft, the first bending operation knob is also pressed and assembled downward. The first friction plate that comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first bending operation knob via the elastic member is also pushed down.

  At this time, as described above, the second friction plate is provided with the friction member on the third surface facing the third plate-like member positioned above the fourth plate-like member. Even if the second friction plate is pushed down, the friction member is separated downward from the third plate-like member, so that it does not come into contact with the fourth plate-like member.

  However, since the first friction plate is provided with the friction member on the second surface facing the second plate-like member positioned below the first plate-like member, the first friction plate is If pushed down, the friction member comes into contact with the second plate member.

  As a result, sliding resistance is generated by the contact of the friction member with the second plate member, and the first friction plate is not sandwiched between the first plate member and the second plate member. However, there is a problem that the first bending operation knob is difficult to turn, that is, a large amount of force is required for the turning operation.

  The above problem is that the first operation member is provided as a left / right lock lever at a position between the first bending operation knob and the second bending knob in the extending direction, and the first bending operation mechanism is provided. And the second bending operation mechanism do not occur.

  That is, also in the first bending operation mechanism, the friction member is provided on the first surface of the first friction plate facing the first plate-like member, and the left and right lock levers are rotated in one direction, so that the first By moving the first plate member downward with respect to the second plate member by the first cam groove of the annular member, the first friction plate is moved to the first plate member and the second plate. If the same configuration as the second bending operation mechanism sandwiched between the two members is used, the above-described problem does not occur.

  However, in such a configuration, the arrangement position of the first operation member changes from the conventional one, which is very important for an operator who performs various operations without looking at the operation unit while viewing the endoscope image during the operation. I feel uncomfortable.

  In other words, a configuration that prevents the first bending operation knob from becoming difficult to turn after assembly has been desired even in the same arrangement positions of the respective operation members and the respective bending operation knobs as before.

  Further, by machining the inner peripheral surface of the first bending operation knob with high accuracy, when the first bending operation knob is assembled, it is possible to prevent the first friction plate from moving downward, A configuration for preventing the friction member from coming into contact with the second plate member by changing the assembly direction of the operation knob or by widening the gap between the second surface of the friction member and the second plate member. Conceivable.

  However, in these configurations, there are problems that the assembling work is complicated, the first bending operation mechanism is enlarged in the extending direction, and the manufacturing cost is increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and problems, and it is possible to reduce the amount of force of the turning operation of the first bending operation knob superimposed on the second bending operation knob in the extending direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope bending operation device that can be realized with a simple structure at low cost, and an endoscope including the bending operation device.

An endoscope bending operation device according to an aspect of the present invention is an endoscope bending operation device that is provided in an operation portion of an endoscope to bend a bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The first bending operation mechanism for bending the bending portion in the first direction turns the bending portion in the first direction by rotating together with the first rotation shaft and the first rotation shaft. The first bending operation knob has a first bending operation knob to be bent, a first surface and a second surface, and abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the first bending operation knob via an elastic member. And a first friction plate that is rotatable, and a first friction plate that penetrates along the extending direction of the first rotation shaft that is positioned opposite to the first surface of the first friction plate. A first plate-like member having one slit formed thereon, and the extending direction located opposite to the second surface of the first friction plate A second plate-like member formed with a second slit penetrating along the first plate-like member, and the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member at a first interval. A second position in which the first friction plate is sandwiched between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member at a first position that is spaced apart and a second interval that is shorter than the first interval. A first plate-like member moving portion that moves to the position along the extending direction; and the first slit and the second slit provided with the first plate-like member moving portion. The first rotation shaft has a first protrusion that penetrates along the current direction and is movable in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft through the first slit and the second slit. A first annular member that is rotatable in the rotational direction separately from the movement, and rotating the first annular member in one direction. The first bending operation is also performed by rotating the first plate-shaped member moving portion in the one direction and moving the first plate-shaped member from the first position to the second position. A first operation member that applies a frictional force to the rotation of the knob, and the first operation member extends from the exterior housing of the operation unit in the extension direction more than the first bending operation knob. The first plate member is provided closer to the first operating member in the extending direction than the second plate member, and the bending portion is The second bending operation mechanism for bending in a second direction different from the first direction includes a second rotating shaft provided coaxially with the first rotating shaft, and the second rotation mechanism. A second bending operation knob for bending the bending portion in the second direction by rotating together with the moving shaft, and a third surface; A second friction plate that has a fourth surface and is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the second bending operation knob via an elastic member and is rotatable together with the second bending operation knob; A third plate-like member formed with a third slit penetrating along the extending direction and positioned opposite to the third surface of the friction plate; and the second friction plate A fourth plate-like member formed with a fourth slit penetrating along the extending direction, facing the fourth surface, and the third plate-like member; The third plate-like member and the fourth plate-like member at a third position where the plate-like member and the fourth plate-like member are separated at a third interval, and at a fourth interval shorter than the third interval. A second plate-shaped member moving portion that moves along the extending direction to a fourth position that sandwiches the second friction plate with the plate-shaped member; 2 plate-like member moving portions are provided, penetrates the third slit and the fourth slit along the extending direction, and rotates in the third slit and the fourth slit. A second projecting portion that is movable in a direction, and a second annular member that is pivotable in the pivoting direction separately from the pivoting of the second pivot shaft, and the second annular member is By rotating in the same one direction as the first annular member, the second plate member moving part is also rotated in the same one direction as the first plate member moving part, and the third plate member A second operating member that applies a frictional force to the rotation of the second bending operation knob by moving the second bending operation knob from the third position to the fourth position. The operation member includes: the exterior casing in the extending direction; and the second bending operation knob. The third plate member is provided on a more distal side than the fourth plate member from the exterior housing, and the first surface of the first friction plate And the third surface of the second friction plate, the friction force of the first plate-like member on the first surface and the third surface at the second position and the fourth position, respectively. Friction members that respectively increase the frictional force of the third plate-like member are provided.

  Moreover, the endoscope which comprises the bending operation apparatus in 1 aspect of this invention comprises the bending operation apparatus of the said endoscope of Claim 1.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an endoscope with a low cost and a simple configuration that makes it possible to make the force of the turning operation of the first bending operation knob superimposed on the second bending operation knob constant in the extending direction. It is possible to provide a mirror bending operation device and an endoscope including the bending operation device.

The figure which shows the external appearance of the endoscope which comprises the bending operation apparatus of this Embodiment in an operation part. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the bending operation apparatus provided in the operation part of the endoscope of FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a second bending operation mechanism of the bending operation device in FIG. 2. The perspective view which expands and shows the cam member of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a state where the third plate-like member and a part of the fourth plate-like member are assembled so as to be fitted into the cam groove provided in the protruding portion of the cam member with a third interval. Schematic illustration The figure which shows schematically the state which the 3rd plate-shaped member of FIG. 5 moved to the 4th space | interval by the cam groove with rotation of the cam member. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the first bending operation mechanism of the bending operation device in FIG. The perspective view which expands and shows the cam member of FIG. FIG. 7 shows a state where the first plate-like member and a part of the second plate-like member are assembled so as to be fitted into the cam groove provided in the protruding portion of the cam member with a first interval. Schematic illustration The figure which shows the state which the 1st plate-shaped member of FIG. 9 moved to the 2nd space | interval by the cam groove with rotation of the cam member.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an endoscope that includes a bending operation device according to the present embodiment in an operation unit.
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 1 includes an insertion portion 2 that is inserted into a subject, an operation portion 3 that is connected to the proximal end side in the insertion direction S of the insertion portion 2, and the operation portion. 3 comprises a universal cord 8 extended from 3 and a connector 9 provided at the extended end of the universal cord 8 to constitute a main part. Note that the endoscope 1 is electrically connected to an external device such as a control device or a lighting device via the connector 9.

  A bending operation knob 4 for up and down, which is a second bending operation knob that causes the operation unit 3 to bend a bending portion 2w, which will be described later, of the insertion portion 2 in a vertical direction that is a second direction different from the first direction, A left / right bending operation knob 6 which is a first bending operation knob for bending the portion 2w in the left / right direction which is the first direction is provided.

  Furthermore, a fixing lever 5 that is a second operation member that fixes the rotation position of the up / down bending operation knob 4 to the operation unit 3 and a first operation member that fixes the rotation position of the left / right bending operation knob 6. A fixed knob 7 is provided.

  The up / down bending operation knob 4, the fixing lever 5, the left / right bending operation knob 6, and the fixing knob 7 together with other members provided in the operation unit 3 are described later in this embodiment. The operating device 100 (refer FIG. 2) is comprised.

  The insertion portion 2 includes a distal end portion 2s, a bending portion 2w, and a flexible tube portion 2k, and is formed in an elongated shape along the insertion direction S.

  An imaging unit (not shown) that observes the inside of the subject, an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the subject, and the like are provided in the distal end portion 2s.

  In addition, the bending portion 2w is bent in, for example, four directions of up, down, left, and right via the bending operation device 100 by the turning operation of the up / down bending operation knob 4 or the left / right bending operation knob 6, thereby leading the tip 2s. This changes the observation direction of the imaging unit provided in the lens, and improves the insertability of the tip 2s in the subject. Further, a flexible tube portion 2k is continuously provided on the proximal end side in the insertion direction S of the bending portion 2w.

  Next, the configuration of the second bending operation mechanism 102 that bends the bending portion 2w in the vertical direction in the bending operation device 100 for an endoscope provided in the operation unit 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. To do.

  2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the bending operation device provided in the operation section of the endoscope of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the second bending operation mechanism of the bending operation device in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view.

  4 is an enlarged perspective view of the cam member shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows a third plate-like member and a fourth member in the cam groove provided in the protruding portion of the cam member shown in FIG. FIG. 6 schematically shows a state in which a part of the plate-like member is assembled so as to be fitted with a third interval. FIG. 6 shows that the third plate-like member of FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly the state which moved to the 4th space | interval by the cam groove.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bending operation device 100 includes a first bending operation mechanism 101 that bends the bending portion 2w in the left-right direction and a second bending operation mechanism 102 that bends the bending portion 2w in the up-down direction. The main part is composed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the second bending operation mechanism 102, the up / down bending operation knob 4 extends from the inside of the operation unit 3 along an extending direction A that is a direction substantially orthogonal to the insertion direction S. The cylindrical second rotation shaft 18 provided on the upper top 18c (see FIG. 3) is engaged with the second rotation shaft 18 in the other direction R1 in the rotation direction R or one. It is rotatable in the direction R2 (both see FIG. 3).

  In addition, since the latching structure of the bending operation knob 4 for an up-down to the top part 18c is known, the description is abbreviate | omitted. Of course, the up / down bending operation knob 4 may be fixed to the top portion 18c.

  A lower lower end located inside the operation unit 3 of the second rotation shaft 18 is fitted to a sprocket 19 provided inside the operation unit 3. The sprocket 19 is wound with a chain (not shown) that bends the bending portion 2w in the vertical direction.

  Thus, when the up / down bending operation knob 4 is rotated in the other direction R1 or the one direction R2, the second turning shaft 18 locked to the up / down bending operation knob 4 is also moved up / down. Since the sprocket 19 is also rotated in the same direction, the bending portion 2w is bent in either the upper or lower direction when one side of the chain is pulled.

  The combination of the sprocket 19 and the chain is not limited, and the lower end of the second rotating shaft 18 is fitted to the pulley, and the wire for bending up and down wound around the pulley is pulled as the pulley rotates. It may be a configuration.

  On the outer periphery in the radial direction K of the second rotating shaft 18, the cylindrical second fixed shaft 10 extending from the inside of the operation unit 3 along the extending direction A has an upper end side serving as an upper end. It is provided so as to be positioned in a space 4 i inside the up / down bending operation knob 4. The second fixed shaft 10 is formed along the extending direction A such that the cross-sectional shape of the insertion direction S orthogonal to the extending direction A is a polygonal shape, for example, a rectangular shape.

  The second fixed shaft 10 is fixed in a watertight manner to the exterior casing 3g of the operation unit 3 via an O-ring 29 and the like, and is also radially connected to the second rotating shaft 18. The second rotation shaft 18 is not rotated by being positioned coaxially with a predetermined interval.

  Further, the outer periphery of the second fixed shaft 10 has an annular portion 5b (described later) positioned in the space 4i inside the up / down bending operation knob 4, and is formed of, for example, resin, and in the extending direction A, The fixing lever 5 positioned between the bending operation knob 4 and the outer casing 3g is rotatably contacted in the rotation direction R via the O-ring 21 or the like.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 5 b of the fixed lever 5 composed of the grip portion 5 r and the annular portion 5 b is placed on the outer periphery of the second fixed shaft 10. It is in watertight contact with the ring 21 and the like so as to be rotatable in the rotation direction R.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the outer periphery of the annular portion 5b of the fixed lever 5, the inner peripheral surface of the support plate 23 located in the space 4i inside the up / down bending operation knob 4 is watertight via an O-ring 22 or the like. Are in contact with each other. The outer peripheral surface of the support plate 23 is in watertight contact with the inner peripheral surface 4n of the up / down bending operation knob 4 via an O-ring 24 or the like.

  Further, on the outer periphery of the second fixed shaft 10, a second annular member made of, for example, metal, located above the annular portion 5 b of the fixed lever 5 and in the space 4 i inside the up and down bending operation knob 4. The second cam member 15 is located coaxially with the fixing lever 5 in the extending direction A.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second cam member 15 has an annular bottom portion 15b and two second protrusions protruding in an inverted L shape upward in the extending direction A so as to face each other from the bottom portion 15b. The main part is comprised including the part 15t.

  Further, the second cam member 15 has a plurality of convex portions 15p protruding from the bottom portion 15b in the inner circumferential direction in the radial direction K, as shown in FIG. 3, the second cam member 15 of the annular portion 5b of the fixed lever 5. It is fixed to the fixing lever 5 by fitting into a plurality of recesses 5m formed on the side surface.

  That is, the second cam member 15 is rotatable in the other direction R1 or the one direction R2 of the rotation direction R together with the fixing lever 5 by fitting the convex portion 15p to the concave portion 5m. In other words, the fixed lever 5 performs the rotation operation of the second cam member 15. Therefore, the second cam member 15 is rotatable separately from the rotation of the second rotation shaft 18.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second projecting portion 15t of the second cam member 15 includes an upright portion 15t1 projecting upward in the extending direction A from the bottom portion 15b, and one direction R2 from the projecting end of the upright portion 15t1. In the extending direction A with respect to the transverse part 15t2 at the bottom part 15b, the step part 15t3 located on the other side R1 side of the rising part 15t1, and the transverse part 15t2 extending in the arc shape along the rotation direction R The main part is comprised including the thick part 15t4 located facing.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the second projecting portion 15 t, a cam groove 15 c that is a second plate-like member moving portion is formed in the transverse portion 15 t 2 along the rotation direction R. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cam groove 15c has an inclined surface or an inclined surface such that the groove interval in the extending direction A becomes m3 (m3 <m4) smaller than m4 as it goes in the other direction R1. It has an arcuate surface.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the extending end of the second projecting portion 15t on the one-way R2 side of the transverse portion 15t2 is bent in a crank shape, thereby forming a locking portion 15tv.

  Returning to FIG. 2, on the outer periphery of the second fixed shaft 10, the second cam member 15 is positioned above the bottom 15 b of the second cam member 15, coaxially with the second cam member 15 in the extending direction A, and vertically. The third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12, which are located in the space 4 i inside the bending operation knob 4 and made of, for example, metal, specifically, hard stainless steel, are fitted so as to be parallel to each other. Are combined. Note that the third plate-like member 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12 may be formed in the same shape and size.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the third plate-like member 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12 have an outer shape substantially equal to the outer shape of the second fixed shaft 10 and are planar from above. Through holes 11k and 12k penetrating in the extending direction A having a polygonal shape, for example, a rectangular shape, are formed, and the third fixed shaft 10 inserted through the through holes 11k and 12k is third. The plate-like member 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12 are fitted.

  The position of the through hole 11k of the third plate member 11 is formed at the same position as the position of the through hole 12k of the fourth plate member 12. That is, when the third plate-like member 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12 are overlapped, the respective through holes 11k and 12k are overlapped.

  Therefore, since the third plate-like member 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12 are fitted to the second fixed shaft 10, together with the second fixed shaft 10, And non-rotating configuration.

  Between the extension direction A of the third plate-like member 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12, the third plate-like member 11, the fourth plate-like member 12 and the extension direction A are coaxial. A second fixed disk 14, which is a second friction plate that is positioned and located in the space 4 i inside the up / down bending operation knob 4, is provided.

  The second fixed disk 14 is shaped and pushed so that an O-ring 25, which is an elastic member provided on the outer peripheral surface, gives an appropriate curved holding force to the inner peripheral surface 4n of the up / down bending operation knob 4 in advance. While the contact amount is set and is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 4n, the extending direction A extends to the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12 at a fourth position (see FIG. 6) described later. 14f has a flange portion 14f.

  The third plate-like member 11 is positioned opposite to the third surface 14f1 that is the upper surface of the flange portion 14f, and the fourth plate-like member 12 is a surface below the flange portion 14f. Is located opposite to the fourth surface 14f2. That is, the third plate-like member 11 is located above the fourth plate-like member 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the friction force of the third plate member 11 on the third surface 14f1 is increased on the third surface 14f1 at a fourth position (see FIG. 6) described later. A friction member 28 is provided.

  Note that the friction member is not provided on the fourth surface 14f2. When the friction member is provided on the fourth surface 14f2, when the upper and lower bending operation knobs 4 are pushed down from above and assembled, When the second fixed disk 14 is pushed down, the friction member provided on the fourth surface 14f2 comes into contact with the fourth plate member 12, and the friction member and the fourth plate member 12 slide. This is to prevent the vertical bending operation knob 4 from becoming difficult to rotate due to the generation of dynamic resistance, and to prevent the second bending operation mechanism 102 from increasing in size in the extending direction A.

  Therefore, since the friction member is not provided on the fourth surface 14f2 and the contact resistance between the fourth surface 14f2 and the fourth plate member 12 is negligibly small, the fourth surface 14f2 is You may contact | abut to the 4th plate-shaped member 12. FIG.

  Further, the O-ring 25 may be in contact with the inner peripheral surface 4n discontinuously. Further, the second fixed disk 14 rotates together with the up / down bending operation knob 4 at a third position (see FIG. 5) described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12 are rotated so as to penetrate in the extending direction A at a predetermined overlapping position in a plan view from above, for example. Two third slits 11 s and four fourth slits 12 s each having a partial arc shape in the movement direction R are symmetrical with respect to the rotation center of the second rotation shaft 18. In addition, the through holes 11k and 12k are partially surrounded.

  Note that the position of the third slit 11 s of the third plate-like member 11 is formed at the same position as the position of the fourth slit 12 s of the fourth plate-like member 12. That is, when the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12 are overlapped, the third slit 11s and the fourth slit 12s overlap. In addition, the third slit 11s and the fourth slit 12s are formed with high positional accuracy with respect to the through holes 11k and 12k, respectively.

  In the third slit 11s and the fourth slit 12s, the second projecting portion 15t of the second cam member 15 is connected to the second rotation shaft 18 in the other direction R1 or the one direction R2 in the rotation direction R. In addition, it is penetrated along the extending direction A so as to be movable. That is, in the state where the second protrusion 15t of the second cam member 15 is penetrated by the third slit 11s and the fourth slit 12s, the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12 are used. Is partially inserted into the cam groove 15c.

  The second projecting portion 15t has a position where the step portion 15t3 contacts the opening end portion 12sk of the fourth slit 12s, the third plate member 11, and the end portion 11sw of the fourth plate member 12. 12 sw (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is movable in the rotation direction R in the third slit 11 s and the fourth slit 12 s at a position where it abuts on the end 15 ct of the cam groove 15 c.

  Further, when the step portion 15t3 is in contact with the opening end portion 12sk, the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12 have the third plate member 11 in the extending direction A as shown in FIG. They are separated by a distance d3. Hereinafter, a position where the third plate-like member 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12 are separated by the third distance d3 in the extending direction A is referred to as a third position.

  Further, at the third position, since the distal end side in one direction R2 of the traversing portion 15t2 is in contact with the upper side of the third plate-like member 11, the second projecting portion 15t from each slit 11s, 12s. Does not fall downward.

  Furthermore, in the third position shown in FIG. 5, when the step portion 15t3 is in contact with the opening end portion 12sk, the second projecting portion 15t moves in the other direction R1 with respect to the fourth slit 12s. Rotation is regulated.

  Here, as described above, the cam groove 15c is formed in the rotation direction R in the second projecting portion 15t.

  Therefore, from the third position, when the fixing lever 5 is rotated in one direction R2 and the second cam member 15 is rotated in one direction R2, the cam groove 15c is also rotated in one direction R2. Inside the slit 11s and the fourth slit 12s, the ends 11sw and 12sw of the slits 11s and 12s of the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12 are the ends of the cam groove 15c in the rotation direction R. The second protrusion 15t moves in one direction R2 until it abuts against the portion 15ct, so that the third plate member 11 has a cam groove 15c in the transverse portion 15t2 with respect to the fourth plate member 12. The rotational force is converted into a force in the extending direction A by being guided by the inclined surface or the arc-shaped surface formed in the third direction d3 in the extending direction A as shown in FIG. Shorter fourth interval d4 (d4 <d3) It has been to move downward to the fourth position spaced.

  That is, the cam groove 15c has a shape that moves the third plate-like member 11 downward from the third position to the fourth position as the second cam member 15 rotates in one direction R2. As the second cam member 15 rotates in one direction R2, the third plate member 11 is moved from the third position by converting the rotational force into a force in the extending direction A. It has a function of moving downward to the fourth position.

  In the fourth position shown in FIG. 6, the third surface 14f1 and the fourth surface 14f2 of the flange portion 14f of the second fixed disk 14 are in the extending direction A and the third plate member 11 By being sandwiched between the fourth plate-like members 12, the rotation of the second fixed disk 14 that rotates together with the up / down bending operation knob 4 is fixed, and the O-ring 25 is located inside the up / down bending operation knob 4. It abuts on the peripheral surface 4n with a friction force, that is, a friction force is applied.

  The rotational position of the up / down bending operation knob 4 is fixed by this frictional force. At this time, the force for pinching the flange portion 14f between the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12 is larger than the frictional force between the up / down bending operation knob 4 and the O-ring 25.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in each slit 11 s and 12 s, the third plate-like member 11 and the fourth plate 4 in the extending direction A are located on the inner side in the radial direction K than the second projecting portions 15 t. Two penetrating portions 50t facing each other of the annular second cam stopper 50 positioned coaxially with the plate-like member 12 are penetrated along the extending direction A. The second cam stopper 50 is made of metal, for example, stainless steel having elasticity.

  As described above, each penetrating portion 50t is a portion penetrating in the extending direction A on the inner side in the radial direction K with respect to the respective slits 11s and 12s than the second projecting portions 15t. The slits 11s and 12s are formed to have the same arc length.

  Each penetrating part 50t is formed to have the same arc length in the rotation direction R as each slit 11s, 12s, and each slit 11s for the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12. , 12s are formed with high positional accuracy with reference to the through holes 11k and 12k, the fourth plate member 12 is positioned with respect to the third plate member 11 in the rotational direction R. In a well-aligned state, the outer periphery of the second fixed shaft 10 is fitted.

  That is, when the third plate-like member 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12 are overlapped, the through holes 11k and 12k are overlapped with high positional accuracy, and the slits 11s and 12s are also overlapped with high positional accuracy.

  Note that the third plate-like member 11 has a well-known configuration when the penetrating portion 50t is penetrated through the third slit 11s, so that the third plate-like member 11 does not come out below the second cam stopper 50 and is not attached to the second cam stopper 50. It is fixed.

  Further, the second cam stopper 50 is shown in FIG. 5 as the second cam member 15 is rotated in the rotation direction R as described above because the third plate member 11 is fixed. It is movable in the extending direction A integrally with the third plate member 11 that is movable between the third position and the fourth position shown in FIG.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, in the outer peripheral surface of the second cam stopper 50, in a region other than the through portion 50 t and at a position that is symmetric with respect to the rotation center of the second rotation shaft 18. The ridges 52 projecting outward in the radial direction K are formed.

  The peak portion 52 applies a resistance force to the rotation of the second cam member 15, thereby causing the second cam member 15 to move unexpectedly in the rotation direction R at the third position and the fourth position. It is something to prevent.

  Specifically, on the other hand, in the second projecting portion 15t of the second cam member 15, the locking portion 15tv of the transverse portion 15t2 comes into contact with the inclined surface on the other direction R1 side in the rotation direction R of the mountain portion 52. In this case, the third plate-like member 11 is moved to the third position shown in FIG. 5, and the second cam member 15 may unexpectedly rotate to the one direction R2 side. The locking portion 15tv is prevented from being caught on the inclined surface.

  On the other hand, in the second projecting portion 15t of the second cam member 15, when the locking portion 15tv of the transverse portion 15t2 is in contact with the inclined surface on the one direction R2 side in the rotation direction R of the mountain portion 52, This is a case where the third plate-like member 11 is moved to the fourth position shown in FIG. 6, and the second cam member 15 is unexpectedly rotated to the other direction R1 side in relation to the inclined surface. The stopping portion 15tv is prevented from being caught.

  As the locking portion 15tv moves over the mountain portion 52 with the movement in the rotation direction R, a click feeling is generated, so that the operator can fix the fixed lever 5 to which the second cam member 15 is fitted. It is possible to easily recognize that the third plate-like member 11 has moved from the third position to the fourth position, or has moved from the fourth position to the third position. It is like that. That is, the mountain portion 52 notifies the operator of the completion of movement of the third plate-like member 11 with a click feeling.

  Next, with respect to the configuration of the first bending operation mechanism 101 that bends the bending portion 2w in the left-right direction in the bending operation device 100 for an endoscope provided in the operation unit 3, FIGS. It explains using.

  7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the first bending operation mechanism of the bending operation device in FIG. 2, FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing the cam member of FIG. 7, and FIG. A state in which the first plate-like member and a part of the second plate-like member are assembled so as to fit into the cam groove provided in the protruding portion of the cam member with a first interval is schematically illustrated. FIG. 10 and FIG. 10 are diagrams schematically showing a state in which the first plate-like member in FIG. 9 is moved to the second interval by the cam groove as the cam member rotates.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first bending operation mechanism 101 is positioned so as to overlap with the second bending operation mechanism 102 along the extending direction A, and is higher than the second bending operation mechanism 102. Is located.

  In the first bending operation mechanism 101, the left / right bending operation knob 6 is provided so as to extend from the inside of the operation unit 3 along the extending direction A and is more radial than the first rotation shaft 18. It is locked to the outer periphery of the upper top portion 38c (see FIG. 7) of the cylindrical first rotation shaft 38 provided coaxially on the inner side of K via the support frame 43. The rotation shaft 38 is rotatable in the other direction R1 or the one direction R2 in the rotation direction R.

  In addition, the support frame 43 is configured to be watertight along the extending direction A in a state where the up / down bending operation knob 4 and the left / right bending operation knob 6 are spaced apart in the extending direction A by a set interval. 6 and the up / down bending operation knob 4 are connected to each other, and the lower small-diameter portion 43t is watertight through an O-ring 42 to an opening communicating with an internal space 4i formed at the center of the up / down bending operation knob 4. The outer peripheral surface of the upper large-diameter portion 43b is in watertight contact with the inner peripheral surface 6n of the left / right bending operation knob 6 via an O-ring 44. The support frame 43 is a member that rotates together with the left / right bending operation knob 6 and the first rotation shaft 38.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inner peripheral surface 6 n of the left / right bending operation knob 6 is formed to have the same inner diameter K <b> 1 as the inner peripheral surface 4 n of the upper / lower bending operation knob 4.

  Further, in the left and right bending operation knob 6, the inner peripheral surface of the opening communicating with the space 6 i formed in the center on the upper side extends the fixing knob 7 and the left and right bending operation knob 6 via the O-ring 47. In a state of being spaced apart by a set interval in the direction A, the left and right bending operation knobs 6 and the fixing knob 7 are in watertight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7t of the fixing knob 7 connecting the fixing knob 7. The small diameter portion 7t is fitted in the opening of the left / right bending operation knob 6. Further, the fixed knob 7 having the small diameter portion 7t rotates separately from the rotation of the left / right bending operation knob 6.

  In addition, since the latching structure of the bending operation knob 6 for right and left via the support frame 43 to the top part 38c is known, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  A lower lower end located inside the operation unit 3 of the first rotation shaft 38 is fitted to a sprocket 39 provided inside the operation unit 3. The sprocket 39 is wound with a chain (not shown) that bends the bending portion 2w in the left-right direction.

  Accordingly, when the left / right bending operation knob 6 is rotated in the other direction R1 or the one direction R2, the first turning shaft 38 locked to the left / right bending operation knob 6 is also moved to the left / right bending operation knob 6. Since the sprocket 39 also rotates in the same direction, the bending portion 2w bends in either the left or right direction when one side of the chain is pulled.

  The combination of the sprocket 39 and the chain is not limited, and the lower end of the first rotation shaft 38 is fitted to the pulley, and the right and left bending wire wound around the pulley is pulled as the pulley rotates. It may be a configuration.

  In the space 6 i inside the left / right bending operation knob 6, the cylindrical first fixed shaft 30 is located above the first rotation shaft 38 on the outer periphery of the shaft 200 extending from the inside of the operation unit 3. On the other hand, it is fixed coaxially with the first rotation shaft 38. The first fixed shaft 30 is formed along the extending direction A so that the cross-sectional shape in the insertion direction S is a polygonal shape, for example, a rectangular shape.

  The first fixed shaft 30 is fixed with respect to the outer periphery of the shaft 200, so that the first fixed shaft 30 is not rotated with respect to the first rotating shaft 38. In addition, the first fixed shaft 30 has an inner peripheral surface 6n of the left / right bending operation knob 6 and an inner peripheral surface 4n of the upper / lower bending operation knob 4 having the same inner diameter K1, and will be described later. As described above, the first plate member 31, the second plate member 32, and the first fixed disk 34 are connected to the third plate member 11, the fourth plate member 12, and the second fixed disk 14. By being formed in the same shape and size, they are formed thicker in the radial direction K than the second fixed shaft 10.

  The first fixed shaft 30 has the above-mentioned small diameter portion 7t located in the space 6i inside the left / right bending operation knob 6 at the upper end of the first fixed shaft 30. The small-diameter portion 7t of the fixed knob 7 positioned above the bending operation knob 6 is in contact with the rotation direction R so as to be rotatable.

  Further, on the outer periphery of the first fixed shaft 30, a first annular member that is located in the space 6 i inside the left / right bending operation knob 6 below the small-diameter portion 7 t and is made of, for example, metal. The cam member 35 is located coaxially with the fixing knob 7 in the extending direction A.

  The first cam member 35 is vertically inverted in the extending direction A with respect to the second cam member 15 and is formed into a mirror image. As shown in FIG. 8, the disk-shaped upper portion 35b is formed. And two first projecting portions 35t projecting downward in an L-shape in the extending direction A so as to face each other from the upper portion 35b.

  The first cam member 35 has a plurality of protrusions 7m formed on the lower end surface of the small diameter portion 7t of the fixing knob 7 as shown in FIG. It is fixed to the fixing knob 7 by fitting.

  That is, the first cam member 35 is rotatable in the other direction R1 or the one direction R2 of the rotation direction R together with the fixing knob 7 by fitting the convex portion 7m into the hole portion 35p. In other words, the fixed knob 7 is for rotating the first cam member 35. Therefore, the first cam member 35 is rotatable separately from the rotation of the first rotation shaft 38.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first projecting portion 35t of the first cam member 35 includes an upright portion 35t1 projecting downward in the extending direction A from the upper portion 35b, and a one-way R2 from the projecting end of the upright portion 35t1. In the extending direction A with respect to the transverse part 35t2 in the upper part 35b, the step part 35t3 located in the other direction R1 side of the rising part 35t1 and the transverse part 35t2 extending in an arc shape along the rotation direction R The main part is comprised including the thick part 35t4 located facing.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the first protrusion 35t, a cam groove 35c that is a first plate-like member moving portion is formed in the thick portion 35t4 along the rotation direction R. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the cam groove 35c has an inclined surface or an inclined surface so that the groove interval in the extending direction A becomes m1 smaller than m2 (m1 <m2) as it goes in the other direction R1. It has an arcuate surface. The value of m2 may be equal to the value of m4 described above, and the value of m1 may be equal to the value of m3 described above.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the extending end of the first projecting portion 35t on the one side R2 side of the traversing portion 35t2 is bent in a crank shape to form a locking portion 35tv.

  Returning to FIG. 2, on the outer periphery of the first fixed shaft 30, the first cam member 35 is positioned below the upper portion 35 b of the first cam member 35, coaxially with the first cam member 35 in the extending direction A, and left and right. The first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32, which are located in the space 6i inside the bending operation knob 6 and made of, for example, metal, specifically, hard stainless steel, are parallel to each other. It is mated.

  The first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 may be formed in the same size and shape. Further, the first plate member 31 may be formed in the same size and shape as the third plate member 11. Further, the second plate-like member 32 may be formed in the same size and shape as the fourth plate-like member 12. Moreover, the 1st plate-shaped member 31, the 2nd plate-shaped member 32, the 3rd plate-shaped member 11, and the 4th plate-shaped member 12 may be formed in the same magnitude | size and shape.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the first plate-like member 31 and the second plate-like member 32 have an outer shape substantially equal to the outer shape of the second fixed shaft 30 and are planar from above. Through holes 31k and 32k penetrating in the extending direction A having a polygonal shape, for example, a rectangular shape, are formed, and the first fixed shaft 30 inserted through the through holes 31k and 32k is first. The plate-like member 31 and the second plate-like member 32 are fitted.

  The position of the through hole 31k of the first plate-like member 31 is formed at the same position as the position of the through-hole 32k of the second plate-like member 32. That is, when the first plate-like member 31 and the second plate-like member 32 are overlapped, the through holes 31k and 32k are overlapped.

  Therefore, since the first plate-like member 31 and the second plate-like member 32 are fitted to the first fixed shaft 30, the first plate-shaped member 31 and the second plate-shaped member 32 are moved together with the first fixed shaft 30 with respect to the first rotating shaft 38. And non-rotating configuration.

  Between the extending direction A of the first plate-like member 31 and the second plate-like member 32, the first plate-like member 31 and the third plate-like member 32 are coaxial with each other in the extending direction A. A first fixed disk 34 that is a first friction plate that is located and located in the space 6 i inside the left and right bending operation knob 6 is provided. The first fixed disk 34 may be formed in the same shape and size as the second fixed disk 14.

  The first fixed disk 34 is shaped and pushed so that an O-ring 45, which is an elastic member provided on the outer peripheral surface, gives an appropriate curved holding force to the inner peripheral surface 6 n of the left / right bending operation knob 6 in advance. While the contact amount is set and is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 6n, the extending direction A extends to the first plate-like member 31 and the second plate-like member 32 at a second position (see FIG. 10) described later. Has a flange portion 34f sandwiched between the two.

  The first plate-like member 31 is positioned to face the first surface 34f1 that is the upper surface of the flange portion 34f, and the second plate-like member 32 is the lower surface of the flange portion 34f. Is located opposite to the second surface 34f2. That is, the first plate member 31 is located above the second plate member 32.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first surface 34f1 is caused to increase the frictional force of the first plate-like member 31 on the first surface 34f1 at a second position (see FIG. 10) described later. A friction member 48 is provided.

  Note that the friction member is not provided on the second surface 34f2. If the friction member is provided on the second surface 34f2, when the left and right bending operation knobs 6 are pushed down from above and assembled, When the one fixed disk 34 is pushed down, the friction member provided on the second surface 34 f 2 comes into contact with the second plate member 32, and the sliding between the friction member and the second plate member 32 occurs. This is to prevent the left and right bending operation knob 6 from becoming difficult to rotate due to the generation of dynamic resistance, and to prevent the first bending operation mechanism 101 from being enlarged in the extending direction A.

  Therefore, since the friction member is not provided on the second surface 34f2 and the contact resistance between the second surface 34f2 and the second plate member 32 is negligibly small, the second surface 34f2 is You may contact | abut to the 2nd plate-shaped member 32. FIG.

  Further, the O-ring 45 may abut on the inner peripheral surface 6n discontinuously. Further, the first fixed disk 34 rotates together with the left and right bending operation knobs 6 at a first position (see FIG. 9) described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 are rotated so as to penetrate in the extending direction A, for example, at a predetermined overlapping position in a plan view from above. Two first slits 31 s and two second slits 32 s each having a partial arc shape in the moving direction R are symmetrical with respect to the rotation center of the first rotation shaft 38. Further, the through holes 31k and 32k are partially surrounded.

  The position of the first slit 31s of the first plate member 31 is formed at the same position as the position of the second slit 32s of the second plate member 32. That is, when the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 are overlapped, the first slit 31s and the second slit 32s are overlapped. Further, the first slit 31s and the second slit 32s are formed with high positional accuracy with reference to the through holes 31k and 32k.

  In the first slit 31s and the second slit 32s, the first protrusion 35t of the first cam member 35 is connected to the first rotation shaft 38 in the other direction R1 or the one direction R2 in the rotation direction R. In addition, it is penetrated along the extending direction A so as to be movable. That is, the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 in a state where the first projecting portion 35t of the first cam member 35 is penetrated by the first slit 31s and the second slit 32s. Is partially inserted into the cam groove 35c.

  The first projecting portion 35t has a position where the step portion 35t3 abuts against the opening end portion 32sk of the second slit 32s, and the end portions 31sw of the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32. 32sw (see FIG. 9) is movable in the rotation direction R in the first slit 31s and the second slit 32s at a position where it abuts on the end portion 35ct of the cam groove 35c.

  When the step portion 35t3 is in contact with the opening end portion 31sk, the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 have the first plate member 31 in the extending direction A as shown in FIG. They are separated by a distance d1. The first interval d1 may be the same as the third interval d3, and hereinafter, the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 are the first in the extending direction A. The position separated by the distance d1 is referred to as a first position.

  Further, at the first position, the distal end side in one direction R2 of the traversing part 35t2 is in contact with the lower side of the second plate-like member 32, so that the first protruding portion 35t from each slit 31s, 32s. Does not fall upward.

  Furthermore, in the first position shown in FIG. 9, when the step 35t3 is in contact with the opening end 31sk, the first protrusion 35t moves in the other direction R1 with respect to the first slit 31s. Rotation is regulated.

  Here, as described above, it is indicated that the cam groove 35c is formed in the rotation direction R in the first protrusion 35t.

  Therefore, when the fixing knob 7 is rotated in the same direction R2 as the fixing lever 5 from the first position and the first cam member 35 is rotated in the one direction R2, the cam groove 35c is also rotated in the one direction R2. Therefore, in the first slit 31s and the second slit 32s, the end portions 31sw and 32sw of the slits 31s and 32s of the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 are rotated by the cam groove 35c. The first projecting portion 35t moves in one direction R2 until it abuts on the end portion 35ct in the moving direction R, so that the first plate-like member 31 is thicker than the second plate-like member 32. The rotational force is converted into a force in the extending direction A by being guided by the inclined surface or the arcuate surface formed in the cam groove 35c of the portion 35t4, and as shown in FIG. , A second interval d shorter than the first interval d1 (D2 <d1) and moved downward to a second position spaced a. The second interval d2 may be the same as the fourth interval d4.

  That is, the cam groove 35c has a shape that moves the first plate-like member 31 downward from the first position to the second position as the first cam member 35 rotates in one direction R2. As the first cam member 35 rotates in one direction R2, the rotational force is converted into a force in the extending direction A, and the first plate-like member 31 is moved from the first position. It has a function of moving downward to the second position.

  Further, in the second position shown in FIG. 10, the first surface 34 f 1 and the second surface 34 f 2 of the flange portion 34 f of the first fixed disk 34 are in the extending direction A so that the first plate-shaped member 31. The rotation of the first fixed disk 34 that rotates together with the left / right bending operation knob 6 is fixed by being sandwiched between the second plate-like members 32, and the O-ring 45 is located inside the left / right bending operation knob 6. It abuts on the peripheral surface 6n with a friction force, that is, a friction force is applied.

  The rotational position of the left / right bending operation knob 6 is fixed by this frictional force. At this time, the force for sandwiching the flange portion 34f by the first plate-like member 31 and the second plate-like member 32 is larger than the frictional force between the left / right bending operation knob 6 and the O-ring 45.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, in each slit 31 s and 32 s, the first plate-like member 31 and the second plate 2 in the extending direction A are located on the inner side in the radial direction K than the first projecting portions 35 t. Two penetrating portions 60t of the annular first cam stopper 60 positioned coaxially with the plate-like member 32 are penetrated along the extending direction A. The first cam stopper 60 is made of metal, for example, stainless steel having elasticity. Further, the first cam stopper 60 is formed in a shape that is inverted in the extending direction A with respect to the second cam stopper 50 and becomes a mirror image.

  As described above, each penetrating part 60t is a part penetrating in the extending direction A on the inner side in the radial direction K from the first projecting portion 35t with respect to the slits 31s and 32s. The slits 31s and 32s are formed to have the same arc length.

  It should be noted that the through portions 60t are formed to have the same arc length in the rotation direction R as the slits 31s and 32s, and the slits 31s for the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32. , 32s are formed with high positional accuracy with reference to the through holes 31k, 32k, the second plate member 32 is positioned accurately in the rotation direction R with respect to the first plate member 31. In a well-aligned state, the outer periphery of the first fixed shaft 30 is fitted.

  That is, when the first plate-like member 31 and the second plate-like member 32 are overlapped, the through holes 31k and 32k are overlapped with high positional accuracy, and the slits 31s and 32s are also overlapped with high positional accuracy.

  Note that the first plate-like member 31 has a well-known configuration when the penetrating portion 60t is penetrated through the first slit 31s, so that the first plate-like member 31 does not come out above the first cam stopper 60 without being pulled out. It is fixed.

  Further, the first cam stopper 60 is shown in FIG. 9 as the first cam member 35 is rotated in the rotation direction R as described above because the first plate member 31 is fixed. It is movable in the extending direction A integrally with the first plate-like member 31 that can move between the first position and the second position shown in FIG.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, in the outer peripheral surface of the first cam stopper 60, in a region other than the through portion 60 t and at a position that is symmetric with respect to the rotation center of the first rotation shaft 38. The peak portions 62 are formed so as to protrude outward in the radial direction K.

  The peak portion 62 applies a resistance force to the rotation of the first cam member 35, thereby causing the first cam member 35 to move unexpectedly in the rotation direction R at the first position and the second position. It is something to prevent.

  Specifically, on the other hand, in the first projecting portion 35t of the first cam member 35, the locking portion 35tv of the transverse portion 35t2 abuts on the inclined surface on the other direction R1 side in the rotation direction R of the mountain portion 62. In this case, the first plate-like member 31 is moved to the first position shown in FIG. 9, and the first cam member 35 may unexpectedly rotate to the one direction R2 side. This is prevented by the catching portion 35tv being caught on the inclined surface.

  On the other hand, in the first projecting portion 35t of the first cam member 35, when the locking portion 35tv of the transverse portion 35t2 is in contact with the inclined surface on the one direction R2 side in the rotational direction R of the mountain portion 62, This is a case where the first plate-like member 31 is moved to the second position shown in FIG. 10, and the first cam member 35 is unexpectedly rotated to the other direction R1 side in relation to the inclined surface. The stopping portion 35tv is prevented from being caught.

  In addition, when the locking portion 35tv moves over the mountain portion 62 with the movement in the rotation direction R, a click feeling is generated, so that the operator can fix the fixed knob 7 to which the first cam member 35 is fitted. It is possible to easily recognize that the first plate-like member 31 has moved from the first position to the second position, or has moved from the second position to the first position. It is like that. That is, the mountain portion 62 notifies the operator of the completion of movement of the first plate-like member 31 with a click feeling.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be briefly described.
First, when the bending portion 2w of the insertion portion 2 is bent in any one of the up and down directions, the operator moves the up / down bending operation knob 4 in either the other direction R1 or the one direction R2 in the rotation direction R. Rotate in the direction.

  As a result, the second rotary shaft 18 and the sprocket 19 fixed to the up / down bending operation knob 4 also rotate in the other direction R1 or one direction R2, so that either side of the chain wound around the sprocket 19 is pulled. As a result, the bending portion 2w is bent in either the upper or lower direction. At this time, the second fixed shaft 10 is not rotated with respect to the second rotation shaft 18, and therefore does not rotate.

  In addition, since the locking portion 15tv of the transverse portion 15t2 of the second protrusion 15t of the second cam member 15 is hooked on the inclined surface on the other direction R1 side of the peak portion 52 of the second cam stopper 50, The second cam member 15 is prevented from unexpectedly rotating to the one direction R2 side. That is, the third positions of the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12 are fixed.

  Next, when it is desired to fix the bending angle in either the upper or lower direction of the bending portion 2w by the turning operation of the up / down bending operation knob 4, that is, when the turning position of the up / down bending operation knob 4 is to be fixed, the operation is performed. The person rotates the fixing lever 5 in one direction R <b> 2 with respect to the second fixed shaft 10.

  As a result, the second cam member 15 also rotates in one direction R2. At this time, the second fixed shaft 10 and the third plate member 11, the fourth plate member 12, and the second cam stopper 50 fitted to the second fixed shaft 10 are arranged in one direction R2. It does not rotate.

  Furthermore, in each slit 11s, 12s of the 3rd plate-shaped member 11 and the 4th plate-shaped member 12, the 2nd protrusion part 15t of the 2nd cam member 15 is the inside of each slit 11s, 12s. The three plate-like members 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12 move in one direction R2 until the end portions 11sw and 12sw of the slits 11s and 12s come into contact with the end portion 15ct of the cam groove 15c.

  Thus, the third plate member 11 is guided by the inclined surface or arcuate surface formed in the cam groove 15c with respect to the fourth plate member 12, and the rotational force is directed in the extending direction A. Is converted from the third position shown in FIG. 5 to the fourth position as shown in FIG. At this time, the second cam stopper 50 fixed to the third plate-like member 11 also moves from the third position to the fourth position.

  Further, during the movement from the third position to the fourth position, the second cam member 15 rotates in one direction R2, and with this rotation, the second protrusion 15t in the second cam member 15 is rotated. The locking portion 15tv of the transverse portion 15t2 gets over the peak portion 52 of the second cam stopper 50. Thus, by giving a click feeling to the operator of the fixed lever 5, the end of rotation of the second cam member 15 in one direction R2 is notified.

  After the movement, the locking portion 15tv is caught on the inclined surface on the one-side R2 side of the mountain portion 52, so that the second cam member 15 is prevented from unexpectedly rotating in the other direction R1. Yes. That is, the fourth positions of the third plate member 11 and the fourth plate member 12 are fixed.

  A known configuration may be used for the movement of the third plate member 11 from the fourth position to the third position by rotating the fixing lever 5 in the other direction R1.

  Next, when the bending portion 2w of the insertion portion 2 is bent in either the left or right direction, the operator turns the left / right bending operation knob 6 in either the other direction R1 or the one direction R2 in the rotation direction R. Rotate in the direction of.

  As a result, the first rotary shaft 38 and the sprocket 39 fixed to the left / right bending operation knob 6 also rotate in the other direction R1 or the one direction R2, so that either side of the chain wound around the sprocket 39 is pulled. As a result, the bending portion 2w is bent in either the left or right direction. At this time, the first fixed shaft 30 is not rotated with respect to the first rotation shaft 38 and thus does not rotate.

  Further, since the locking portion 15tv of the traversing portion 35t2 of the first projecting portion 35t of the first cam member 35 is caught on the inclined surface on the other direction R1 side of the peak portion 62 of the first cam stopper 60, The first cam member 35 is prevented from unexpectedly rotating to the one direction R2 side. That is, the first positions of the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 are fixed.

  Next, when it is desired to fix the bending angle in the left or right direction of the bending portion 2w by the turning operation of the left / right bending operation knob 6, that is, when the rotation position of the left / right bending operation knob 6 is to be fixed, the operation is performed. The person rotates the fixing knob 7 in one direction R2.

  As a result, the first cam member 35 also rotates in one direction R2. At this time, the first fixed shaft 30, the first plate member 31, the second plate member 32, and the first cam stopper 60 fitted to the first fixed shaft 30 are arranged in one direction R2. It does not rotate.

  Furthermore, in each slit 31s and 32s of the 1st plate-shaped member 31 and the 2nd plate-shaped member 32, the 1st protrusion part 35t of the 1st cam member 35 is the inside of each slit 31s and 32s. The first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 move in one direction R2 until the end portions 31sw and 32sw of the slits 31s and 32s come into contact with the end portion 35ct of the cam groove 35c.

  Thus, the first plate member 31 is guided by the inclined surface or the arc-shaped surface formed in the cam groove 35c with respect to the second plate member 32, and the rotational force is extended in the extending direction A. 9 and is moved from the first position shown in FIG. 9 to the second position as shown in FIG. At this time, the first cam stopper 60 fixed to the first plate-like member 31 also moves from the first position to the second position.

  Further, during the movement from the second position to the first position, the first cam member 35 rotates in one direction R2, and with the rotation, the first protrusion 35t of the first cam member 35 is rotated. The locking portion 35tv of the transverse portion 35t2 gets over the mountain portion 62 of the cam stopper 60. Thus, by giving a click feeling to the operator of the fixed knob 7, the end of rotation of the first cam member 35 in one direction R2 is notified.

  After the movement, the locking portion 35tv is caught on the inclined surface on the one-side R2 side of the mountain portion 62, so that the first cam member 35 is prevented from unexpectedly rotating in the other direction R1. Yes. That is, the second positions of the first plate member 31 and the second plate member 32 are fixed.

  In addition, the movement of the first plate member 31 from the second position to the first position by rotating the fixing knob 7 in the other direction R1 may use a known configuration.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, in the second bending operation mechanism 102, the second cam member 15 is rotated in one direction R2 by rotating the fixing lever 5 in one direction R2, and the second bending operation mechanism 102 The cam groove 15c formed in the transverse portion 15t2 located above the second protrusion 15t of the second cam member 15 is also located above the fourth plate member 12 by rotating in one direction R2. The third plate member 11 is moved downward from the third position to the fourth position, and at the fourth position, the flange portion 14f of the second fixed disk 14 is moved to the third plate member. 11 and the fourth plate-like member 12, and a frictional force is applied from the O-ring 25 of the second fixed disk 14 to the up / down bending operation knob 4 to fix the rotation position of the up / down bending operation knob 4. I indicated.

  Further, in the first bending operation mechanism 101, the first cam member 35 is rotated in one direction R2 by rotating the fixing knob 7 in the same one direction R2 as the fixing lever 5, so that the first cam member is rotated. The cam groove 35c formed in the thick portion 35t4 located above the first projecting portion 35t of the 35 is also rotated in one direction R2, so that the first plate located above the second plate member 32 is rotated. The plate-like member 31 is moved downward from the second position to the first position, and at the second position, the flange portion 34f of the first fixed disk 34 is moved to the first plate-like member 31 and the first position. It is shown that the rotational position of the left and right bending operation knob 6 is fixed by applying a frictional force to the left and right bending operation knob 6 from the O-ring 45 of the first fixed disk 34. .

  In the second bending operation mechanism 102, a friction member 28 is provided on the third surface 14f1 of the flange portion 14f of the second fixed disk 14 facing the third plate-like member 11, In the first bending operation mechanism 101, the friction member 48 is provided on the first surface 34f1 of the flange portion 34f of the first fixed disk 34 facing the first plate member 31.

  According to this, in assembling the second bending operation mechanism 102 and the first bending operation mechanism 101, when assembling the vertical bending operation knob 4 and the left / right bending operation knob 6 by pushing them downward in the extending direction A, Even if the second fixed disk 14 and the first fixed disk 34 are pushed down through the O-rings 25 and 45 that are in contact with the inner peripheral surfaces 4n and 6n, respectively, the third plate shape In addition to the simple structure in which the member 11 and the first plate-like member 31 are moved downward from above by the cam groove 15c and the cam groove 35c formed in the transverse portion 15t2 and the thick portion 35t4, the friction members 28 and 48 are provided. The third surface 14f1 of the flange portion 14f facing the third plate member 11 and the first surface 34f1 of the flange portion 34f facing the first plate member 31 are provided. By and simple configuration, the friction member is a fourth plate member 12, respectively, never contacts the second plate-like member 32.

  From this, after the assembly, the friction member is brought into contact with the fourth plate member 12 and the second plate member 32, respectively, so that sliding resistance is generated, and in the first position and the third position. However, the bending operation knob 4 for up and down and the bending operation knob 6 for left and right are difficult to turn, that is, a large amount of force for the turning operation is not required.

  In the present embodiment, the first plate member 31 and the third plate member 11 are formed in the same size and shape, and the second plate member 32 and the fourth plate are formed. The shape member 12 is shown to be formed in the same size and shape.

  Alternatively, the first plate member 31, the second plate member 32, the third plate member 11, and the fourth plate member 12 are shown to be formed in the same size and shape.

  Further, it is shown that the first fixed disk 34 and the second fixed disk 14 are formed in the same size and shape.

  According to this, since the parts can be shared by the first bending operation mechanism 101 and the second bending operation mechanism 102, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  From the above, in the extending direction A, it is possible to realize an endoscope that can realize a constant amount of turning operation of the left / right bending operation knob 6 superimposed on the up / down bending operation knob 4 with a low-cost and simple configuration. The bending operation device 100 and the endoscope 1 including the bending operation device 100 can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 2w ... Bending part 3 ... Operation part 3g ... Exterior housing | casing of operation part 4 ... Up / down bending operation knob (2nd bending operation knob)
5: Fixing lever (second operating member)
6: Left and right bending operation knob (first bending operation knob)
6n: Inner peripheral surface of left / right bending operation knob 7: Fixing knob (first operation member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... 3rd plate-shaped member 11s ... Slit of 3rd plate-shaped member 12 ... 4th plate-shaped member 12s ... Slit of 4th plate-shaped member 14 ... 2nd fixed disk (2nd friction plate)
14f1 ... 3rd surface 14f2 ... 4th surface 15 ... 2nd cam member (2nd annular member)
15c ... Cam groove (second plate-like member moving portion)
15t ... 2nd protrusion part 15t2 ... Traversing site | part of the 2nd protrusion part (site | part on the fixed knob side of 2nd protrusion part)
18 ... Second rotation shaft 25 ... O-ring (elastic member)
28 ... friction member 31 ... first plate member 31s ... slit of first plate member 32 ... second plate member 32s ... slit of second plate member 34 ... first fixed disk (first Friction plate)
34f1 ... 1st surface 34f2 ... 2nd surface 35 ... 1st cam member (1st annular member)
35c ... Cam groove (first plate-like member moving portion)
35t ... 1st protrusion part 35t4 ... Thick part of the 1st protrusion part (part on the fixed knob side of the 1st protrusion part)
38 ... 1st rotation axis 45 ... O-ring (elastic member)
48 ... friction member 100 ... bending operation device 101 ... first bending operation mechanism 102 ... second bending operation mechanism d1 ... first interval d2 ... second interval d3 ... third interval d4 ... fourth interval K1 ... Inner diameter R ... Rotation direction R1 ... One direction

Claims (9)

A bending operation device for an endoscope, which is provided in an operation portion of an endoscope and curves a bending portion of an insertion portion of the endoscope,
The first bending operation mechanism for bending the bending portion in the first direction is:
A first pivot axis;
A first bending operation knob that bends the bending portion in the first direction by rotating together with the first rotation shaft;
A first friction plate having a first surface and a second surface, abutting against an inner peripheral surface of the first bending operation knob via an elastic member, and rotatable with the first bending operation knob When,
A first plate-like shape in which a first slit penetrating along the extending direction of the first rotation shaft is formed opposite to the first surface of the first friction plate. Members,
A second plate-like member formed with a second slit penetrating along the extending direction, facing the second surface of the first friction plate;
The first plate-like member is divided into a first position where the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member are separated by a first interval, and a second interval shorter than the first interval. A first plate-like member moving unit that moves along the extending direction to a second position that sandwiches the first friction plate between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member When,
The first plate-like member moving part is provided, passes through the first slit and the second slit along the extending direction, and passes through the first slit and the second slit. A first annular member having a first protrusion that is movable in a rotation direction of the rotation shaft, and is rotatable in the rotation direction separately from the rotation of the first rotation shaft;
By rotating the first annular member in one direction, the first plate-shaped member moving portion is also rotated in the one direction, and the first plate-shaped member is moved from the first position to the second position. A first operating member that imparts a frictional force to the rotation of the first bending operation knob by moving to a position;
Comprising
The first operation member is located further to the distal side in the extending direction than the first bending operation knob from the outer casing of the operation unit, and the first plate-shaped member is Provided on the first operating member side in the extending direction than the plate-like member of 2 ,
A second bending operation mechanism for bending the bending portion in a second direction different from the first direction;
A second rotating shaft provided coaxially with the first rotating shaft;
A second bending operation knob for bending the bending portion in the second direction by rotating together with the second rotation shaft;
A second friction plate having a third surface and a fourth surface, abutting against an inner peripheral surface of the second bending operation knob via an elastic member, and rotatable with the second bending operation knob When,
A third plate-like member formed with a third slit penetrating along the extending direction, located opposite to the third surface of the second friction plate;
A fourth plate member formed with a fourth slit penetrating along the extending direction, facing the fourth surface of the second friction plate;
The third plate-like member is divided into a third position at which the third plate-like member and the fourth plate-like member are separated at a third interval, and a fourth interval shorter than the third interval. A second plate-shaped member moving portion that moves along the extending direction to a fourth position that sandwiches the second friction plate between the third plate-shaped member and the fourth plate-shaped member. When,
The second plate-like member moving portion is provided, passes through the third slit and the fourth slit along the extending direction, and passes through the third slit and the fourth slit. A second annular member having a second protrusion that is movable in the rotation direction and capable of rotating in the rotation direction separately from the rotation of the second rotation shaft;
By rotating the second annular member in the same direction as the first annular member, the second plate-shaped member moving portion is also rotated in the same direction as the first plate-shaped member moving portion. A second operation member that applies a frictional force to the rotation of the second bending operation knob by moving the third plate-shaped member from the third position to the fourth position; ,
Comprising
The second operation member is located between the exterior casing and the second bending operation knob in the extending direction, and the third plate-shaped member is connected to the exterior casing from the exterior casing. Provided on the distal side of the fourth plate member,
The first surface to the first surface at the second position and the fourth position on the first surface of the first friction plate and the third surface of the second friction plate. A bending operation device for an endoscope, wherein a friction member for increasing a frictional force of a plate-like member and a frictional force of the third plate-like member on the third surface is provided . The first bending operation mechanism is positioned so as to overlap with the second bending operation mechanism along the extending direction, and extends from the exterior housing more than the second bending operation mechanism. The bending operation apparatus for an endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the bending operation apparatus is located on a distal side in the direction. The movement of the first plate-like member from the first position to the second position and the third plate-like shape due to the rotation of the first operation member and the second operation member in the one direction. The endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the movement of the member from the third position to the fourth position is movement in a direction approaching the exterior housing in the extending direction. Bending operation device. The first plate member and the third plate member are formed in the same shape, and the second plate member and the fourth plate member are formed in the same shape. The bending operation apparatus for an endoscope according to claim 1 . Claim 1, wherein the first of said plate-like member and the second plate member third plate member and the fourth plate member, characterized in that all are formed in the same shape The bending operation apparatus for an endoscope according to 1. The endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the inner peripheral surface of the first bending operation knob and the inner peripheral surface of the second bending operation knob are formed to have the same inner diameter. Bending operation device. The bending operation device for an endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the first friction plate and the second friction plate are formed in the same shape. The first plate-like member moving part and the second plate-like member moving part are cam grooves formed in the first projecting part and the second projecting part, respectively.
Each cam groove in said first protrusion and said second protrusion, in claim 1, characterized in that it is formed in a portion of the first operating member side of each of the extending direction The bending operation apparatus for an endoscope according to the description.   An endoscope comprising the bending operation apparatus for the endoscope according to claim 1.

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