JPH03178629A - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the weight in a usual case, to improve the operability, and to prevent a rice of cost by providing a curvature control means for controlling a movement of an operating member and controlling a curvature of an inserting part, on an operating part so as to be freely attachable and detachable. CONSTITUTION:On the opposite side of an operating part 3, a control unit 24 being a curvature control means is crowned and attached. When the control unit 24 is installed in the operating part 3, an operating lever 23 is detained in, and when the control unit 24 is installed, the turning center of a turning plate 27 and the turning center of a shaft 21 to which the operating lever 23 is fixed are set so as to coincide with each other. Also, on the opening side of an engaging groove, an expanded diameter part 27b is formed and the engagement of the operating lever 23 and the engaging groove is facilitated. When the control unit 24 is installed in the operating part 3, it is pressed by the bottom face 27c of the engaging groove, and a pressure plate 26 and a fixed plate 27 are moved in the direction of the bottom face 25b of a casing 25 against energizing force of an energizing body 28, and set so that friction between the pressure plate 26 and the fixed plate 27 increases, and turning of the fixed plate is made difficult.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus in which a bending regulating means for regulating the movement of a bending operation knob etc. is detachably provided on an operating section.

[Prior Art] In recent years, it has become possible to observe a site to be observed within a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion section into a body cavity, and to perform treatment using a treatment instrument as necessary. Endoscope devices capable of observing the inside of a lumen by inserting a section into the lumen are widely used.

The site to be observed, such as the inside of the body cavity, is rarely located in the direction of entry of the insertion section. Therefore, when performing observation, etc., by curving the curved part provided on the distal end side of the insertion section, it is possible to direct the distal end section where the WA target optical system is installed toward the observed site. I'm with Natsu. That is, an operating wire is inserted through the insertion section, one end of the operating wire is fixed to the distal end side within the curved section, and the intermediate section of the operating wire is wound around a bobbin provided in the operating section. has been done. The pulley is connected to an actuating part system such as a curved operating knob movably disposed on the side of the operating part, and by rotating the pulley via this actuating member, the above operation is performed. The wire is stretched or loosened to curve the curved portion.

In addition, when performing this observation continuously or when performing treatment using forceps, etc., it is possible to fix the bending angle of the curved part so that the tip remains directed toward the area to be observed, etc. 58-124431 @ A curved braking device as disclosed in the publication is installed in the operating section. The bending of the bending portion is restricted by fixing the rotation of the pulley via this bending braking device.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the fields of the trachea, bronchi, etc., there is almost no opportunity to fix the angle of the curved part during endoscopy, and it is difficult to fix the angle of the curved part during transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). The reality is that it is only necessary to fix it in rare cases.

Even though it is used very infrequently, the curved braking device cannot be removed in case it needs to be fixed, and as a result, the surgeon is burdened with unnecessary weight during normal observation. The user is forced to operate an additional operation unit, making it difficult to improve operability.

Further, since the curved braking device is provided internally, the structure of the operating section becomes complicated, making it difficult to improve the ease of assembly of the operating section, and the cost tends to increase.

[Objective of the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to improve operability by reducing the weight of the operating section during normal observation where the bending angle of the curved section does not need to be fixed. In addition, it is possible to simplify the structure of the operating part and prevent an increase in cost, while also allowing the bending part to be fixed at any bending angle if necessary. The purpose is to provide a mirror device.

[Means and effects for solving the problem] The endoscope device according to the present invention has an actuating member that curves the curved portion of the insertion section.
In the endoscope device, the operating section is provided with a movable curvature regulating means for regulating the movement of the operating member and the bending of the insertion section, which is detachably attached to the operating section.

With this configuration, while the operating member is moved to operate the insertion section to bend, when the curving of the insertion section is to be restricted, a curvature regulating means is attached to the operating section to restrict the movement of the operating member. [Embodiments of the Invention] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 to FIG. 15 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a sectional view of the operating section, Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing how to attach the curvature regulating means, Figure 3 is a view taken along the line ■-■ in Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a sectional view of the operating section.
The figure is a view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 1, Figure 5 is a view taken along the line V-V in Figure 1, Figure 6 is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 1, and Figure 7 is a view of the boolean. Explanatory drawing, Fig. 8 is a view from the ■-■ line arrow in Fig. 5,
Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the wire protection member, Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the wire protection member, and Fig. 11 is B of Fig. 15.
12 is an explanatory diagram showing the insertion section in a curved state, FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the folding tip, FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of section C in FIG. 15, and FIG. 15 is an illustration of the inside It is an overall view of the endoscope.

First, the outline of the endoscope 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 15.
For example, an operating section 3 is provided on the proximal end side of an elongated and flexible insertion section 2 that can be inserted into a bronchus, etc., and an eyepiece section 3a is provided further on the proximal end side of this operating section 3. There is.

A universal cord 4 extends from one side of the operating section 3, and the endoscope 1 is connected to this universal cord 4.
The light source device 5 is connected to the light source device 5 via a connector assembly @4a provided at the tip of the light source device 5. When the illumination light generated by the light source bag @5 is irradiated onto the observed site from the distal end 2a provided at the distal end of the insertion section 2, an image of the observed site is displayed at the eyepiece. 3a, and the site to be observed can be observed through this eyepiece 3a.

As shown in FIG. 14, there is an indicator 2b on the outer periphery of the insertion section 3 that indicates how far the insertion section 3 has been inserted into the body cavity.
is depicted. This index 2b consists of an annular line and a number indicating the distance from the tip of the line, and the operator can read these numbers exposed from the opening of the body cavity to determine the insertion point. It is possible to know how much part 2 has been inserted.

In addition, the numerical value and line of this index 2b are drawn with fluorescent paint, so that the above index 2b can be easily read even when observation is required in poor lighting conditions. .

Further, the operation section 3 is provided with an insertion opening 3b for a treatment tool such as forceps. This insertion port 3b communicates with an opening (not shown) provided in the distal end portion 2a, and guides the treatment instrument inserted through the insertion port 3b to the distal end portion 2a and causes it to protrude from the opening of the distal end portion 2a. Now you can take the necessary action.

On the other hand, the operation section 3 is provided with a suction cap 6 that is connected to a suction device (not shown) and projects in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the operation section 3. One end of this suction mouthpiece 6 is opened to the distal end portion 2a via a suction control device 7 disposed on the upper part of the insertion section 3, and by operating the suction control device 7, this end can be opened as needed. It is possible to aspirate body fluids in the body cavity from the tip 2a.

As shown in FIG. 1, a cover 8 is fixed to a portion of the operation section 3 where the suction cap 6 is attached, and a support member 9 formed in a plate shape is provided inside the operation section 3 to cover the cover. It is fixedly installed opposite to 8. Coaxial holes 8a and 9a are formed in the cover 8 and the support member 9, and the suction cap 6 is inserted into these holes 3a and 9a, so that the inside of the operating portion 3 is connected to the suction control. It is connected to device 7. The inner diameter of the hole 9a formed in the support member 9 is larger than the outer diameter of the suction cap 6,
A hole 9a and a gap 9b outside the suction eyelet 6 are interposed. Therefore, during assembly, the suction cap 6 can be moved a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the axis of the operating part 3, and this movement eliminates manufacturing errors and assembly errors in the cover 8 and the support member 9. It is now able to be absorbed.

A 7-flange portion 6a is formed inside the support member 9 of the suction mouthpiece 6, and this flange portion 6a is in contact with the inner surface of the support member 9.

Further, a nut 11 is engaged with the cover 8 side of the suction cap 6 rather than the support member 9, and the suction cap 6 is fixed by the support member 9 being held between the nut 11 and the flange portion 6a. There is.

Furthermore, a bush-shaped elastic body 12 is interposed between the nut 11 and the cover 8. One side of the elastic body 12 is engaged in a recess 8b formed in the cover 8, and the elastic body 12 uniformly presses one side of the nut 11 toward the support member 9. The outer periphery of the suction cap 6 is held, and the elasticity of the elastic body 12 prevents the suction cap 6 from shaking even when a swinging force is applied to the suction cap 6. Prevented.

On the other hand, the outer periphery of the insertion section 2 on the operating section 3 side is protected by a stop 13 fixed to the operating section 3. That is, the first
As shown in FIG. 1, a hole 13a is formed in a stop 13 fixed to the distal end 2a side of the operating section 3, and the insertion section 2 is inserted through this hole 13a. The stop 13 is made of a material having higher hardness than the insertion portion 2, such as rubber. A lubricant 14 such as fluorocarbon resin or solid lubricant is applied to a portion of the insertion portion 2 that contacts the hole 13a by applying or coating the lubricant 14.
The slidability between the insertion portion 2 and the hole 13a is improved.

Therefore, even if the insertion section 2 is curved with a small radius of curvature, the 12th As shown in the figure, the portion exposed through the hole 13a of the cover is prevented from wrinkling or the curved insertion portion 2 is prevented from kinking.

The lubricant 14 may be applied to the inside of the hole 13a, and the lubricant 14 can be applied not only to the inside of the hole 13a, but also to the inside of the hole 13a, as shown in FIG.
It is also conceivable to provide a plurality of circumferential grooves 13b on the inner periphery of a, and to inject lubricant into these grooves 13b. Even with this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as described above. Moreover, when the insertion part 2 is curved, the hole 13a
Since the friction coefficient between the outer periphery of the insertion portion 2 and the outer periphery of the insertion portion 2 is larger at a relatively shallow portion of the hole 13a,
Even if you apply it only to this area, you can expect considerable effects.

Incidentally, a curved portion 3C is provided adjacent to the operating portion 3 side of the tip portion 2a. This curved portion 3C is formed by connecting a plurality of joint rings that can be bent to each other, for example.
a in a desired direction so that the objective optical system provided on the distal end portion 2a can be directed toward the site to be observed, or the opening through which the treatment instrument is projected can be directed toward the site to be treated. It has become.

Among the nodes forming the curved portion 3C, the most distal end 2a
A node ring disposed on the side is fixed to the tip portion 2a, and both ends of an elongated operating wire 15 are fixed to the inner side of the node ring, for example, on the left and right sides. 1st
As shown in the figure, the central part of the operating wire 15 is stepped into the operating section through the hole 16a of the partition wall 16 provided at the distal end side of the operating section 3. It is wound around a pulley 17, and by rotating the pulley 17, the operating wire 15 is pulled or relaxed, thereby bending the bending portion 3c.

Further, a protection member 18 formed of a coil-shaped member is provided on the outer periphery of a portion of the operating wire 15 corresponding to the hole 16a. As shown in FIG.
is longer than the length of the hole 16a, and is fixed to the hole 16a by adhesive or the like.

The protective member 18 is made of a material with lower hardness than the operating wire 15. Therefore, this protective member 1
Even if friction occurs between the protective member 18 and the operating wire 15, the operating wire 15 is protected by wear on the protective member 18, and the operating wire 15 is subject to wear and damage caused by the wear. Never.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the end portion of the protective member 18 formed in a coil shape is 4ii! The protection member 18 extends in the tangential direction of the circle to be protected, and prevents the inner end of the protection member 18 from being exposed to the inner periphery of the circle. As shown in FIG. 9, the end of the protective member 18 is cut obliquely or perpendicularly to the axis of the wire so that the end has a curvature similar to that of other parts of the wire. If the wire is bent, the inner side of the end portion is exposed to the inner periphery of the circle, and this portion may come into contact with the operating wire 15, causing damage to the operating wire 15. Therefore, if such an end treatment is performed, it is necessary to adjust the end portion during assembly so that it is located within an approximately 90' fan shape located downward with the axis of the ring as the center. However, by configuring as described above, the inside of the end is exposed to the inner periphery of the coil. This makes it possible to reduce man-hours and costs.

Incidentally, the same effect can be expected even if the end portion of the protection member 18 remains extended to some extent in the tangential direction as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG.
An inner winding portion 19b is also formed on the outer periphery of the hub 17a provided at the center of the hub 7.

A notch is formed in one side of the outer circumferential wrapping portion 19a opposite to the curved portion 3C, and the operating wire 15 is inserted into the inside of the pulley 17 through this notched portion, and Wrapping portion 19al: Wrapped. The operating wire 15 is crossed when being pulled toward the inner winding portion 19a, thereby increasing the frictional force.
The position of the pulley 17 in the rotating direction is prevented from being misaligned.

As shown in FIG. 6, the outer circumferential wrapping portion 19a is formed as a recessed portion having approximately the same curvature as the curvature on the right side of the cross section of the operating wire 15, while the inner circumferential wrapping portion 19b is
The side of 7a that is spaced apart from the pulley 17 is formed into a slope that slopes toward the outer circumferential wrapping portion 19a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, compared to the case where the inner circumference winding part 19b is formed as a wall surface orthogonal to the pulley 17, the operation of winding the inner circumference winding part 19b is This prevents the wire 15 from being unwound. In addition, the inner circumferential winding part 19
Although it is possible to obtain the same effect by forming b as a concave portion having approximately the same volume ratio as the operating wire 15 in the same manner as the outer circumferential wrapping portion 19a, such a configuration would complicate manufacturing. This is likely to result in increased costs.

Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to easily prevent the operation wire 15 from being unwound without increasing the manufacturing cost with these simple configurations.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pulley 17 is fixed to the end of a shaft 21 disposed perpendicular to the axis of the operating section 3 by a threaded member 21a. This shaft 21 is rotatably provided on another cover 22 that is detachably fixed to one side opposite to the cover 8 provided on the side of the suction mouthpiece 6 of the operating section 3 . Further, the other end of the shaft 21 projects to the outside of the operating section 3 through the cover 22, and an operating lever 23, which is an example of an operating member, is fixed to this projecting portion. Therefore, by removing this cover 22, all the mechanisms necessary for the bending operation can be removed, and maintenance work is easy.

This operating lever 23 is connected to the cover 2 which is formed into a planar shape.
The cover 22 extends downward parallel to the outer side of the cover 22 for a length longer than the radius of the cover 22, and a finger hook portion 23a is provided at the end of this extension, which is substantially orthogonal to the operating lever 23.

This finger hook is connected to the pulley 17 by rotating the shaft 21 via the portion 23a or the operating lever 23.
(first
See Figure 5>.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a braking unit 24, which is an example of a curvature regulating means, is provided on one side opposite to the operating section 3.
is now worn as a crown.

This braking unit 24 has a cylindrical casing 25 having a slightly larger diameter than the cover 22. One end of the casing 25 is closed and the other end is open, and a locking part 25a projecting toward the center of the cylinder is formed around the periphery of the open side.

In addition, a part of the outer circumference of this cylinder is formed with a notch,
The locking portions 25a are parallel to each other at a portion close to this notch.

On the other hand, a groove 22a is formed in the outer circumferential portion of the cover 22, into which an engaging portion 25a is engaged. This groove 22a is formed in the upper part of the cover 22 when operating the endoscope 1, and a parallel part 22b is formed which is parallel to the operating lever 23 when the curved part 3G is straight. has been done. By engaging the engaging portion 25a with this groove 228, the braking unit 24 can be removably attached to the operating portion 3.

Furthermore, two plates, a suppressing plate 2.6 and a fixing plate 27, are disposed within the casing 25. These suppression plates 26
．． The fixing plate 27 is made of resin such as polyacetal, and has approximately the same shape as the inside of the casing 25.

Further, on the bottom surface 25b of the casing 25, the bottom surface 2
For example, three recesses 28a are formed evenly distributed from the center of the recess 28a, and the recesses 28a corresponding to the recesses 28b are also formed on the bottom surface 25b side of the suppression plate 26 disposed close to the bottom surface 25b. A recess 528b is formed,
The biasing body 28 is attached to these recesses 28a and 28b. It is set up. The above pressing plate 26. The fixing plate 27 is constantly held at the locking portion 25a by a predetermined pressing force due to the urging force of the urging body 28.
is biased in the direction.

Moreover, inside the casing 25, this casing 2
A key portion 25C parallel to the axis of the key 5 is integrally provided, and the key groove portion 2 formed in the pressing plate 26 is formed in the key portion 25C.
6a is slidably engaged with the press plate 2.
6 is prevented from rotating. The length of the key portion 25C is formed to be approximately the same as the thickness of the press plate 26, and only the press m26 is prevented from rotating by the key portion 25c.

As shown in FIG. 4, this fixing plate 27 is formed with a retaining groove 27a that is open at one end. The engagement groove 27a has approximately the same shape as the operating lever 23, and
It is formed to be slightly larger than the operating lever 23, so that the operating lever 23 is engaged when the regulating unit 24 is attached to the operating section 3, and the braking unit 24 is also attached. In actuality, the center of rotation of the rotating plate 27 is set to coincide with the center of rotation of the shaft 21 to which the operating lever 23 is fixed.

Further, an enlarged diameter portion 27b is provided on the open side of the engagement groove 27a.
is formed, and the above-mentioned operation lever 23 and this engagement groove 2
7a can be easily engaged. The above-mentioned suppression plate 26. The combined thickness of the fixing plate 27 is set to be shorter than the distance from the bottom surface 25b of the casing 25 to the bottom surface 25b side of the engaging portion 25a, and when the regulating unit 24 is not attached to the operating portion 3, The fixed plate 27 can rotate relatively freely within the casing 25. On the other hand, when the regulating unit 24 is attached to the operating section 3, the suppressing plate 26 is relatively pressed by the bottom surface 27C of the engagement groove 27a. As the fixed plate 27 is moved toward the bottom surface 25b of the casing 25 against the biasing force of the biasing body 28, the friction between the pressing plate 26 and the fixed plate 27 increases, and the rotation of the fixed plate 27 is increased. is designed to be difficult.

When observing the inside of a body cavity such as a bronchus using an endoscopic device having such a configuration, first connect the connector device 4a provided at the tip of the universal cord 4 to the light source device 5, and connect the connector device 4a to the suction cap 6. Connect a suction device (not shown),
Insert the insertion section 2 into the body cavity. In this case, the elastic body 12 interposed between the nut 11 that fixes the suction cap 6 and the cover 8 prevents the suction cap 6 from shaking, so it can be installed smoothly. In addition, even if the insertion part 2 is bent with a small curvature when inserting the insertion part 2, the sliding property between the insertion part 2 and the hole 13a of the break stop 13 is improved, so this A good operational feeling can be obtained without kinks occurring in the insertion portion 2 or wrinkles in the cover provided on the outer periphery. In addition, by visually checking the indicator 2b drawn on the insertion section 2 exposed from the opening of the body cavity, the operator can see at a glance to what extent the insertion section 2 has been inserted into the body cavity, even in poor lighting conditions. It is possible to check.

When the insertion section 2 is inserted into the body cavity, the distal end section 2a is made to face the site to be observed, and the illumination light generated by the light source device 5 is irradiated to the site to be observed through the distal end section 2a, This optical image of the region to be observed is transmitted to the eyepiece section 3a provided on the base end side of the operation section 3, and the eyepiece section 3a is
It becomes possible to observe the vA detected site through the . Also, if necessary, operate the suction control device 7 to
Perform suction through a.

Further, when the IA detected site is located at a position oblique to the advancing direction of the insertion section 2, the operating lever 23 is swung. This rotation is transmitted to the pulley 17 via the shaft 21, the pulley 17 is rotated, and the operating wire 15 wound around the pulley 17 is pulled or relaxed.

Then, the curved portion 3C is curved in accordance with the swinging direction of the operating lever 23, so that the observation optical system disposed at the distal end portion 2a is directed toward the region to be observed. In this case as well, a protective member 18 made of a member having a hardness lower than that of the operating wire 15 is provided at a portion where the operating wire 15 corresponds to the hole 16a of the partition wall 16. Since the operating wire 15 is protected by the protective member 18 and the terminal end of the protective member 18 extends a predetermined distance outward, the operating wire 15 may be damaged at the terminal end of the protective member 18. There is no possibility.

On the other hand, when performing light bronchial persimmon biopsy (TBLB) or treatment with a treatment instrument such as forceps, the curve of the curved portion 3C is fixed, or the curved portion 3C is held in a straight state. If necessary, the brake unit 24 is attached to the operating section 3.

That is, the notched portion of the engaging portion 25a provided in the casing 25 of the braking unit 24 is connected to the tR22a of the cover 22 provided on one side of the operating portion 3.
engage upwardly. If necessary, the operating lever 23 is rotated to make it parallel to the parallel portion 22b of the groove 22a, and the fixing plate 27 in the casing 25 is rotated to form a shape on the fixing plate 27. By making the engaging groove 278 vertical, the operating lever 2
Match direction 3. In this case, the fixing plate 27
is moved toward the locking portion 25a by the biasing force of the biasing body 28, and the 1 m force between it and the pressing plate 26 is weakened, so the fixed plate 27 can be easily rotated. It is.

In this state, by pressing the fixing plate 27 with a finger or the like, the fixing plate 27 and the pressing plate 26 are moved toward the bottom surface 25b of the casing 25 against the biasing force of the biasing body 28, and the casing 25 The upper side of the brake unit 24 is pressed to open the brake unit 24 downward along the groove 228. When a part of the operating lever 23 is hooked on the enlarged diameter part 27b of the fixing plate 27, the bottom surface 2 of the fixing plate 27 is touched by a finger or the like.
The pressure in the direction 5b is released, and the braking unit 24
slide downward.

Eventually, the opposite side of the locking portion 25a to the notch will be attached to the cover 2.
2, the movement of the casing 25 is stopped, and the operation lever 23 is moved into the engagement groove 27a.
be involved within.

Then, the fixing plate 27 is moved to the pressing plate 26 by the operation lever 23.
As the pressing plate 24 is moved in the direction, the pressing body 28
By moving toward the bottom surface 25b against the urging force of the urging member 28, the urging force of the urging member 28 is increased, and this increased urging force reduces the frictional force between the pressing plate 26 and the fixed plate 27. It will be raised.

As a result, this fixation and rotation of the operating lever 23, which is engaged in the engagement groove 27a of the plate 27, about the shaft 21 is prevented, and the curved portion 3c is maintained in a straight line.

If it becomes necessary to curve the curved portion 3a in this state, the finger rest is used to hang a finger or the like on the portion 23a.
By moving , the operating lever 23 is swung. Then, the fixing plate 27 is connected to the fixing plate 27 and the pressing plate 26.
It is only fixed by the frictional force between the
Since the suppression plate 26 is prevented from rotating by the key groove portion 26a and the key portion 25c, only the fixed plate 27 is rotated against the above-mentioned frictional force. According to this rotation, the shaft 23
is rotated, and the pulley 17 is rotated, thereby bending the bending portion 3c via the operating wire 15.

When the finger rest stops moving the portion 23a, the fixed plate 27 is stopped at that position due to the frictional force between the fixed plate 27 and the pressing plate 26, and by holding the operating lever 23, the curved portion 3c is held at a certain position. held in a curved state. In this state, observation and treatment using a treatment tool such as forceps inserted through the treatment tool insertion port 3b are performed.

When removing the insertion portion 2, the operation lever 23 is made parallel to the parallel portion 22b of the groove 22a, and the engagement with the extraction groove 22a of the brake unit 24 is released. Then, the operating lever 23 can be swung to a certain degree, so the curved portion 3c becomes free, and the curved interior 3c can be curved as needed to be removed.

In this embodiment, an example in which the swingable operating lever 23 is provided on one side of the operating section 3 as an example of the operating member has been described, but the operating member is not limited to this example. For example, other configurations such as a rotatable knob or a lever configured to curve the curved portion 3c by sliding are also possible.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was described in which the actuating member was configured to be able to rotate even after the curvature regulating means was attached to the operating section. It is also possible to prepare a curvature regulating means and attaching an appropriate curving regulating means to the operating portion as necessary to maintain the curved portion at a predetermined curving angle.

Furthermore, if the brake unit 24 breaks down, it can be easily replaced, and maintenance is easy.

16 and 17 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the curvature regulating means, and FIG. 17 is a view taken along the line DD in FIG. 16. Incidentally, the same members and members having similar functions as those explained in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the brake unit 24 is composed of only a casing 25.

The bottom surface 25b of this casing 25 is
is attached to the cover 22 of the operating section 3, the operating lever 2
It is formed so as to be close to 3.

Further, a protrusion 29a made of a relatively hard material is provided on the side facing the bottom surface 25b of the operating lever 23, while the bottom surface 25t) is provided with a protrusion 29a made of a relatively hard material, as shown in FIG. A relatively soft shoe 29 is exposed along the locus of the protrusion 29a so as to come into sliding contact with the protrusion 29al.

With this configuration, when the operating lever 23 is swung with the braking unit 24 attached to the operating section 3, the operating lever 23 is swung against the friction between the protrusion 29a and the shoe 29; When the swinging of the operating lever 23 is stopped, the operating lever 23 is stopped by the S rubbing.

This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to maintain the curved angle of the curved portion with a small and extremely simple configuration.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of an operating lever according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the braking unit 25 is constructed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned and second embodiments, and a plurality of irregularities are formed on the surface of the shoe 29 that is connected to the protrusion 29a of the operating lever 23.

In this configuration, the I11! between the shoe 29 and the protrusion 29a!
This has the effect that it is possible to further increase the frictional force, and it is possible to increase the holding force of the curved portion.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the operating state according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that this figure shows a state in which the operating lever 23 is fixed on the left side of the center line, and a state in which the control lever 23 is released on the right side.

In this embodiment, the casing 25 is cylindrical and has a groove 2 at one end.
The first casing 3 on the right side of the locking part 25a that engages with 2a
0a, and a second casing 30b, one of which is formed in a closed cylindrical shape and is slidably mounted on the opposite side of the first casing 30a on which the locking part 25a is formed. It was formed.

A locking portion 31 that protrudes inward is formed at the end of the second casing 30b on the first casing 3Qa side, while the locking portion 3 is formed on the outer periphery of the first casing 30a.
1 is engaged with the recess 31a.

31b are formed along the axis of the casing 25.

When the locking part 31 is engaged with the recess 31a formed on the operation part 3 side, the bottom surface 25b of the second casing 30b is pushed against the pressing plate disposed inside the second casing 3b. 26, and when the locking part 31 is engaged with the recess 31b formed on the side away from the operating part 3, the bottom surface 25b is brought into contact with the suppression plate 26, and the bottom surface 25b and the suppression plate 26 The urging force of the urging body 28 interposed between the pressing plate 26 and the pressing plate 26 is weakened.

Further, a pillar 32 is formed in the center of the pressing plate 26 and projects toward the bottom surface 25b, and one hole 32aIfi through which the pillar 32 is inserted is formed in the bottom surface 25b. Furthermore, a second casing 30b is provided at the end of the support column 32 when the locking portion 31 engages with the recess 31b.
A locking member 32b is fixed that prevents the second casing 30b and the first casing 30a from being disengaged by coming into contact with the opposite side of the bottom surface 25b.

Note that the support 32 and the hole 32a through which the support 32 is inserted are formed, for example, in a prismatic shape, and when the second casing 30b is moved relative to the first casing 30a, the second casing 30b and the hole 32a are inserted. The press plate 26 and the press plate 26 are prevented from rotating relative to each other.

In the embodiment having such a configuration, while the braking unit 24 is still attached to one side of the operating section 3, the locking section 31 is engaged with the recess 31a as shown on the left side of the center line in the figure, so that the bottom surface 25b is closed. is moved toward the suppression plate 26 and the elastic body 28
The operating lever 23 is fixed in the locking groove 27a of the fixing plate 27 by increasing the urging force in the direction of the fixing plate 27. On the other hand, by engaging the locking part 31 with the recess 31b, the biasing force of the biasing body 2'8 against the pressing plate 26 is weakened,
The fixing plate 27 and the operating lever 23 can be easily rotated.

In this embodiment, the operating lever 23 can be fixed or released while the braking unit 24 is attached to the operating section 3, and the operating lever 23 can be fixed or released.
3 is fixed or not, it is possible to easily determine the position of the second casing 30b with respect to the operating portion 3 by simply identifying the position of the second casing 30b.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an endoscope apparatus showing an example in which the present invention is used in an electronic endoscope. As shown in this figure, a universal cord 4 extending from the operating section 3 of the endoscope 1 has a pair of connector devices 4a.

4b is provided, and this connector device 4a.

4b is connected to a signal processing device 'Z15a which includes a light source device. A monitor 5b is connected to the signal processing device 5a, and the video signal of the observed region photoelectrically converted by the solid-state line image element disposed at the tip 2a is processed by the signal processing device 5a. By outputting the information to the monitor 5b, the observed region can be observed via the monitor 5b.

Further, an operating lever 23 is provided on one side of the operating section 3, and this operating lever 23 is connected to a braking unit 24 having the same configuration as that described in the first to third embodiments.
It is designed to be fixed at , and has the same effect as each embodiment.

21 and 22 relate to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of mounting the curvature regulating means,
The figure is a sectional view of the curvature regulating means.

In this embodiment, the finger hook portion 23a of the operation lever 23 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape, and the curvature regulating means has a rectangular hole 36 through which the finger hook portion 23a can be relatively inserted. The finger rest is formed as a braking member 24 in the shape of a square vibrator, with the length between the portion 23a and the path being rightward.

At one end of this braking unit 24, the above-mentioned finger) 1)
A grip portion 36a is formed that can be grasped with a finger or the like when inserting the portion 3a into the hole 36.

Further, the braking unit 24 is formed of a member having a predetermined elasticity, such as rubber, and a convex portion 36b running in the longitudinal direction of the braking unit 24 is formed on one side of the braking unit. ing. When the brake unit 24 is attached to the finger rest 23a with the protrusion 36b facing toward the operating section 2, the protrusion 36b is formed as shown in FIG.
As shown in a), the brake unit 24 is set so as to be in contact with the outer periphery of the operating section 3, while the finger-holding section 23 of the braking unit 24 is placed with the side on which the protrusion 36b is not formed facing the operating section 3.
The size is set such that when the brake unit 24 is attached to a vehicle, a gap is provided between the outside of the brake unit 24 and the outer periphery of the operating section 3, as shown in FIG. 22(b).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the area on the outer periphery of the operating portion 3, where the finger rest portion 23a opposes, is provided with a wavy shape that increases the coefficient of friction between it and the convex portion 36a. Part 3C
is provided.

With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the convex portion 3
When the operating lever 23 is swung with the brake unit 24 attached to the finger rest 23a with the brake unit 24 facing the operating section 3 side, the convex section 36a comes into contact with the corrugated section 3C of the operating section 3. While the swinging of the operation lever 23 is regulated by this, as shown in FIG.
3a, the operating lever 23 can be easily swung.

In this embodiment, the braking unit 24 is formed in the shape of a square vibrator having a length between the finger rest part 23a and the road part, so that the structure is simple and easy to form, and the weight is reduced. This has the effect that even if the endoscope 1 is worn, the endoscope 1 can be operated in the same way as when the endoscope 1 is not worn.

23 and 24 relate to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of mounting the curvature regulating means,
The figure is a sectional view of the curvature regulating means.

In this embodiment, the braking member 24 is formed into a plate shape of metal, resin, etc., and a groove 23b is formed in the finger rest of the operation lever 23, and the groove 23b is opened on the operation part 3 side. Slide grooves 23c are formed on both sides, allowing the brake member 24 to slide on both sides in the longitudinal direction.

A knob portion 36a that can be grasped with a finger or the like is provided at one end of the braking member 24, and a portion corresponding to the operating portion 3 when the braking member 24 is installed in the slide groove 23G is A convex portion 36 that contacts the outer periphery of the operating portion 3
b is formed by, for example, stamping. Therefore,
Brake member 2'4 with the convex portion 36b facing the operating portion 3 side.
i has both sides attached to the slide groove 23c, and the
As shown in FIG. 4(a), the convex portion 36b comes into contact with a corrugated portion 3C formed on the outer periphery of the operating portion 3, thereby restricting the swinging of the operating lever 23.

Further, the finger rest is provided in a groove portion 23b formed in the portion 23a.
The bottom surface of the convex portion 36b is a concave portion 36C having a cross-sectional shape similar to that of the road surface.
When the braking member 24 is mounted in the slide groove 23c toward the side, the convex portion 36b is accommodated in the concave portion 36C, as shown in FIG. 24(b).

With this configuration, by attaching the protrusion 36b to the slide groove 23c with the protrusion 36b facing the operation part 3 side, the protrusion 36b is brought into contact with the corrugated part 3C of the operation part 3, and the swinging of the operation lever 23 is controlled as Il+. On the other hand, the convex portion 36b is accommodated in the concave portion 36C, and the brake unit 24 is attached to the groove portion 23 of the finger hook portion 23a.
By being attached to the finger rest 23b, a gap is provided between the finger rest 23a and the outer periphery of the operating portion 3, thereby facilitating the swinging of the operating lever 23.

In this embodiment, since the braking unit 24 is constructed as a so-called one-piece plate, the braking unit 24 has the advantage of being extremely compact.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, in the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, in the case of normal observation in which there is no need to fix the bending angle of the bending part, the bending regulating means is removed from the operation part and the operation is performed. It is possible to reduce the weight of the operating section and improve operability, and the structure of the operating section is simple, which prevents an increase in cost. It can be fixed with

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 15 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a sectional view of the operating section, Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing how to attach the curvature regulating means, Figure 3 is a view taken along the line -■ in Figure 1, and Figure 4
The figure is a view taken along the rv-tv line in Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a view taken along the V-v line in Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of section A in Fig. 1, and Fig. 7 is a view of the boolean. Explanatory drawing, Fig. 8 is a view from the ■-■ line arrow in Fig. 5,
Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the wire protection member, Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the wire protection member, Fig. 11 is a sectional view of section B in Fig. 15, and Fig. 12 is a state in which the insertion portion is curved. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the folding tip, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the first
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part C, Figure 15 is an overall view of the endoscope, Figure 16 is an enlarged view of section C.
17 and 17 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the curvature regulating means, and FIG. 17 is a line D-D in FIG. 16.
IM arrow view, FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the operating lever according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the operating state according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. An explanatory diagram of an endoscope device showing an example of use in an endoscope, FIGS. 21 and 2
FIG. 2 relates to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of mounting the curvature regulating means, FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the curvature regulating means, and FIGS. Regarding the sixth embodiment, FIG. 23(t) is an explanatory view showing a method of mounting the curvature M restricting means, and FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the curving restricting means. 1... Endoscope 2... Insertion section 3... Operating section 3C... Curving section 23... Operating member 24... Curving regulating means Fig. 2 27b Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 70 Fig. 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Moromi Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 3 Figure 13 3b Figure 14 (a) Figure 21 6 Figure 22 (b) (a) Soba Figure 23 Figure 24 Sleep (b) 6b (Volunteer to write procedural amendments) August 6, 1990

Claims (1)

[Claims] In an endoscope apparatus in which an actuation member for curving a curved portion of an insertion portion is movably provided in an operation portion, a curvature regulating means for regulating movement of the actuation member to restrict curvature of the insertion portion;
An endoscope device characterized by being detachably provided on an operating section.