JP6839548B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

Description

In the present invention, the operation portion is provided with a first knob for bending the curved portion provided in the insertion portion and a second knob for operating a portion other than the curved portion in the insertion portion. Regarding endoscopes.

In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical and industrial fields. The endoscope can observe and treat the test site in the subject by inserting the elongated insertion portion into the subject.

Further, it is well known that a curved portion that can be curved in a plurality of directions is provided on the tip end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope, for example.

The curved portion improves the progress of the insertion portion at the bent portion in the pipeline, and the observation direction of the observation optical system, which is an optical component provided at the tip portion located on the tip side of the curved portion at the insertion portion. Is variable.

The curved portion is provided on the base end side of the insertion portion and is gripped by the operator, and rotates on the outer surface of the operation portion around a rotation axis intersecting the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, for example, 2. The bending operation knob, which is the first knob composed of the two, is rotated by the operator so that it can be bent freely in any of four directions of up, down, left, and right.

Since the bending operation knob is composed of one, the bending portion may be configured to be bendable in either the upper or lower two directions or the left and right two directions.

Further, the curved operation knob is rotated by, for example, the thumb of the left hand of the operator who grips the operation unit.

The rotation operation range in which the curved operation knob is operated by the thumb of the operator's left hand is the direction along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal axis direction) in consideration of the movement of the fingers in ergonomics. It is about 30 ° to 150 ° with respect to (referred to as).

Here, in Patent Document 1, in the insertion portion, the bending operation knob on the outer surface of the operation portion and the insertion portion rotate coaxially with the bending operation knob at a position adjacent to the bending operation knob along the rotation axis. The configuration of an endoscope in which a second knob for operating a portion other than the curved portion is provided in the operating portion is disclosed.

As the second knob, a mechanism for changing the flexibility of the insertion portion, a mechanism for switching the length of the curved portion, and an optical characteristic of the observation optical system provided on the tip side of the insertion portion are switched. Examples thereof include a knob for operating either the mechanism or the mechanism for raising the treatment tool raising table at the tip of the endoscope.

In addition, the fact that the second knob is provided coaxially with the curved operation knob can improve productivity and reduce production costs, and can be rotated by the thumb of the left hand of the operator who operates the curved operation knob. This is because the operability of the second knob is better when it is dynamically operated.

Even if the second knob is provided coaxially with the bending operation knob, it will unintentionally rotate together with the bending operation knob due to friction or the like as the bending operation knob rotates, that is, it will rotate. It is configured so that it will not be done.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-34547

Here, the movable range of the second knob is in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion (hereinafter, considering the movement of the fingers in ergonomics and not overlapping with the rotation position of the bending operation knob). From the longitudinal direction (referred to as the longitudinal direction), the first position at an angle close to the longitudinal axis direction (20 ° to 30 °) and the second position at an angle close to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction (40 ° to 60 °). Is defined between and.

That is, the second position is located within the rotation operation range of the bending operation knob, but the first position is located outside the rotation operation range of the bending operation knob.

Therefore, when the operator's thumb rotates the curved operation knob counterclockwise with respect to the rotation axis when viewed from the direction toward the knob, the thumb of the left hand is located in the first position. You won't get caught in the knob. That is, the second knob does not move counterclockwise from the first position to the second position.

However, when rotating the curved operation knob clockwise around the rotation axis when viewed from the direction toward this knob, the thumb of the left hand is caught by the second knob located in the second position, which is unintentional. The second knob moves clockwise from the second position to the first position, that is, it rotates, and the mechanism that accompanies the rotation of the second knob unintentionally functions. There was a problem that it would end up.

It should be noted that the above problem is caused by the thumb being the operator of the second knob, especially when the operator of the second knob is located between a plurality of irregularities formed along the outer circumference of the curved operation knob. It is easy to get caught, so it is easy to happen.

Further, the above problem is the same when the second knob is provided non-coaxially with the curved operation knob and both are operated by the same finger of the operator.

In view of such a problem, a configuration for increasing the operating force of the second knob can be considered, but in such a configuration, counterclockwise from the first position where it is difficult to hook the second knob to the second position. It is not preferable because the operability of the second knob is lowered because the amount of operating force is increased even in the case of rotating the knob.

Further, it is conceivable that the second knob is provided at a position away from the curved operation knob in the operation unit, but even in this configuration, the second knob must be operated with a finger different from the conventional one. Therefore, the operability of the second knob deteriorates.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems and circumstances, and when the first knob is rotated clockwise, the second knob is unintentionally moved without deteriorating the operability of the second knob. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope having a configuration capable of preventing the movement from the second position to the first position in the clockwise direction, that is, preventing the rotation of the second knob. And.

In order to achieve the above object, the endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention has a tip and a proximal end along a longitudinal axis, and an insertion portion inserted into the subject from the tip side and the insertion portion. It is provided on the base end side of the operation portion and is provided on the tip end side of the insertion portion while rotating on the outer surface of the operation portion around an operation portion that is gripped by the operator and a rotation shaft that intersects the longitudinal axis. A first knob for bending the curved portion and a position adjacent to the first knob and the rotation axis in a direction around the rotation shaft, and in the insertion portion. A second knob for operating a portion other than the curved portion and a moving member provided in the operating portion that moves back and forth in a direction along the longitudinal axis as the second knob rotates. A convex portion having a shape protruding in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis and a convex portion projecting from a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis within a range in which the convex portion moves in a direction along the longitudinal axis and elastically formed between the convex portion. The second knob rotates from a first position at an angle close to the longitudinal axis to a second position at an angle close to the longitudinal axis. The direction in which the convex portion moves is set as the first moving direction, and the direction in which the convex portion moves when the second knob rotates from the second position to the first position is the second moving direction. When the movement direction is set to, the convex portion or the protrusion is larger than the force required to move the second knob in the first movement direction in a state where the protrusion and the convex portion are in contact with each other. The second position has an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis so that the force required for moving in the second moving direction is larger. It is located within the rotation operation range of the first knob operated by the gripped operator's finger, and the first position is located outside the rotation operation range of the first knob. There is.
Further, the endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention has a tip and a proximal end along the longitudinal axis, and an insertion portion inserted into the subject from the distal end side and a proximal end side of the insertion portion. The operating portion provided in the above and gripped by the operator and the curved portion provided on the tip end side of the insertion portion while rotating on the outer surface of the operating portion around the rotation axis intersecting the longitudinal axis. The first knob for bending operation and the rotation axis are rotated at positions adjacent to the first knob in the direction along the rotation axis, and other than the bending portion in the insertion portion. On the longitudinal axis provided on the second knob for operating the portion and the moving member that moves back and forth in the direction along the longitudinal axis with the rotation of the second knob in the operating portion. A convex portion having a shape protruding in the intersecting direction and the convex portion projecting from the direction intersecting the longitudinal axis within a range in which the convex portion moves in the direction along the longitudinal axis and elastically contacting the convex portion. With respect to the first position having a protrusion, the second knob has an angle close to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from the first position at an angle close to the direction along the longitudinal axis. The direction in which the convex portion moves when rotating counterclockwise to a second position located in the counterclockwise direction is defined as the first movement direction, and the second knob moves from the second position to the second position. When the direction in which the convex portion moves when rotating clockwise to the first position is defined as the second moving direction, the convex portion or the protrusion is in a state where the protrusion and the convex portion are in contact with each other. Along the longitudinal axis, the force required to move the second knob in the second moving direction is greater than the force required to move the second knob in the first moving direction. It has an asymmetrical shape in the front-back direction.

According to the present invention, when the first knob is rotated clockwise, an endoscope having a configuration capable of preventing the rotation of the second knob without deteriorating the operability of the second knob is provided. Can be provided.

The figure which shows the endoscope of the 1st Embodiment FIG. 1 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the operation unit of the endoscope of FIG. 1 is gripped by the left hand of the operator. The figure which shows the rotation operation range of the bending operation knob operated by the thumb of the left hand of the operator who holds the operation part of FIG. The figure which shows the movable range of the 2nd knob operated by the thumb of the left hand of the operator who holds the operation part of FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an operation unit of FIG. 2 together with a rotation operation range of the bending operation knob of FIG. 3 and a movable range of the second knob of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in a region surrounded by a dotted line in the grip portion of the operation portion at the second position of the second knob of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in a region surrounded by a dotted line in the grip portion of the operation portion at the first position of the second knob of FIG. The force with respect to the rotation angle of the second knob of the endoscope from the second position to the first position in the second embodiment is constant when the inclination angle of the surface of the convex portion with which the protrusion contacts changes. Chart compared with the case A diagram schematically showing the initial position of a protrusion that contacts the surface of a convex portion when moving the second knob from the second position to the first position. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the positions of protrusions in contact with the surface of the convex portion when the moving member of FIG. 9 is moved in the second moving direction N2. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 6 at the second position of the second knob of the endoscope of the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 7 at the first position of the second knob of the endoscope of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a portion of a moving member surrounded by line XIII. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 6 at the second position of the second knob of the endoscope of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 7 at the first position of the second knob of the endoscope of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 6 at the second position of the second knob of the endoscope of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 7 at the first position of the second knob of the endoscope of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 6 at the second position of the second knob of the endoscope of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 7 at the first position of the second knob of the endoscope of the sixth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)

FIG. 1 is a view showing the endoscope of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the operating portion of the endoscope of FIG. 1 is gripped by the left hand of the operator.

Further, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a rotation operation range of the curved operation knob operated by the thumb of the left hand of the operator holding the operation unit of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the rotation operation range of the bending operation knob operated by the thumb of the left hand. FIG. It is a figure which shows the movable range of the 2nd knob operated by the thumb of the left hand of.

Further, FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the operation unit of FIG. 2 together with the rotation operation range of the bending operation knob of FIG. 3 and the movable range of the second knob of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the second knob of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in a region surrounded by a dotted line in the grip portion of the operating portion at the second position of the knob of 2, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the first position of the second knob of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the moving member and the protrusion located in the region surrounded by the dotted line in the grip part of the operation part in the above.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 has a tip and a proximal end along the longitudinal axis J, and an insertion portion 2 inserted into the subject from the distal end side and a base of the insertion portion 2. It is provided on the end side and includes an operation unit 6 that is gripped and operated by an operator.

Further, the endoscope 1 includes a universal cord 7 extending from the operation unit 6 and a connector 8 provided at the extending end of the universal cord 7.

Since the connector 8 can be connected to a known light source device, video processor, or the like (not shown), the endoscope 1 can be connected to a peripheral device.

The insertion portion 2 includes a tip portion 3, a curved portion 4, and a flexible tube portion 5 in this order from the tip end side, and constitutes a main portion.

The curved portion 4 is curved in four directions, for example, up, down, left and right, by the curved operation knobs 11 and 12 (see FIG. 2), which are the first knobs provided in the operation portion 6, and can be curved with the tip portion 3. It is provided between the flexible tube portion 5 and the flexible tube portion 5. The curved portion 4 may have a configuration that can be bent in two directions, up and down or left and right, by one bending operation knob.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 6 is gripped on the insertion portion 2 side in the longitudinal axis direction N by the belly of the operator's left hand L, the middle finger LN, the ring finger LM, and the little finger LK in the exterior member of the operation unit 6. The grip portion 6h is provided. Further, various operation switches, knobs, levers, and knobs are provided in a region of the operation unit 6 on the base end side of the grip portion 6h.

Further, a switch box 47 is provided at an end portion of the operation portion 6 that is separated from the insertion portion 2 in the longitudinal axis direction N.

On the surface of the switch box 47 on the universal cord 7 side, for example, a release switch button 21 for instructing recording of an image captured by an imaging device (not shown) provided in the tip portion 3, and, for example, an optical component in the above-mentioned imaging device. A zoom switch button 22 for switching the optical characteristics of the above is provided. The zoom switch button 22 may have the function of the second knob 16 described later.

The switch buttons 21 and 22 are operated by the thumb LO of the left hand L when the base of the universal cord 7 is grasped by the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG.

Further, on the upper surface of the switch box 47, for example, a power switch button 23 for turning on / off the power of the endoscope 1 is provided. Further, for example, an iris switch button 24 for changing the photometric method is provided on the surface of the switch box 47 opposite to the surface on which the switch buttons 21 and 22 are provided.

The switch buttons 23 and 24 are operated by the index finger LH of the left hand L when the operation unit 6 is gripped by the operator as shown in FIG.

Further, in the operation unit 6, the position is on the base end side of the grip portion 6h and on the tip end side of the switch box 47, adjacent to the surface on which the curved operation knobs 11 and 12 are provided, and on the tip end side of the switch button 24. On the surface of the surface, for example, a freeze switch button 28 for instructing the stillness of an image captured by an imaging unit, a known air supply / water supply operation switch button 26, and a suction operation switch button 27 are provided.

The freeze switch button 28, the air supply / water supply operation switch button 26, and the suction operation switch button 27 are operated by the index finger LH and the middle finger LN when the operation unit 6 is grasped by the operator as shown in FIG.

Further, in the operation unit 6, the surface on which the switch buttons 21 and 22 are provided, the surface on which the switch buttons 23 are provided, and the switch, which are located on the base end side of the grip portion 6h and on the tip end side of the switch box 47. Curved operation knobs 11 and 12 for bending the curved portion 4 are provided on a surface adjacent to the surface on which the button 24 is provided.

The bending operation knob 11 rotates on the outer surface 6g of the operating portion 6 around a rotating shaft (not shown) that intersects the longitudinal axis J, and is rotated by an operator to bend the curved portion 4 in the vertical direction. It is a knob to be played. Further, the curved operation knob 11 is configured such that the rotation position is fixed by the operation of the rotation position fixing lever 14.

Further, the bending operation knob 12 is provided on the side coaxial with the bending operation knob 11 and away from the outer surface 6g along the rotation axis of the bending operation knob 11, and is centered on the same rotation axis as the bending operation knob 11. It is a knob that rotates and is operated to rotate the curved portion 4 in the left-right direction. Further, the curved operation knob 12 is configured such that the rotation position is fixed by the operation of the rotation position fixing knob 13.

The curved operation knobs 11 and 12 are rotated by the thumb LO when the operation unit 6 is gripped by the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG.

When the operation unit 6 is gripped by the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG. 2, the curved operation knob 11 is operated by the thumb LO of the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG. O is set in a range of an angle β1 = 30 ° to an angle β2 = 150 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis J in consideration of how the fingers move in ergonomics.

Further, in the direction along the rotation axis of the bending operation knob 11, the bending operation knob 11 is rotated around the rotation axis of the bending operation knob 11 at a position adjacent to the bending operation knob 11 on the outer surface 6g side, and the insertion portion 2 is used. A second knob 16 for operating a portion other than the curved portion 4 is provided.

The second knob 16 includes, for example, a mechanism for changing the flexibility of the insertion portion 2, a mechanism for switching the bending length of the curved portion 4, and a mechanism for switching the optical characteristics of the optical component in the above-mentioned imaging device. , Used to operate any of the mechanisms that raise the treatment tool raising platform at the tip of the endoscope.

Further, when the operation unit 6 is gripped by the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG. 2, the second knob 16 is also rotated by the thumb LO.

As shown in FIG. 3, the maximum diameter R3 from the rotation center of the second knob 16 is the maximum diameter R1 from the rotation center of the bending operation knob 11 so that the rotation operation can be easily performed by the thumb LO. It is preferably set between the small diameter R2 and the small diameter R2 (R2 <R1 <R3). This is because when the operator of the second knob 16 is located in the area surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line X, it is easier to perform the rotation operation by the thumb LO.

Further, in the second knob 16, when the operation unit 6 is gripped by the operator's left hand L as shown in FIG. 2, the movable range Q operated by the thumb LO of the operator's left hand L is ergonomically determined. In consideration of the movement of the thumb in the above direction and not to overlap with the rotation position of the bending operation knob, the first position P1 at an angle α1 = 20 ° to 30 ° close to the longitudinal axis direction N from the longitudinal axis J. , It is defined between the angle α2 = 40 ° to 60 °, which is close to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction N, and the second position P2, and is rotatable in the counterclockwise direction M1 and the clockwise direction M2. ing.

That is, the second position P2 is located within the rotation operation range O of the bending operation knob 11, but the first position P1 is located outside the rotation operation range O of the bending operation knob 11.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a moving member 30 that moves back and forth in the longitudinal axis direction N with the rotation of the second knob 16 is provided in the operation unit 6. The moving member 30 includes, for example, an elongated rod made of a hard member.

Further, in the grip portion 6h of the operating portion 6, in the region surrounded by the dotted line E as shown in FIG. 5, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the moving member 30 is in the direction C intersecting the longitudinal axis J. A convex portion 31 having a protruding shape is provided.

The convex portion 31 is composed of a large diameter portion in which a part of the rod constituting the moving member 30 in the longitudinal axis direction N is thickened. Further, the convex portion 31 which is a large diameter portion in which a part of the rod (moving member 30) in the longitudinal direction direction N is thickened may be integrally formed with the rod (moving member 30), and the rod (moving member 30) may be formed integrally. 30) may be formed as a separate member having a barrel shape, for example, by providing a hole in the center so that the member can be attached to the outer peripheral surface and the thickness gradually changes in the longitudinal axis direction N.

Further, in the grip portion 6h of the operating portion 6, in the region surrounded by the dotted line E as shown in FIG. 5, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the convex portion 31 is within the range in which the convex portion 31 moves in the longitudinal axial direction N. A protrusion 41 having, for example, an arcuate contact surface, which protrudes from the direction C and elastically contacts the convex portion 31, is provided on the support member 40 of the protrusion 41.

The protrusion 41 is made of, for example, an elastic member. Contrary to the above, since the protrusion 41 is made of a hard member and the moving member 30 is made of a flexible member, the protrusion 41 elastically comes into contact with the convex portion 31. It may be configured. Further, since the support member 40 is made of a flexible member, the protrusion 41 may be in elastic contact with the convex portion 31.

Here, the direction in which the convex portion 31 moves when the second knob 16 rotates from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in the counterclockwise direction M1 is set as the first moving direction N1, and the second When the direction in which the convex portion 31 moves when the knob 16 rotates clockwise from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 is set as the second moving direction N2, it is convex at each position of P1 and P2. The portion 31 is in contact with the protrusion 41, and the second moving direction N2, that is, the clock, is more than the force required to move the second knob 16 in the first moving direction N1, that is, the counterclockwise direction M1. It has an asymmetric shape in the front-rear direction in the longitudinal direction N so that the force required for moving in the circumferential direction M2 is larger.
Further, the movable range of the second knob is regulated by a stopper (not shown) so that the second knob 16 does not move in the M1 direction when it is in the P2 position and in the M2 direction when it is in the P1 position.

As an example of the force required to move the apex portion of the second knob 16 (outermost portion of the second knob 16) in the first moving direction N1, it is preferably 5 to 10 N. As an example of the force required to move the second knob 16 in the second moving direction N2, it is preferably 15 to 25 N, and it is desirable that there is a difference of 10 N or more between the two.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the convex portion 31 has a different shape of inclination formed on the front surface 32 in the longitudinal axis direction N and the base end side surface 33. Alternatively, chamfered portions having different shapes are formed.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the convex portion 31 is a portion of the surface 32 that comes into contact with the protrusion 41 when moving from the second position P2 to the second moving direction N2. The angle θ1 with respect to is formed to be larger than the angle θ2 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N of the surface 33, which is the portion where the protrusion 41 comes into contact when moving from the first position P1 to the first moving direction N1 (θ1>. θ2).

It is preferable that θ1 has an angle of 1.3 times or more of θ2. Specific examples include θ1 = 50 ° to 75 ° and θ2 = 40 ° to 50 °, and more preferable examples include θ1 being approximately 60 ° and θ2 being approximately 45 °.

As a result, when the second knob 16 is rotated from the first position P1 to the second position P2, or from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the convex portion 31 Since the moving member 30 moves in the first moving direction N1 or the second moving direction N2 while the protrusion 41 is in contact with the protrusion 41, the protrusion 41 is elastically deformed by the contacting surface 32 or 33.

At this time, since the surface 32 and the surface 33 are formed in different inclined shapes or chamfered shapes, the force for deforming the protrusion 41 is different between the first moving direction N1 and the second moving direction N2.

In other words, the reaction force received by the convex portion 31 from the protrusion 41 differs between the first moving direction N1 and the second moving direction N2 (H1> H2).

Specifically, since the surface 32 is formed at a larger inclination angle than the surface 33, the force that deforms the protrusion 41 by the surface 32 (the reaction force H1 that the surface 32 receives from the protrusion 41) is generated by the surface 33. Since the force that deforms the protrusion 41 (the reaction force H2 that the surface 33 receives from the protrusion 41) is larger (H1> H2), the force that deforms the protrusion 41, that is, the reaction force that the protrusion 31 receives from the protrusion 41 is. The second moving direction N2 is larger than the first moving direction N1.

That is, the force that rotates the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 causes the second knob 16 to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. It is larger than the force to rotate in the counterclockwise direction M1.

Since the configuration of the other endoscope 1 is the same as that of the conventional one, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the moving member 30 that moves back and forth in the longitudinal axial direction N with the rotation of the second knob 16 provided in the operation unit 6 is surrounded by the dotted line E in FIG. In the portion located in the region, a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed or a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed on the front side (tip side) surface 32 in the longitudinal axis direction N and the base end side surface 33. It was shown that the convex portion 31 was formed.

Specifically, it is shown that the angle θ1 of the surface 32 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N is formed larger than the angle θ2 of the surface 33 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N (θ1> θ2).

Further, the surface 32 is a portion where the protrusion 41 comes into contact when the second knob 16 is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1, and the surface 33 is a portion where the second knob 16 is brought into contact with the first position P1. It is shown that it is a portion where the protrusion 41 comes into contact when rotating from the position P1 to the second position P2.

According to this, the force that deforms the protrusion 41 by the surface 32 (the reaction force H1 that the surface 32 receives from the protrusion 41) is the force that deforms the protrusion 41 by the surface 33 (the reaction force H2 that the surface 33 receives from the protrusion 41). The reaction force that the surfaces 32 and 33 receive from the deformation of the protrusion 41 is in the second moving direction N2 when the second knob 16 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Is larger than the first moving direction N1 when the second knob 16 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

Therefore, the force that rotates the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 is more powerful than the force that causes the second knob 16 to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. It is larger than the force to rotate in the counterclockwise direction M1.

From this, when the operator rotates the bending operation knob 11 in the clockwise direction M2 by the thumb LO of the left hand L, the operator is located at the second position P2 in the rotation operation range O of the bending operation knob 11. Even if the thumb LO is hooked on the knob 16, the second knob 16 unexpectedly becomes difficult to rotate in the second moving direction N2, that is, the clockwise direction M2. The 16 is not rotated in the clockwise direction M2 together with the bending operation knob 11.

Further, the second knob 16 located at the first position P1 outside the rotation operation range O of the bending operation knob 11 is directed toward the second position P2 in the first movement direction N1, that is, the counterclockwise direction M1. Since the force for moving the knob 16 is smaller than that in the clockwise direction M2, the second knob 16 can be rotated in the clockwise direction M1 as in the conventional case.

From the above, when the bending operation knob 11 is rotated in the clockwise direction M2, the endoscope has a configuration capable of preventing the rotation of the second knob 16 without deteriorating the operability of the second knob 16. 1 can be provided.

(Second Embodiment)

FIG. 8 shows the force with respect to the rotation angle of the second knob of the endoscope from the second position to the first position in the present embodiment, when the inclination angle of the surface of the convex portion in contact with the protrusion changes. It is a chart comparing with and in a certain case.

Further, FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the initial position of the protrusion that contacts the surface of the convex portion when the second knob is moved from the second position to the first position, and FIG. 10 is a diagram. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the positions of protrusions that come into contact with the surface of the convex portion when the moving member of FIG. 9 is moved in the second moving direction N2.

The structure of the endoscope of the second embodiment is different from that of the endoscope of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above in that the shape of the surface 32 of the convex portion 31 is different. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, also in the present embodiment, the convex portion 31 moves the second knob 16 in the first moving direction N1 in a state where the protrusion 41 and the convex portion 31 are in contact with each other. It has an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction in the longitudinal axis direction N so that the force required for moving in the second moving direction N2 is larger than the force required for the case.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the convex portion 31 is formed to have different shapes of inclination on the front side (tip side) surface 32 in the longitudinal axis direction N and the base end side surface 33. Has been done. More specifically, the surface 32 is formed in a shape whose cross section draws an arc. Therefore, the reaction force H3 received by the surface 32 from the protrusion 41 is set to be larger than the reaction force H2 received by the surface 33 from the protrusion 41 (H3> H2).

The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

With such a configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the second knob 16 is rotated clockwise M2 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. When the protrusion 41 moves in the second moving direction N2 in a state where the protrusion 41 is in contact with the surface 32 formed in an arc-shaped cross section, the protrusion 41 is projected from FIG. 9 to FIG. 10 in the second moving direction N2. The inclination of the surface 32 becomes smaller in the direction in which the 31 moves.

From this, as shown in FIG. 8, the force when rotating the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 is increased by the initial force without increasing the maximum force. be able to.

(Third Embodiment)

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as FIG. 6 at the second position of the second knob of the endoscope of the present embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 7 at the first position of the second knob of the endoscope. FIG. Is an enlarged view.

The configuration of the endoscope of the third embodiment is the endoscope of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, and the endoscope of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. The shape of the surface 32 of the convex portion 31 is different from that of the mirror. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations similar to those of the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, also in the present embodiment, the convex portion 31 moves the second knob 16 in the first moving direction N1 in a state where the protrusion 41 and the convex portion 31 are in contact with each other. It has an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction in the longitudinal axis direction N so that the force required for moving in the second moving direction N2 is larger than the force required for the case.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the surface 32 is composed of two surfaces 32a and 32b having different angles θ5 and θ6 inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N (θ5> θ6).

Further, the angle θ5 of the surface 32a is formed to be larger than the angle θ2 of the surface 33 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N (θ5> θ2). Therefore, the reaction force H4 received by the surface 32a from the protrusion 41 is set to be larger than the reaction force H2 received by the surface 33 from the protrusion 41 (H4> H2).

The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

With such a configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the second knob 16 is rotated clockwise M2 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. When the protrusion 41 moves in the second moving direction N2 in a state of being in contact with the surface 32 composed of the surface 32a and the surface 32b, the protrusion 41 is projected from the surface 32a to the surface 32b in the second moving direction N2. In the direction in which 31 moves, the inclination of the surface 32 becomes smaller, and as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 and FIG. 8 shown in the second embodiment described above, the maximum force is not increased and the initial force of curvature is increased. Can be made to.

From this, the force when rotating the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 can be increased by the initial force without increasing the maximum force.

The surface 32 is composed of three or more surfaces having different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N, and the operator who rotates the second knob 16 each time the protrusion 41 moves between the surfaces. The configuration may be such that the thumb LO is notified of the click feeling so that the operator recognizes some operation information.

(Fourth Embodiment)

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as FIG. 6 at the second position of the second knob of the endoscope of the present embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 7 at the first position of the second knob of the endoscope.

In the configuration of the endoscope of the third embodiment, as compared with the endoscope of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, only the surface 32 of the convex portion 31 has an inclined shape. The difference is that it is formed or a chamfered portion is formed. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, also in the present embodiment, the convex portion 31 moves the second knob 16 in the first moving direction N1 in a state where the protrusion 41 and the convex portion 31 are in contact with each other. It has an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction in the longitudinal axis direction N so that the force required for moving in the second moving direction N2 is larger than the force required for the case.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the convex portion 31, only the surface 32 is formed in an inclined shape having an angle θ7 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction N, or a chamfered portion is formed. Therefore, the surface 33 is not formed on the base end side of the convex portion 31. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

Even with such a configuration, the protrusion 41 is deformed only by the surface 32, and the reaction force H5 received by the surface 32 from the protrusion 41 is larger than the reaction force H6 received by the other surfaces along the longitudinal direction N (H5). > H6).

Therefore, the force that causes the second knob 16 to rotate from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 is greater than the force that causes the second knob 16 to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Since it is larger than the force for rotating in the counterclockwise direction M1, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and since it is not necessary to form the surface 33 on the convex portion 31, the movement is performed. The member 30 can be formed at low cost.

(Fifth Embodiment)

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as FIG. 6 at the second position of the second knob of the endoscope of the present embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a diagram of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 7 at the first position of the second knob of the endoscope.

The configuration of the endoscope of the fifth embodiment is different from that of the endoscope of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, and the protrusions are inclined in different shapes in the front-rear direction in the longitudinal axis direction. Is formed, or a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed.

Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 41 further moves the second knob 16 in the first moving direction N1 in a state where the protrusion 41 and the convex portion 31 are in contact with each other. It has an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction in the longitudinal axis direction N so that the force required for moving in the second moving direction N2 is larger than the force required for moving.

As in the first embodiment described above, the force required to move the apex portion of the second knob 16 (outermost portion of the second knob 16) in the first moving direction N1 is 5. It is preferably 10 N, and the force required to move the apex of the second knob 16 (outermost portion of the second knob 16) in the second moving direction N2 is 15 to 25 N. Is preferable, and it is desirable that there is a difference of 10 N or more between the two.

Specifically, the protrusion 41 has a chamfered portion having a different shape or an inclination of a different shape formed on the surface 41a on the proximal end side and the surface 41b on the distal end side in the longitudinal axis direction N. ..

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the protrusion 41 is the length of the surface 41a, which is a portion that comes into contact with the surface 32 of the convex portion 31 when moving from the second position P2 to the second moving direction N2. The angle θ3 with respect to the axial direction N is larger than the angle θ4 with respect to the longitudinal axial direction N of the surface 41b, which is a portion that contacts the surface 33 of the convex portion 31 when moving from the first position P1 to the first moving direction N1. It is formed (θ3> θ4).

It is preferable that θ3 has an angle of 1.3 times or more that of θ4. Specifically, θ3 = 50 ° to 75 °, θ4 = 40 ° to 50 °, more preferably θ3 is approximately 60 °, and θ4 is approximately 45 °.

As a result, when the second knob 16 is rotated from the first position P1 to the second position P2, or from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the convex portion 31 Since the moving member 30 moves in the first moving direction N1 or the second moving direction N2 while the protrusion 41 is in contact with the protrusion 41, the protrusion 41 is elastically deformed by the contacting surface 32 or 33.

At this time, since the surfaces 41a and 41b are formed in different inclined shapes or chamfered shapes, the force for deforming the protrusion 41 differs between the first moving direction N1 and the second moving direction N2. In other words, the reaction forces H7 and H8 that the convex portion 31 receives from the protrusion 41 are different in the first moving direction N1 and the second moving direction N2.

Specifically, since the surface 41a is formed at a larger inclination angle than the surface 41b, the reaction force H7 received by the surface 32 due to the contact with the surface 41a is the reaction force H8 received by the surface 33 due to the contact with the surface 41b. (H7> H8), the force for deforming the protrusion 41 is larger in the second moving direction N2 than in the first moving direction N1.

That is, the force that rotates the second knob 16 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in the clockwise direction M2 causes the second knob 16 to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. It is larger than the force to rotate in the counterclockwise direction M1.

Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the convex portion 31 also has an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction in the longitudinal axis direction N, as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, since the shape of the protrusion 41 may be different before and after the longitudinal axis direction N, the convex portion 31 may have a symmetrical shape before and after the longitudinal axis direction N.

(6th Embodiment)

FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as FIG. 6 at the second position of the second knob of the endoscope of the present embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a diagram of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a moving member and a protrusion located in the same region as in FIG. 7 at the first position of the second knob of the endoscope.

The structure of the endoscope of the sixth embodiment is different from that of the endoscope of the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 described above, and the protrusions are formed in a shape in which the cross section draws an arc. At the same time, the difference is that the curvature of the cross section is different before and after the longitudinal axis direction of the protrusion.

Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the fifth embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 41 is formed in a shape in which the cross section draws an arc.

Further, the curvature V1 of the cross section of the portion 41a that contacts the convex portion 31 when moving in the second moving direction N2 is the curvature of the cross section of the portion 41b that contacts the convex portion 31 when moving in the first moving direction N1. It is formed larger than V2 (V1> V2).

The other configurations are the same as those in the fifth embodiment described above. Even with such a configuration, the reaction force H9 received by the surface 32 due to the contact with the portion 41a is larger than the reaction force H10 received by the surface 33 due to the contact with the portion 41b (H9> H10). Since the second moving direction N2 is larger than the first moving direction N1, the same effect as that of the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

Further, also in the present embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, the shape of the protrusion 41 may be different before and after the longitudinal axis direction N, so that the convex portion 31 is before and after the longitudinal axis direction N. It may have a symmetrical shape.

1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 4 ... Curved part 6 ... Operation part 6 g ... Outer surface of the operation part 11 ... Curved operation knob (first knob)
16 ... Second knob 30 ... Moving member (rod)
31 ... Convex part (thick diameter part)
32 ... A part where the protrusions of the convex portion come into contact when moving in the second moving direction 33 ... A part where the protrusions of the convex portion come into contact when moving in the first moving direction 41 ... Projection 41a ... Second moving direction Part 41b that comes into contact with the convex portion of the protrusion when moving to C ... Direction that contacts the convex portion of the protrusion when moving in the first movement direction J ... Direction that intersects the longitudinal axis J ... Longitudinal axis N ... Longitudinal axis direction ( Direction along the longitudinal axis)
N1 ... First movement direction N2 ... Second movement direction O ... Rotation operation range P1 ... First position P2 ... Second position α1 ... Angle close to the longitudinal axis direction α2 ... In the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction Close angle θ1 ... Angle with respect to the longitudinal axis direction of the portion with which the protrusion contacts when moving in the second movement direction θ2 ... Angle θ3 with respect to the longitudinal axis direction of the portion with which the protrusion contacts when moving in the first movement direction. Angle with respect to the longitudinal axis direction of the portion that contacts the convex portion of the protrusion when moving in the second moving direction θ4 ... Angle with respect to the longitudinal axis direction of the portion that contacts the convex portion of the protrusion when moving in the first moving direction V1 ... The curvature of the cross section of the portion that contacts the convex portion of the protrusion when moving in the second moving direction V2 ... The curvature of the cross section of the portion that contacts the convex portion of the protrusion when moving in the first moving direction.

Claims (18)

An insertion portion having a tip and a proximal end along the longitudinal axis and being inserted into the subject from the tip side,
An operation unit provided on the base end side of the insertion portion and gripped by the operator,
A first knob for rotating on the outer surface of the operation portion and bending the curved portion provided on the tip end side of the insertion portion with a rotation axis intersecting with the longitudinal axis.
A second knob for operating a portion of the insertion portion other than the curved portion while rotating around the rotation shaft at a position adjacent to the first knob in a direction along the rotation shaft. When,
A convex portion provided on a moving member that moves back and forth in a direction along the longitudinal axis with the rotation of the second knob in the operating portion, and a convex portion having a shape protruding in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis.
A protrusion that protrudes from the direction intersecting the longitudinal axis within the range in which the convex portion moves in the direction along the longitudinal axis and elastically contacts the convex portion.
Have,
The direction in which the convex portion moves when the second knob rotates from the first position at an angle close to the direction along the longitudinal axis to the second position at an angle close to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. As the first movement direction
When the direction in which the convex portion moves when the second knob rotates from the second position to the first position is defined as the second moving direction.
The convex portion or the protrusion is in the second moving direction rather than the force required to move the second knob in the first moving direction in a state where the protrusion and the convex portion are in contact with each other. It has an asymmetrical shape in the front-back direction along the longitudinal axis so that the force required to move to is greater.
The second position is located within the rotation operation range of the first knob operated by the finger of the operator who holds the operation unit, and the first position is the first position. An endoscope characterized in that it is located outside the rotation operation range of the knob. The moving member is a rod that moves back and forth in the direction along the longitudinal axis in the operating portion.
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion is a large-diameter portion in which a part of the rod in a direction along the longitudinal axis is thickened in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis. The large-diameter portion is characterized in that a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis or a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis. The endoscope according to claim 2. The large-diameter portion has an angle with respect to the direction along the longitudinal axis of the portion that the protrusion contacts when moving from the second position to the second moving direction, from the first position to the first. The endoscope according to claim 3 , wherein the endoscope is formed so as to have an angle larger than an angle with respect to a direction along the longitudinal axis of a portion with which the protrusion contacts when moving in the moving direction of the endoscope. The endoscope according to claim 2 , wherein the large-diameter portion is formed in a shape in which a cross section of a portion that the protrusion contacts when moving in the second moving direction forms an arc. The claim is characterized in that the protrusions are formed with different shapes of inclinations in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis, or chamfered portions having different shapes are formed in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis. Item 1. The endoscope according to item 1. The protrusion has an angle with respect to the direction along the longitudinal axis of the portion that contacts the convex portion when moving in the second moving direction, and contacts the convex portion when moving in the first moving direction. The endoscope according to claim 6 , wherein the portion to be formed is formed larger than an angle with respect to a direction along the longitudinal axis. The protrusion is formed in a shape in which the cross section draws an arc.
The curvature of the cross section of the portion that contacts the convex portion when moving in the second moving direction is formed to be larger than the curvature of the cross section of the portion that contacts the convex portion when moving in the first moving direction. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope is made. The second knob has a mechanism for changing the flexibility of the insertion portion, a mechanism for switching the bending length of the curved portion, and optical characteristics of an optical component provided on the tip side of the insertion portion. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the knob is for operating either a switching mechanism or a mechanism for raising the treatment tool raising table at the tip of the endoscope. An insertion portion having a tip and a proximal end along the longitudinal axis and being inserted into the subject from the tip side,
An operation unit provided on the base end side of the insertion portion and gripped by the operator,
A first knob for rotating on the outer surface of the operation portion and bending the curved portion provided on the tip end side of the insertion portion with a rotation axis intersecting with the longitudinal axis.
A second knob for operating a portion of the insertion portion other than the curved portion while rotating around the rotation shaft at a position adjacent to the first knob in a direction along the rotation shaft. When,
A convex portion provided on a moving member that moves back and forth in a direction along the longitudinal axis with the rotation of the second knob in the operating portion, and a convex portion having a shape protruding in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis.
A protrusion that protrudes from the direction intersecting the longitudinal axis within the range in which the convex portion moves in the direction along the longitudinal axis and elastically contacts the convex portion.
Have,
From the first position where the second knob is at an angle close to the direction along the longitudinal axis, the angle is close to the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and is in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the first position. The direction in which the convex portion moves when rotating counterclockwise to the second position to be located is defined as the first movement direction.
When the direction in which the convex portion moves when the second knob rotates clockwise from the second position to the first position is defined as the second moving direction.
The convex portion or the protrusion is in the second moving direction rather than the force required to move the second knob in the first moving direction in a state where the protrusion and the convex portion are in contact with each other. An endoscope characterized by having an asymmetrical shape in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis so that the force required for moving to is larger. The moving member is a rod that moves back and forth in the direction along the longitudinal axis in the operating portion.
The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the convex portion is a large-diameter portion in which a part of the rod in a direction along the longitudinal axis is thickened in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis. The large diameter portion is characterized in that a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis or a chamfered portion having a different shape is formed in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis. The endoscope according to claim 11. The large-diameter portion has an angle with respect to the direction along the longitudinal axis of the portion that the protrusion contacts when moving from the second position to the second moving direction, from the first position to the first. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein the endoscope is formed so as to have an angle larger than an angle with respect to a direction along the longitudinal axis of a portion with which the protrusion contacts when moving in the moving direction of the endoscope. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein the large-diameter portion is formed in a shape in which a cross section of a portion that the protrusion contacts when moving in the second moving direction forms an arc. The claim is characterized in that the protrusions are formed with different shapes of inclinations in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis, or chamfered portions having different shapes are formed in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal axis. Item 10. The endoscope according to item 10. The protrusion has an angle with respect to the direction along the longitudinal axis of the portion that contacts the convex portion when moving in the second moving direction, and contacts the convex portion when moving in the first moving direction. The endoscope according to claim 15, wherein the portion to be formed is formed larger than an angle with respect to a direction along the longitudinal axis. The protrusion is formed in a shape in which the cross section draws an arc.
The curvature of the cross section of the portion that contacts the convex portion when moving in the second moving direction is formed to be larger than the curvature of the cross section of the portion that contacts the convex portion when moving in the first moving direction. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the endoscope is made. The second knob has a mechanism for changing the flexibility of the insertion portion, a mechanism for switching the bending length of the curved portion, and optical characteristics of an optical component provided on the tip side of the insertion portion. The endoscope according to claim 10, further comprising a knob for operating either a switching mechanism or a mechanism for raising the treatment tool raising table at the tip of the endoscope.

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