JP2004351221A - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope device which has good cleaning ability, is comparatively simple in the structure of an operating part of an endoscope and is inexpensive. <P>SOLUTION: In this device, a vertical bend operation knob 13 has a claw part 47 projected toward the outside periphery, a knob main body 48 with a lightening part set on the claw part 47, and a claw backside part 49 to block the lightening part of the knob main body 48. Those are integrally formed by an injection molding method called two color molding in which the knob main body 48 is formed by primary molding and the claw backside part 49 by secondary molding with resin same as the knob main body 48. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus for changing a direction of a distal end portion by remotely bending a bending portion provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope at a position close to the insertion portion.

  Generally, in an endoscope that has a bending section at the distal end side of the insertion section of the endoscope, the operation knob that remotely bends the bending section can be turned on the operation section arranged near the insertion section And a braking lever member of a braking mechanism for braking the rotation of the bending operation knob.

  As a bending operation device for this type of endoscope, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an operation knob for bending operation provided with an upper cover and a lower cover in order to enhance the cleaning performance after use of the endoscope. 1 shows a configuration in which a braking mechanism is stored in a storage chamber formed between the cover and the cover. Here, a seal member such as an O-ring is interposed between the upper cover and the lower cover of the operation knob, and the storage chamber is sealed in a watertight manner. Further, the braking lever member is connected to the braking mechanism via an opening in the lower cover.

When the bending operation knob is formed by injection molding, it becomes thicker than other parts. For example, a claw portion having a thickness of about 5 mm to 10 mm is conventionally formed to prevent short shots, sink marks, etc. Had a lightening portion on the back surface.
JP-A-6-327613

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the operation knob needs to be composed of two parts, an upper cover and a lower cover. In addition to the sealing member for sealing the braking mechanism, a seal is provided between the upper cover and the lower cover of the operation knob. Since a sealing member is required, the number of components of the operation unit increases, and the structure of the operation unit is complicated. For this reason, when assembling the operation unit, it takes time and effort to assemble each component, and as a result, there is a problem that the assembling cost becomes high and the entire apparatus becomes expensive.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive endoscope apparatus which has good cleaning properties, has a relatively simple structure of an operation section of the endoscope, and has a low cost. is there.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the bending operation knob has a storage portion for storing a braking mechanism for selectively braking the rotation of the bending operation knob provided on the inner peripheral side, and at least a portion exposed on the outer surface is made of resin. A knob body having a claw protruding from the outer peripheral side and having a lightening portion provided on the claw portion, and a closing member for closing the lightening portion of the knob body. An endoscope apparatus, wherein the knob body is formed by primary molding, and the closing member is formed integrally by an injection molding method such as a two-color molding method for secondary molding.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the molding step of the two-color molding method, a contact portion between the knob body and the closing member is fused, and the contact portion is formed without a step. Item 2. The endoscope apparatus according to item 1.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bending operation knob has a storage portion for storing a braking mechanism for selectively braking the rotation of the bending operation knob provided on the inner peripheral side, and at least a portion exposed on the outer surface is provided. An endoscope apparatus characterized by having a claw portion formed of resin and protruding on an outer peripheral side, wherein the claw portion is formed by an injection molding method of thick molding.

  In the present invention, at the time of the secondary molding, the contact surface of the knob body with the nail back portion (closing member) is melted by the heat of the resin injected at the time of the secondary molding, and is welded to the nail back portion to form the knob. The main body and the back of the nail are integrated so that no gap is formed at the boundary between the knob body and the back of the nail.

  In addition, the bending operation knob has a larger gate cross-sectional area than normal injection molding, and the resin injection time during injection molding is longer than normal injection molding. The entire bending operation knob may be formed at once without separating between the hook and the back of the nail. In this case, since no irregularities are formed on the front and back surfaces of the bending operation knob, dirt does not accumulate on the bending operation knob, and cleaning is easy. Furthermore, by forming by two-color molding and thick molding, a bending operation knob can be formed at very low cost because a step of assembling other parts for closing the lightening portion is unnecessary.

  According to the present invention, since no irregularities are formed on the front and back surfaces of the bending operation knob, dirt does not accumulate on the bending operation knob and cleaning is easy. Furthermore, by forming by two-color molding and thick molding, a bending operation knob can be formed at very low cost because a step of assembling other parts for closing the lightening portion is unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to provide an inexpensive endoscope apparatus which has good cleaning properties, has a relatively simple structure of the operation section of the endoscope, and has a low cost.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire bending operation device for an endoscope according to the present embodiment. Note that the endoscope of the present embodiment is provided with a bending portion that can be bent in four directions, that is, up and down and right and left, on the distal end side of an insertion portion (not shown).

  Further, in the endoscope of the present embodiment, a bending operation section 2 is protruded from an operation section 1 disposed on the hand side of the insertion section. The bending operation unit 2 includes a first bending operation unit A for vertical bending operation and a second bending operation unit B for left and right bending operation for remotely bending the bending unit in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, respectively. Is provided. By operating the first bending operation means A and the second bending operation means B of the bending operation section 2 respectively, the bending section of the endoscope is remotely bent in four directions of up and down and left and right directions. The direction of the tip can be changed.

  Furthermore, the endoscope of the present embodiment is provided with a forceps raising device (not shown). The forceps raising device includes a forceps raising table rotatably provided at the distal end of the insertion section of the endoscope, and an operation wire connected to the forceps raising table. By operating the forceps raising operation unit 3 disposed on the operation unit 1, the operation wire advances and retreats, and the angle of the forceps raising table can be adjusted.

  The operation unit 1 is provided with a casing 4 formed of a synthetic resin material. A chassis 5 is provided inside the casing 4. Further, one ends of a cylindrical first fixed shaft 6 and a shaft-shaped second fixed shaft 7 are fixed to the chassis 5, respectively. Here, the second fixed shaft 7 is inserted into the cylinder of the first fixed shaft 6.

  Further, the casing 4 is provided with a hole 8 for mounting the bending operation unit 2. The other ends of the first fixed shaft 6 and the second fixed shaft 7 extend from the hole 8 of the casing 4 to the outside.

  Further, a cylindrical first rotating shaft 9 is fitted on the inner peripheral side of the first fixed shaft 6 and is rotatably supported. Further, a cylindrical second rotating shaft 10 is fitted on the outer peripheral side of the second fixed shaft 7 and is rotatably supported.

  A first gear 11 is connected to a base end of the first rotating shaft 9. The first gear 11 is engaged with a chain (not shown) connected to an operation wire for bending the bending portion in the vertical direction.

  Further, a second gear 12 is connected to a base end of the second rotating shaft 10. The second gear 12 is engaged with a chain (not shown) connected to an operation wire for bending the bending portion in the left-right direction.

  Further, a vertical bending operation knob 13 of a first bending operation means A operated by an operator is provided at a distal end portion of the first rotating shaft 9 (an end portion opposite to a connection portion with the first gear 11). Has been fixed. Further, the left and right bending operation knobs 14 of the second bending operation means B are fixed to the tip of the second rotating shaft 10 (the end opposite to the connection with the second gear 12). . Here, the lower end of the left / right bending operation knob 14 is in contact with the up / down bending operation knob 13. Thereby, the movement of the first rotating shaft 9 in the axial direction is restricted.

  Further, a raising rotation shaft 15 is fitted in the hole 8 of the casing 4. The raising rotary shaft 15 is fitted around the first fixed shaft 6 and is rotatably supported. Here, the first fixed shaft 6 is provided with a flange portion 31 for receiving the rising rotation shaft 15. Further, the movement of the raising rotary shaft 15 in the axial direction of the chassis 5 is restricted by the flange portion 31 of the first fixed shaft 6.

  Further, a raising operation lever 16 of the forceps raising operation section 3 operated by an operator is fixed to the raising rotation shaft 15. An O-ring groove 51 is provided on the outer periphery of the raising rotary shaft 15 as shown in FIGS. An O-ring 52 is inserted in the O-ring groove 51. The O-ring 52 seals the space between the rising rotation shaft 15 and the hole 8 in an airtight and watertight manner.

  Further, a ring-shaped engagement groove 17 is formed on the second fixed shaft 7 on the upper side in FIG. A retaining member 18 of the second rotating shaft 10 is engaged with the engaging groove 17. The distal end of the second rotating shaft 10 abuts on the retaining member 18 of the second fixed shaft 7 to restrict the movement of the second rotating shaft 10 in the axial direction.

  A concave O-ring housing 66 is provided at the tip of the second rotating shaft 10. A co-rotation preventing O-ring 67 is interposed between the O-ring housing 66 and the second fixed shaft 7. The co-rotation preventing O-ring 67 is prevented from coming off from the O-ring storage portion 66 by the retaining member 18. As described above, in the present embodiment, the prevention of the O-ring 67 from coming off from the O-ring housing portion 66 and the restriction of the axial movement of the second rotary shaft 10 are performed by a single member (the retaining member 18). Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, and the cost and weight can be reduced.

  The first bending operation means A for operating bending in the vertical direction is configured as follows. That is, a plurality of claw portions 47 are provided on the outer peripheral side of the vertical bending operation knob 13 as shown in FIG. The vertical bending operation knob 13 is formed by injection molding with a resin having good chemical resistance and heat resistance, such as modified polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyether imide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and liquid crystal polymer. ing.

  In the case where the vertical bending operation knob 13 is formed by injection molding, the claw portion 47 having a thickness of about 5 mm to about 10 mm, for example, prevents short shots, sink marks, etc. Conventionally, a lightening portion is provided on the back surface.

  In the present embodiment, the up / down bending operation knob 13 is formed as follows by a two-color molding method which is a kind of the injection molding method. First, after the knob main body 48 corresponding to the surface is injection-molded by the primary cavity formed by the primary fixed die and the primary movable die, the primary movable die is separated from the knob main body 48. Next, while the knob main body 48 is set to the primary fixed type, a secondary movable die for injection molding of the nail back 49 is set to the knob main body 48.

  Subsequently, the nail back portion 49 is secondarily formed by injection molding using a secondary cavity formed by the primary fixed die, the molded knob body 48, and the secondary movable die. At this time, for the injection molding of the nail back part 49, a resin of the same material as the resin for molding the knob body 48 is used.

  Also, at the time of the secondary molding, the contact surface of the knob body 48 with the nail back 49 is melted by the heat of the resin injected at the time of the secondary molding and welded to the nail back 49 to form the knob body 48 and the nail back. As shown in FIG. 3, there is no gap at the boundary 50 between the knob body 48 and the claw back 49 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the assembly of the knob main body 48 and the nail back 49 is completed by a single two-color molding process. The knob body 48, which is an external part, can be set to a uniform shape and the back side can be set to a shape convenient for molding, so that the surface finish can be formed accurately and stably, and the yield is good.

  Note that the vertical bending operation knob 13 has a larger gate cross-sectional area than normal injection molding, and has a longer resin injection time during injection molding than normal injection molding (for example, 1 to 3 minutes). ), The entire vertical bending operation knob 13 may be formed at one time without separating the knob body 48 and the claw back 49 by a so-called thick molding method. In this case, no irregularities are formed on the front and back surfaces of the vertical bending operation knob 13, so that the vertical bending operation knob 13 does not accumulate dirt and is easy to clean. Furthermore, since the process of assembling other parts for closing the lightening portion is unnecessary by forming by two-color molding and thick molding, the vertical bending operation knob 13 can be formed at very low cost. it can.

  3 and 12, the lower surface of the up / down bending operation knob 13 is opened to the casing 4 side of the operation unit 1 and accommodates a first braking mechanism C described later. A chamber (braking mechanism storage chamber) 21 is provided. Further, a cylindrical concave portion 105 protrudes downward in FIG. 3 at the center of the inner bottom portion (upper surface) of the first storage chamber 21 on the upper surface of the vertical bending operation knob 13. As shown in FIG. 14B, a plurality of notches 20 for coupling with the first rotating shaft 9, in this embodiment, four notches 20 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the recess 105.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, a plurality of, in this embodiment, four projections 19 are protruded from the tip of the first rotating shaft 9. Then, the four projections 19 of the first rotating shaft 9 are engaged with the notches 20 of the up / down bending operation knob 13 arranged at positions corresponding to the respective projecting portions 19, whereby the first rotating shaft 9 is rotated. The movement of the bending operation knob 13 in the rotation direction with respect to the rotation direction is restricted. Then, the bending operation knob 13 for up and down is firmly fixed to the first rotating shaft 9 by joining these by means such as adhesion.

  Note that the protrusion 19 of the first rotating shaft 9 and the notch 20 of the vertical bending operation knob 13 are not bonded to each other, and the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the first rotating shaft 9 are connected only by engagement. It is good also as composition which suppresses rotation.

  According to the above configuration, since the fixing screw or the like is not used for assembling the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the first rotating shaft 9, the number of parts is reduced, and the assembling becomes easy. Therefore, it can be formed inexpensively and lightly.

  The first storage chamber 21 on the lower surface side of the vertical bending operation knob 13 is provided with a first braking mechanism C that brakes the rotation of the vertical bending operation knob 13. The first braking mechanism C includes a first pressure contact member 22, a first movable member 23, and a first braking operation member 27.

  Further, the first press-contact member 22 can be elastically deformed with good chemical resistance and heat resistance, such as silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, or a completely crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer in which soft segments are crosslinked with a degree of crosslinking of 98% or more. It is formed in a substantially ring shape by a soft elastic member. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 14A, a ring-shaped pressure contact portion 41 is provided on the upper surface of the first pressure contact member 22, and a substantially ring-shaped portion is provided on the inner peripheral side of the pressure contact portion 41. The plurality of cylindrical urging protrusions 42 project upward. Here, each of the urging protrusions 42 has a protrusion amount larger than the protrusion amount of the press contact portion 41, and is set to have a sufficiently smaller cross-sectional shape than the press contact portion 41. Further, each of the urging protrusions 42 is provided at a plurality of positions, for example, 30 positions at 12 positions over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction.

  Further, the urging projection 42 of the first pressure contact member 22 is formed so as to be easily elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the axial direction or bent in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Further, the press contact portion 41 and the urging projection 42 are formed integrally with the first press contact member 22 by a compression molding method or an injection molding method using the above-described molding material (soft elastic member) of the first press contact member 22. I have. In addition, a friction surface 68 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the first storage chamber 21 of the vertical bending operation knob 13 at a position facing the pressing portion 41 of the first pressing member 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 (B) and 14 (B), linear engagement grooves 43 extending in the radial direction are provided on the lower surface of the first press-contact member 22 at, for example, eight locations at 45 ° intervals. It is provided in. Further, a flange-shaped mounting portion 45 is provided at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the first pressure contact member 22 so as to protrude inward toward the entire circumference.

  The first movable member 23 is formed in a substantially ring shape by injection molding from the same resin as the bending operation knob 13 for up and down. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 14B, the upper surface of the first movable member 23 is substantially the same as the engagement groove 43 at a position corresponding to the engagement groove 43 of the first press-contact member 22. An engagement projection 44 having a cross-sectional shape is provided. Further, a mounting groove 46 is provided in an upper portion of the first movable member 23 so that the mounting portion 45 of the first pressing member 22 is detachably engaged. The first pressing member 22 is fixed to the first movable member 23 in a state where the mounting portion 45 of the first pressing member 22 is engaged with the mounting groove 46 of the first movable member 23. At this time, by engaging the engagement protrusion 44 of the first movable member 23 with the engagement groove 43 of the first pressure member 22, the first pressure member 22 is moved relative to the first movable member 23. It is fixed in a state where it is supported so that it cannot rotate.

  Further, a square hole 24 having a substantially square cross section is provided in the axis of the first movable member 23 as shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), a rotation stopper 25 having a cross section substantially the same as the square hole 24 of the first movable member 23 is formed at the distal end of the first fixed shaft 6. . Then, the first movable member 23 rotates with respect to the first fixed shaft 6 by the engagement of the square hole 24 of the first movable member 23 and the rotation stopping portion 25 of the first fixed shaft 6. Impossible and supported movably in the axial direction.

  Also, on the lower surface of the first movable member 23, as shown in FIG. 7B, three engagement pin portions 36 and one elastically deformable guide pin 37 are provided. Here, the three engagement pin portions 36 are arranged at three places on the lower surface of the first movable member 23 at a distance of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction.

  Further, an end of the up / down bending operation knob 13 on the lower surface opening side (end on the casing 4 side) of the first storage chamber 21 has an inner diameter larger than that of the other part of the first storage chamber 21. A cylindrical opening hole 26 having an opening on the casing 4 side is provided.

  The first braking operation member 27 is provided with a braking lever bearing (storage chamber closing member) 28 that covers the opening 26 of the first storage chamber 21 and a braking lever (braking operation member) 29. I have. Here, the brake lever bearing 28 is fitted in the opening 26 of the first storage chamber 21 and is fitted to the first fixed shaft 6 so as to be rotatably supported.

  The inner end of the brake lever 29 is fixed to the brake lever bearing 28. Further, the outer end of the brake lever 29 extends in the radial direction. Since the brake lever 29 is operated by the operator's finger, it needs to have appropriate strength, and is required to be thin in terms of space. Therefore, the brake lever 29 is made of thin metal.

  Further, the brake lever bearing portion 28 and the raising rotary shaft 15 are formed by injection molding from the same resin as the vertical bending operation knob 13. If there is no particular problem, the brake lever 29 may be formed integrally with the brake lever bearing 28 using resin.

  The first braking operation member 27 includes a stepped portion 30 formed at a boundary between the first storage chamber 21 and the opening hole 26 of the vertical bending operation knob 13 having different inner diameters, and a rising rotation shaft. 15 restricts movement in the axial direction.

  Further, an O-ring groove 51a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the brake lever bearing portion 28. An O-ring (seal member) 52a is inserted in the O-ring groove 51a. The O-ring 52a hermetically and water-tightly seals the space between the brake lever bearing portion 28 and the vertical bending operation knob 13.

  A ring-shaped O-ring groove 51b is provided on the lower surface of the braking lever bearing portion 28 (the joint surface with the raising rotation shaft 15). An O-ring 52b is inserted in the O-ring groove 51b. The O-ring 52b seals the space between the brake lever bearing portion 28 and the raising rotary shaft 15 in an airtight and watertight manner.

  8 and 12, three cam portions 35 and one pin guide groove 39 are provided on the upper surface of the braking lever bearing portion 28 (the surface facing the first movable member 23). I have. Here, the three cam portions 35 are arranged at three positions on the upper surface of the brake lever bearing portion 28 at a distance of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction.

  The pin guide groove 39 is formed by a long hole formed in a substantially arc shape along the circumferential direction of the brake lever bearing portion 28. The guide pin 37 of the first movable member 23 is inserted into the pin guide groove 39.

Further, stopper portions 38 for restricting the movement of the guide pin 37 in the rotation direction are formed at both ends of the pin guide groove 39. A pin guide member 40 is attached to an inner edge of the pin guide groove 39. Locking projections 40a ₁ and 40a ₂ for selectively locking the guide pin 37 are provided at both ends of the pin guide member 40.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the cam portion 35 of the braking lever bearing portion 28 has a slope 32, a lower surface 33 continuous with the lower end of the slope 32, and a lower surface 33 continuous with the upper end of the slope 32. An upper surface portion 34 is provided. The length of the engagement pin 36 of the first movable member 23 is longer than the axial distance L between the lower surface 33 and the upper surface 34 of the cam 35.

  According to the above configuration, the guide pin 37 is formed integrally with the first movable member 23 by a resin so as to be elastically deformable, and the pin guide groove 39 having the pin guide member 40 and the stopper 38 is integrally formed with the braking lever bearing 28. Since it is provided, the number of parts can be reduced, and it can be formed inexpensively and lightly.

  The guide pin 37 may be provided on the brake lever bearing 28, and the pin guide groove 39 having the stopper 38 and the pin guide 40 may be provided on the first movable member 23.

  Further, the second bending operation means B for operating the bending in the left-right direction is configured as follows. That is, the bending operation knob 14 for left and right has a plurality of claws 47a as shown in FIG. 14C, and is formed by a two-color molding method similarly to the bending operation knob 13 for up and down described above.

  Further, a substantially cross-shaped notch 20a is formed in the axial center of the upper surface of the left and right bending operation knob 14. Here, as shown in FIG. 5C, a substantially cross-shaped convex portion 19a having a shape corresponding to the notch portion 20a of the left and right bending operation knob 14 is provided at the distal end portion of the second rotating shaft 10. . The protrusion 19a of the second rotation shaft 10 is engaged with the notch 20a of the left and right bending operation knob 14, so that the rotation of the left and right bending operation knob 14 with respect to the second rotation shaft 10 is moved in the rotation direction. In addition to being regulated, these engagement portions are further firmly fixed by being joined by means such as adhesion.

  The protrusion 19a of the second rotary shaft 10 and the notch 20a of the left and right bending operation knob 14 are not bonded, and the left and right bending operation knob 14 and the second rotation shaft 10 are merely engaged. It is good also as composition which suppresses rotation.

  Further, on the upper surface of the left and right bending operation knob 14, a cylindrical second storage chamber 53 is provided as shown in FIG. The second storage chamber 53 is provided with a second braking mechanism D for braking the rotation of the left and right bending operation knobs 14. The second braking mechanism D is provided with a second pressing member 54, a second movable member 55, and a second braking operation member 56.

  Here, the second press-contact member 54 is configured substantially similarly to the first press-contact member 22. That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, a substantially ring-shaped press contact portion 41a projects from the lower surface of the second press contact member 54 toward the inner bottom of the second storage chamber 53 of the left and right bending operation knob 14. Has been established.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, a linear engagement groove 43a extending in the radial direction is provided on the upper surface of the second pressure-contact member 54 in substantially the same manner as the first pressure-contact member 22. At the same time, a flange-like mounting portion 45a is provided at the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the second pressure contact member 54 so as to protrude inward toward the entire circumference.

  Further, the second movable member 55 is formed by injection molding from the same resin as the vertical bending operation knob 13. On the lower surface of the second movable member 55, as shown in FIG. 9B, an engagement having substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the engagement groove 43a is provided at a position corresponding to the engagement groove 43a of the second press-contact member 54. A projection 44a is provided. Further, a mounting groove 46a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the second movable member 55 so that the mounting portion 45a of the second pressing member 54 is detachably engaged. The second pressing member 54 is fixed to the second movable member 55 in a state where the mounting portion 45a of the second pressing member 54 is engaged with the mounting groove 46a of the second movable member 55. At this time, by engaging the engagement protrusion 44 a of the second movable member 55 with the engagement groove 43 a of the second pressure member 54, the second pressure member 54 moves with respect to the second movable member 55. It is fixed in a state where it is supported so that it cannot rotate.

  A friction surface 68 a is provided on the inner bottom surface (lower surface) of the second storage chamber 53 of the left and right bending operation knob 14 at a position facing the pressure contact portion 41 a of the second pressure contact member 54.

  9A and 9B, a square hole 24a having a substantially square cross section is provided in the axis of the second movable member 55. As shown in FIGS. Here, a rotation stopper 25a having substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the square hole 24a is formed at the distal end of the second fixed shaft 7. The second movable member 55 cannot rotate with respect to the second fixed shaft 7 due to the engagement of the square hole 24a of the second movable member 55 with the rotation stopper 25a of the second fixed shaft 7. And is movably supported in the axial direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a pair of hinge portions 61 that can be elastically deformed in the radial direction are connected to two locations 180 ° apart from each other on the upper surface of the second movable member 55. . At the tip of each hinge 61, an engagement pin 36a protruding inward is provided.

  An opening 26a is provided on the upper surface of the second storage chamber 53 of the left and right bending operation knob 14. The second braking operation member 56 is accommodated in the opening 26a.

  The second braking operation member 56 is provided with a substantially bottomed cylindrical braking knob 57 that covers the opening 26 a of the second storage chamber 53 and a braking knob bearing 58. Here, the lower end opening side of the braking knob 57 is fitted in the opening hole 26a. Further, the center of the inner bottom of the brake knob 57 projects upward. Further, the brake knob bearing 58 is fitted to the second fixed shaft 7 and is rotatably supported. The brake knob 57 and the brake knob bearing 58 of the second brake operation member 56 are formed by injection molding from the same resin as the vertical bending operation knob 13.

  Further, the brake knob 57 is provided with a connection portion 73 to the brake knob bearing 58 on the inner peripheral side of the fitting portion with the opening 26a, as shown in FIGS. FIG. 15 shows a cross section taken along line NN in FIG.

  The connecting portion 73 of the brake knob 57 is provided with a pair of elastically deformable portions 75 that can be elastically deformed in the left-right direction in FIG. At the lower end portions of the two elastically deforming portions 75, locking portions 76 are provided to project inward.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, two sets of connected parts 74 connected to the brake knob 57 are provided on the upper surface of the brake knob bearing 58. The connected portion 74 is provided with a long groove-shaped engaging concave portion 79 extending in the radial direction.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the brake knob 57 is provided with a projection 80 which is engaged with an engagement recess 79 of the brake knob bearing 58 so as to be detachable. The projection 80 of the brake knob 57 is engaged with the engagement recess 79 of the brake knob bearing 58, so that the brake knob 57 and the brake knob bearing 58 are fixed so as not to rotate.

  Further, an engagement portion 78 is provided to project upward from the connected portion 74 of the brake knob bearing 58 as shown in FIG. A locking projection 77 is formed at the upper end of the engaging portion 78.

  The engaging portion 76 of the connecting portion 73 of the braking knob 57 engages with the engaging portion 78 of the connected portion 74 of the braking knob bearing 58, whereby the braking knob 57 and the braking knob bearing 58 are disengaged. Locked as possible.

  The connected portion 74 of the brake knob bearing 58 is provided with an elastic deformation portion 75 and a locking portion 76, and the connecting portion 73 of the brake knob 57 is provided with an engaging portion 78 having a locking projection 77 to engage these. A configuration may be adopted. Further, a plurality of sets of the connecting portion 73 and the connected portion 74 may be provided.

  Further, a ring-shaped groove 17a is provided at the upper end of the second fixed shaft 7, as shown in FIG. A substantially C-shaped retaining member 18a is engaged with the groove 17a as shown in FIG. An insertion groove 72 for the second fixed shaft 7 is formed in the C-shaped opening of the retaining member 18a. The retaining member 18a is fixed to the second fixed shaft 7 with the retaining member 18a inserted into the groove 17a of the second fixed shaft 7 from the insertion groove 72.

  Further, the brake knob bearing 58 is provided with a cutout portion 65 penetrating from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side as shown in FIGS. 10 (A), (B), 16 (B) and FIG. The retaining member 18 a is inserted through the notch 65 toward the shaft center of the brake knob bearing 58.

  In addition, a substantially cylindrical retaining portion 71 that is fitted to the retaining member 18a is provided inside the braking knob 57. Then, in a state where the retaining portion 71 of the braking knob 57 is fitted to the retaining member 18a, the lateral movement of the retaining member 18a is restricted. This prevents the retaining member 18a from moving laterally and disengaging the insertion groove 72 of the retaining member 18a from the groove 17a of the second fixed shaft 7.

  The lower end of the brake knob bearing 58 is in contact with a step 59 provided on the second fixed shaft 7. Further, the upper end of the brake knob bearing 58 is in contact with the retaining member 18 a of the second fixed shaft 7. Thus, the movement of the second braking operation member 56 in the axial direction is restricted.

  Further, an O-ring groove 51d is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the braking knob 57. An O-ring 52d is inserted in the O-ring groove 51d. The space between the second braking operation member 56 and the left and right bending operation knobs 14 is air-tightly and water-tightly sealed by the O-ring 52d.

  Further, cam grooves 60 are provided at two places on the outer peripheral surface of the brake knob bearing 58 at 180 degrees apart as shown in FIGS. 10 (A), (B) and 16 (A). As shown in FIG. 4, each cam groove 60 is formed by an inclined groove that is inclined obliquely along the circumferential direction. An uppermost portion 69 is formed at one end of the cam groove 60, and a lowermost portion 70 is formed at the other end.

  Further, an assembling groove 64 communicating with the lowermost portion 70 of the cam groove 60 is formed on the bottom surface of the brake knob bearing 58 as shown in FIGS. Then, the engaging pin 36 a of the second movable member 55 is inserted into the cam groove 60 from the assembling groove 64.

As shown in FIG. 16A, stopper portions 38a for restricting the movement of the engaging pin portion 36a in the rotation direction are provided at the uppermost portion 69 and the lowermost portion 70 at both ends of the cam groove 60 of the brake knob bearing 58, respectively. Have been. Furthermore, the top 69 at both ends of the cam groove 60, locking projections 40b _1, 40b ₂ for selectively locking the engagement pin portion 36a is the bottom 70, respectively.

  Further, a cylindrical boss 14a protrudes downward at the center of the lower end portion of the left and right bending operation knob 14. A ring groove 51e is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the boss 14a. An O-ring 52e is fitted in the ring groove 51e. Further, a boss portion 14a of the left and right bending operation knob 14 is inserted into the concave portion 105 on the upper surface (the surface on the left and right bending operation knob 14 side) of the vertical bending operation knob 13. Here, the O-ring 52e of the boss portion 14a is fitted in the concave portion 105 of the vertical bending operation knob 13. The O-ring 52e seals the space between the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the left and right bending operation knob 14 in an airtight and watertight manner.

  The assembling work of the second bending operation means B is performed as follows. First, the second rotating shaft 10 to which the left and right bending operation knob 14 is connected is fitted onto the second fixed shaft 7.

  Next, the engaging pin 36a of the second movable member 55 to which the second press-contact member 54 is fixed is inserted into the mounting groove 64 of the brake knob bearing 58, and is inserted into the cam groove 60 through the mounting groove 64. Insert. Then, the engaging pin portion 36a is positioned at the uppermost portion 69 of the cam groove 60.

  Subsequently, the integrated second movable member 55 and the brake knob bearing 58 are externally fitted to the second fixed shaft 7. Thereafter, the retaining member 18a is engaged with the groove 17a from the outer peripheral side of the brake knob bearing 58 through the insertion groove 65 of the brake knob bearing 58.

  In this state, the braking knob 57 to which the O-ring 52d is attached is fitted inside the left and right bending operation knob 14. At this time, the connecting portion 73 of the braking knob 57 and the connected portion 74 of the braking knob bearing 58 are simultaneously engaged while engaging the convex portion 80 of the braking knob 57 with the concave portion 79 of the braking knob bearing 58. Here, the connecting portion 73 is elastically deformed outward when the locking portion 76 comes into contact with the locking projection 77 of the connected portion 74, and elastically deforms when the locking projection 77 gets over the locking portion 76. The deforming portion 75 returns to the inside, and the locking portion 76 and the locking projection 77 are engaged. With the above operation, the brake knob 57 and the brake knob bearing 58 are fixed. At this time, the retaining portion 71 of the braking knob 57 is externally fitted to the retaining member 18a.

  When assembling the second bending operation means B, the lowermost contact portion 63 of the boss portion 14a at the center of the lower end portion of the left and right bending operation knob 14 is brought into contact with the inner bottom surface of the concave portion 20 of the vertical bending operation knob 13. It is in contact with the contact portion 63a. This restricts the vertical bending operation knob 13 from moving in the axial direction toward the left and right bending operation knob 14.

  Further, the contact portion 63 of the left and right bending operation knob 14 and the contact portion 63a of the vertical bending operation knob 13 are formed of the same resin as the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the left and right bending operation knob 14. The contact area where these are in contact is formed very small, and the sliding resistance O between the contact portion 63 and the contact portion 63a is extremely small.

  Here, the sliding resistance O, the sliding resistance P between the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the left and right bending operation knob 14 via the O-ring 52e, and the second fixed shaft via the co-rotation preventing O-ring 67. The sliding resistance Q between the shaft 7 and the second rotating shaft 10 and the sliding resistance R between the left and right bending operation knob 14 and the braking knob 57 via the O-ring 52d have a relationship of O + P <Q + R. The sliding resistance S between the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the first braking lever 27 via the O-ring 52a has a relationship of O + P <S, and the sliding resistance O and the pressure contact portions 41 and 41a. And the sliding resistance T between the pressed portion 41 and the rubbed surface 68 when pressed against the rubbed surface 68 and the rubbed surface 68a, respectively, and the sliding resistance U between the pressed portion 41a and the rubbed surface 68a are O + P < Each of the O-rings 52e, 67, 52d, 5 is set so that T, O + P <U. a friction force between the members in contact is set.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end of the second rotating shaft 10, which corresponds to the position where the second rotating shaft 10 and the left and right bending operation knob 14 have moved to the uppermost position, is in a position in contact with the retaining member 18. A position where the lower end of the first rotating shaft 9 at the position where the first rotating shaft 9 and the bending operation knob 13 for vertical movement have moved to the lowermost position contacts the first gear 11, or a first fixed shaft. 6, the lower end of the raising rotary shaft 15 abuts against the upper end of the raising rotary shaft 15, and the lower end of the first brake lever 27 abuts. A minute clearance having a distance A is provided between the contact portion 63 of the left and right bending operation knob 14 and the contact portion 63a of the vertical bending operation knob 13 at a position where the knob 13 contacts the step portion 30. I have. Further, the engaging pin 36 of the first movable member 23 abuts against the lower surface 33 of the cam 35, and the brake lever bearing 28 of the first brake lever 27 and the step 30 of the vertical bending operation knob 13. A clearance B having a distance B is provided between the press contact portion 41 of the first press contact member 22 and the rubbed surface 68 of the vertical bending operation knob 13 in a state where the contact is made. The lower surface portion 33 and the upper surface portion 34 of the cam portion 35 have a height corresponding to a distance C in the axial direction. These distances are set such that C ≧ A + B.

  Further, the distance D between the uppermost portion 69 and the lowermost portion 70 of the cam groove 60, the brake knob bearing 58 abuts on the retaining member 18a, and the upper end of the second rotary shaft 10 abuts on the retaining member 18. The distance E between the pressing portion 41a of the second pressing member 54 and the rubbed surface 68a of the bending operation knob 14 for left and right in this state, and the distance between the lower end of the second rotating shaft 10 and the second gear 12 The distance F between them is set in a relation of D ≧ E + F.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. First, the operation of the waterproof structure of the bending operation unit 2 will be described. In the present embodiment, the space between the hole 8 of the casing 4 and the raising rotary shaft 15 is air-tightly and liquid-tightly sealed by an O-ring 52. Since the space between the brake lever bearing portion 28 and the brake lever bearing portion 28 is air-tightly and liquid-tightly sealed by the O-ring 52b, the intrusion of the liquid into the casing 4 is prevented.

  The space between the inner peripheral surface of the first storage chamber 21 of the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the brake lever bearing portion 28 is air-tightly and liquid-tightly sealed by an O-ring 52a. The space between the first brake lever 27 and the O-ring 52b is air-tightly and liquid-tightly sealed, and the space between the upper surface concave portion 20 of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the boss portion 14a of the left / right bending operation knob 14 is formed. Are sealed air-tightly and liquid-tightly by the O-ring 52e, thereby preventing liquid and gas from entering the first storage chamber 21 of the vertical bending operation knob 13. Therefore, the first fixed shaft 6, the first rotating shaft 9, the first press-contact member 22, and the first movable member 23 do not come into contact with dirt or a chemical solution.

  The space between the left and right bending operation knob 14 and the second braking operation member 56 is air-tightly and liquid-tightly sealed by an O-ring 52d. The space between them is air-tightly and liquid-tightly sealed by the O-ring 52e, so that the intrusion of liquid and gas into the second storage chamber 53 of the left and right bending operation knob 14 is prevented. Therefore, the second fixed shaft 7, the second rotating shaft 10, the second pressing member 54, and the second movable member 55 do not come into contact with dirt, chemicals, and the like.

  Therefore, since the strength is required, each of the above-mentioned each in the bending operation part 2 such as the first fixed shaft 6, the second fixed shaft 7, the first rotating shaft 9, and the second rotating shaft 10 which are formed of metal. Since the parts do not come into contact with dirt and chemicals, the above-mentioned metal parts in the bending operation unit 2 are not deteriorated by corrosion or the like. Therefore, each of the metal parts can be formed of an aluminum material that is easily corroded, so that the weight can be reduced. In addition, the durability is good, the operation is reliable, and the trouble of cleaning is unnecessary.

  Further, the casing 4, the rising rotary shaft 15, the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first braking operation member 27, the bending operation knob 13 for up and down, the bending operation knob 14 for left and right, and the braking knob 57 of the second braking operation member 56. Since the portions exposed on the outer surfaces of the operation portion 1 and the bending operation portion 2 such as the brake knob bearing 58 are formed of a resin, they are electrically connected to the metal parts inside the operation portion 1 and the bending operation portion 2. The metal parts thus formed are not exposed on the outer surface, and the inside and outside of the operation unit 1 and the bending operation unit 2 are completely electrically insulated. For this reason, even when the bending operation unit 2 is operated with wet hands due to misuse of the operator, or when the operation unit 1 and the bending operation unit 2 are used while being wet, the operator may not use the metal parts inside the endoscope. It conducts and there is no risk of electric shock.

  Further, since the space is required to be thin in spite of the need for strength, it is not necessary to provide an insulating member such as a heat-shrinkable tube made of a resin on the braking lever 29 formed of a metal material. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the configuration of the reliable waterproof structure can be simplified.

  Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, since the metal components in the bending operation unit 2 such as the first fixed shaft 6, the second fixed shaft 7, the first rotating shaft 9, the second rotating shaft 10, and the like do not corrode, the durability is good. Furthermore, since each metal part in the bending operation part 2 can be formed of aluminum, it is lightweight. Further, since the operation of the bending operation section 2 is reliable, operability is good. Furthermore, since there is no need for cleaning, the cleaning property is good. In addition, since the operator does not conduct with the metal parts inside the endoscope, it is safe. Furthermore, since the configuration can be simplified, downsizing, weight reduction, and cost reduction can be achieved, and assembling costs can be reduced, so that cost reduction can be achieved. As described above, a small, lightweight, inexpensive, highly durable, easy-to-operate, easy-cleaning, and safe endoscope apparatus can be provided.

  Further, the connection between the connection portion 73 and the connected portion 74 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the O-ring groove 51d in which the O-ring 52d is inserted is fixed between the brake knob bearing 58 and the brake knob 57. Therefore, there is no need for a sealing means for keeping the connection between the brake knob bearing 58 and the brake knob 57 liquid-tight and air-tight, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Further, since the brake knob 57 and the brake knob bearing 58 are fixed by the engagement between the elastically deforming portion 75, the connecting portion 73 having the locking portion 76, and the connected portion 74 having the locking protrusion 77, the fixing screw is fixed. As in the case where the two are connected, the brake knob bearing 58 does not need to be provided with a screw hole or the like, and is easy to assemble.

  Therefore, since the operation is reliable, the operability is good. Since there is no need for cleaning, cleaning is good. Since the configuration can be simplified, miniaturization, weight reduction, and cost reduction can be achieved. Since assembly costs can be reduced, costs can be reduced. As described above, a small, lightweight, and inexpensive endoscope device can be provided.

  Next, the operation of the bending operation unit 2 will be described. 1 to 4 show that the first braking operation member 27 and the second braking operation member 56 are held at the braking release positions, respectively, and the braking of the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the left and right bending operation knob 14 is released. FIG. 17 shows a state in which the first braking operation member 27 and the second braking operation member 56 are driven to brake the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the left and right bending operation knob 14, respectively.

First, in the brake release position shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the guide pin 37 of the first movable member 23, which is non-rotatably supported by the first fixed shaft 6, is inserted into the pin guide groove 39 of the brake lever bearing 28. is inserted and held while engaged state and retaining projections 40a ₁ of the brake releasing end side of the pin guide member 40. In this case, the brake lever 29 of the first brake operation member 27 is held in a state where the rotation in the braking direction is restricted.

  Further, in this position, the urging projection 42 of the first pressing member 22 is elastically deformed so as to be bent or elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the axial direction. Is in contact with the rubbed surface 68 on the inner bottom surface of the storage chamber 21. When the urging protrusion 42 comes into contact with the friction surface 68 in this manner, the first pressing member 22 and the first movable member 23 move toward the first braking operation member 27 by the elastic force of the urging protrusion 42. Be energized. Therefore, the engaging pin portion 36 of the first movable member 23 contacts the lower surface portion 33 of the cam portion 35 of the first braking operation member 27, and the pressing portion 41 of the first pressing member 22 is provided with a vertical bending operation knob. 13 is held in a state separated from the rubbed surface 68 on the inner bottom surface of the first storage chamber 21 in FIG.

  The up / down bending operation knob 13 is urged upward by the urging projection 42 of the first pressing member 22 toward the left / right bending operation knob 14, and is positioned within the range of the clearance A, or The contact portion 63a of the bending operation knob 13 contacts the contact portion 63 of the left and right bending operation knob 14.

Further, at the braking release position, the engaging pin 36 a of the second movable member 55, which is non-rotatably supported by the second fixed shaft 7, is inserted into the cam groove 60 of the brake knob bearing 58 of the second brake operating member 56. It is inserted and held in a state of being engaged with the locking projection 40b1 on the _one brake release end side. Thus, the brake knob 57 of the second brake operation member 56 is held in a state where the rotation operation in the braking direction is restricted.

  In this position, the engagement pin portion 36a is located at the uppermost portion 69 of the cam groove 60. In this state, the positions of the second movable member 55 and the second press-contact member 54 in the axial direction are fixed, and the press-contact portion 41a of the second press-contact member 54 is separated from the friction surface 68a.

  Therefore, in this state, the first rotation shaft 9 to which the bending operation knob 13 for up and down is connected and the second rotation shaft 10 to which the bending operation knob 14 for left and right are connected can freely rotate, and And a bending operation in the left-right direction can be performed.

  Here, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is rotated, the urging projection 42 is elastically deformed so as to be bent in the rotation direction of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and comes into contact with the friction surface 68. At this time, the contact area between the urging protrusion 42 and the friction surface 68 is very small, the urging protrusion 42 can be elastically deformed by a light force, and the urging protrusion 42 is the center of rotation of the vertical bending operation knob 13. Since it is located in the vicinity, there is almost no frictional force on the surface 68 to be rubbed. Therefore, the rotation operation of the up / down bending operation knob 13 can be performed with a light force.

  At this time, the contact portion 63a of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the abutment portion 63 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 are formed of a resin having low frictional resistance, and the contact area of these contact surfaces is very small. Is formed. Therefore, even when the contact portion 63a of the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the contact portion 63 of the left and right bending operation knob 14 are in contact with each other, the sliding resistance between the contact portion 63a and the contact portion 63 is still small. The bending operation knob 13 for up and down and the bending operation knob 14 for left and right are very light and can be freely rotated with a small amount of operation force, and have good operability and operability without variation.

  Further, even when the vertical bending operation knob 13 is operated while being pressed in the direction of the casing 4, the step portion 30 of the vertical bending operation knob 13 abuts on the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first braking operation member 27. A clearance of a distance B is secured between the pressing portion 41 of the first pressing member 22 and the rubbed surface 68 of the vertical bending operation knob 13, and the vertical bending operation knob 13 is freely rotated because it does not abut. It is possible.

  When the up / down bending operation knob 13 is rotated, the first gear 11 is driven to rotate via the first rotation shaft 9 and further moved to the bending portion of the endoscope via a chain (not shown) and an operation wire. The operating force of the bending operation knob 13 is transmitted, and the bending portion is bent in the vertical direction.

  In addition, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is operated to rotate, a rotational force that rotates together with the left / right bending operation knob 14 is transmitted through the O-ring 52e. However, due to the force transmitted at this time, the rotation is prevented by the co-rotation preventing O-ring 67 inserted between the second fixed shaft 7 and the second rotating shaft 10 and the locking by the second movable member 55. The sliding resistance of the O-ring 52d inserted between the second braking operation member 56 fixed to move in the direction and the bending operation knob 14 for left and right, and the illustration connected to the bending portion at the end of the endoscope Since the overall resistance such as the operating resistance of the wire and the chain and the bending portion that does not work is stronger, the left and right bending operation knob 14 and the second rotating shaft 10 are held in a non-rotating and stopped state, and the left and right bending operation knob The co-rotation of 14 is prevented.

  When the left and right bending operation knob 14 is rotated, the second gear 12 is driven to rotate via the second rotation shaft 10, and the bending portion of the endoscope is further connected via a chain and operation wires (not shown). To bend the bending portion in the left-right direction.

  Furthermore, when the left and right bending operation knobs 14 are rotated, a rotational force that rotates together with the up and down bending operation knobs 13 is transmitted via the O-ring 52e. Due to the force transmitted at this time, an O inserted between the first brake operation member 27 and the vertical bending operation knob 13 whose movement in the rotation direction is fixed by the locking by the first movable member 23. Since the overall resistance such as the sliding resistance of the ring 52a and the operating resistance of the wire and chain connected to the bending portion and the bending portion is stronger, the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the first rotating shaft 9 are It is held in a stopped state in which it does not rotate, and co-rotation of the up / down bending operation knob 13 is prevented.

  Even when the contact portion 63a of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the abutment portion 63 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 are in contact with each other, their sliding resistance is very light. Even if rotated, the bending operation knob 14 for left and right does not rotate. Conversely, even if the left / right bending operation knob 14 is rotated, the up / down bending operation knob 13 is not rotated. The above operation can prevent unintended co-rotation of one of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 when the other is rotated.

  Further, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is rotated, the rotational force is also transmitted to the first braking operation member 27 via the O-ring 52a. However, the movement of the first braking operation member 27 in the rotation direction is restricted by the engagement of the first movable member 23, and the first braking operation member 27 is located between the first braking operation member 27 and the rising rotation shaft 15. Since the overall resistance such as the sliding resistance of the inserted O-ring 52b is strong, the first braking operation member 27 does not rotate.

  Further, when the left and right bending operation knob 14 rotates, the rotational force is also transmitted to the second braking operation member 56 via the O-ring 52d. However, the second braking operation member 56 does not rotate because the movement in the rotation direction of the second braking operation member 56 is fixed by the locking by the second movable member 55.

  By the above operation, the unintended rotation of the first brake operation member 27 and the second brake operation member 56 when the vertical bending operation knob 13 and the left and right bending operation knob 14 are rotated can be prevented.

  When the first braking operation member 27 is rotated, the rotational force is also transmitted to the vertical bending operation knob 13 via the O-ring 52a. However, the overall resistance such as the sliding resistance of the O-ring 52e inserted between the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 and the operating resistance of the wire and chain connected to the bending section and the bending section. The vertical bending operation knob 13 does not rotate due to excessive resistance.

  At this time, the rotational force of the first braking operation member 27 is also transmitted to the raising rotary shaft 15 via the O-ring 52b, but the O inserted between the raising rotary shaft 15 and the hole 8 is transmitted. It is caused by the total resistance force such as the sliding resistance of the ring 52 and the operating resistance of each part of the forceps raising device such as the forceps raising table provided at the distal end of the not-shown insertion portion and the operation wire connected thereto. The upper rotation shaft 15 does not rotate.

  When the second braking operation member 56 is rotated, the rotational force is also transmitted to the left and right bending operation knobs 14 via the O-ring 52d. The O-ring 52e inserted between the knobs 13 and the sliding resistance and the bending portion of the co-rotation preventing O-ring 67 inserted between the second rotating shaft 10 and the second fixed shaft 7 are connected to the bending portion. The left and right bending operation knobs 14 do not rotate due to the total resistance such as the operating resistance of the wire, the chain and the bending portion.

  By the above operation, unintended vertical bending operation knob 13, left and right bending operation knob 14, and rising rotation shaft 15 unintentionally rotating when first braking operation member 27 and second braking operation member 56 are rotated. Can be prevented.

  When the raising operation lever 16 is rotated to rotate the raising rotation shaft 15, the rotational force is also transmitted to the first braking operation member 27 via the O-ring 52 b. 27 does not rotate because the movement in the rotation direction is restricted by the locking by the first movable member 23.

Next, the operation of the first braking operation member 27 of the first bending operation means A for the vertical bending operation will be described. First, when the brake lever 29 of the first brake operating member 27 is rotated in the braking direction from the natural state shown in FIG. 2, a rotational force is applied to the brake lever bearing portion 28, and the locking protrusion 40a on the brake release end side is provided. ₁ presses the guide pin 37 of the first movable member 23. As a result, the guide pin 37 is elastically deformed to the outer peripheral side, so that the locking projection 40 a ₁ on the brake release end side of the pin guide member 40 gets over the guide pin 37, so that the brake lever 29 of the first brake operation member 27 is moved. Becomes rotatable.

  In this state, when the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first braking operation member 27 rotates, the engagement pin portion 36 of the movable member 23 located on the lower surface portion 33 with the rotation of the cam portion 35 at this time becomes a slope portion. It is pushed up by 32 and reaches the upper surface part 34 as shown in FIG.

Further, when the brake lever 29 rotates, locking projections 40a ₂ of the other brake end side abuts against the guide pin 37. The guide further brake lever 29 against the elastic force of the pin 37 provides rotational force when the guide pin 37 gets over the locking projection 40a ₂ are guide pins 37 by elastic deformation shown in phantom in FIG. 12 So as to come into contact with the stopper portion 38 on the other end side. The rotation of the first brake operating member 27 is fixed at the braking position by the contact with the stopper portion 38, thereby preventing further rotation, and the locking projection 40 a ₂ being locked by the guide pin 37. Is done.

  As described above, the first movable member 23 and the first press-contact member 22 do not rotate in the rotation direction due to the engagement between the engagement pin portion 36 and the upper surface portion 34 of the cam portion 35, and the vertical bending operation knob 13 does not rotate. Move only in the axial direction toward the friction surface 68.

  When the pressing portion 41 of the first pressing member 22 comes into contact with the surface to be rubbed 68, the vertical bending operation knob 13 is pushed and moved toward the left and right bending operation knob 14. As a result, the contact portion 63 and the contact portion 63a come into contact with each other, push up the bending operation knob 14 for left and right, and the upper end of the second rotating shaft 10 and the retaining member 18 come into contact with each other.

  Further, the pressure contact portion 41 is pressed against the friction surface 68 in a state of being compressed by C- (A + B) by elastic deformation. When the pressing portion 41 is pressed against the rubbed surface 68 in this manner, a frictional force is applied to the rubbed surface 68 to suppress the rotation of the up / down bending operation knob 13. Thus, the rotation position of the up / down bending operation knob 13 can be fixed, and the bending position of the bending portion at the distal end of the insertion portion can be fixed at an arbitrary position.

  Further, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 is fixed by the first braking operation member 27, the engagement between the engagement groove 43 of the first pressing member 22 and the engagement protrusion 44 of the first movable member 23 is established. In some cases, the first pressing member 22 is firmly locked to the first movable member 23, so that even if an operating force in the rotation direction is applied to the vertical bending operation knob 13, the first pressing member 22 does not rotate, and The frictional force with the rubbed surface 68 becomes the resistance of rotation, and the amount of rotation operation force increases.

  In this state, the contact portion 63a is pressed toward the contact portion 63. However, since the sliding resistance between the contact portion 63a and the contact portion 63 is extremely small, the left and right bending operation knob 14 Can be rotated with a small amount of operation force. Further, even if the vertical bending operation knob 13 is rotated, the left and right bending operation knob 14 is not rotated.

  In this state, when the left and right bending operation knob 14 is rotated, the sliding resistance O between the contact portion 63a and the contact portion 63, the vertical bending operation knob 13 via the O-ring 52e, and the left and right bending operation knob Since the relationship between the sliding resistance P of the operating knob 14 and the sliding resistance S of the press contact portion 41 and the friction surface 68 is S> O + P, the vertical bending operation knob 13 is fixed by the press contact portion 41 and does not rotate. .

Also, it is rotated in a direction to return the brake lever 29 in the brake releasing direction, locking projections 40a ₂ of the brake end side first brake operating member 27 rides over the guide pin 37 is rotated in the brake releasing direction. Then, engaging the engaging projections 40a ₁ guide pin 37 of the brake releasing end side where the stopper portion 38 abuts against the guide pin 37 engaging projections 40a ₁ of the brake releasing end side gets over the guide pin 37 The braking position is stopped, and the rotational position of the first braking operation member 27 is fixed at the braking release position.

  Further, the rotation of the cam portion 35 at this time disengages the cam portion 35 from the engagement pin portion 36 of the first movable member 23, and the first movable member 23 and the first pressure contact member 22 It becomes movable in the axial direction. At this time, the first pressing member 22 and the first movable member 23 are moved in the direction of the first braking operation member 27 by the elastic force of the urging projection 42 of the first pressing member 22 abutting on the friction surface 68. The pressing portion 41 moves away from the surface to be rubbed 68. Thereby, the suppression of the rotation of the up / down bending operation knob 13 is released, and the up / down bending operation knob 13 can freely rotate. By the above operation, the rotation of the vertical bending operation knob 13 can be easily fixed and released.

Next, the operation of the second braking operation member 56 of the second bending operation means B for left-right bending operation will be described. When the brake knob 57 is rotated in the braking direction from the natural state shown in FIG. 2, a rotational force is applied to the brake knob bearing 58, and the locking protrusion 40 b ₁ on the brake release end side engages with the second movable member 55. The pin portion 36a is pressed. Thus, the locking projection 40b ₁ by the engagement pin portion 36a is elastically deformed to the outer peripheral side so get over the engagement pin portion 36a, a second brake operating member 56 is rotatable.

  In this state, when the second brake operation member 56 further rotates, the engagement pin portion 36a moves on the outer peripheral surface of the brake knob bearing 58 along the cam groove 60 of the brake knob bearing 58 as the brake knob bearing 58 rotates. I do.

  At this time, since the engaging pin 36a moves in the axial direction along the cam groove 60, the operation of the engaging pin 36a lowers the second movable member 55, and the second movable member 55 moves together with the second movable member 55 to the second position. The second pressure contact member 54 descends. Then, with the rotation of the cam groove 60, the engagement pin portion 36a of the second movable member 55 located at the uppermost portion 69 is pushed down by the cam groove 60 and reaches the lowermost portion 70.

Furthermore, the braking knob 57 is rotated, the other brake end side locking projection 40b ₂ abuts the engagement pin portion 36a. Figure locking projection 40b ₂ by the elastic force given a rotational force further to the braking knob 57 against the engagement pin portion 36a of the engaging pin portion 36a is elastically deformed to get over the engagement pin portion 36a 16 As shown by the dotted line in (A), the stopper portion 38a comes into contact with the engagement pin portion 36a. This further rotation by contact with the stopper portion 38a is impossible, also, by the locking projections 40b ₂ of the brake end side is engaged with the engagement pin portion 36a, of the second brake operating member 56 The rotation position is fixed at the braking position.

  As described above, the engagement between the engagement pin portion 36a and the cam groove 60 causes the second movable member 55 and the second pressure contact member 54 to rotate in the rotational direction without rotating in the rotational direction, and the frictional surfaces of the left and right bending operation knobs 14. It moves only in the axial direction toward 68a.

  When the pressing portion 41a of the second pressing member 54 comes into contact with the rubbed surface 68a, the left and right bending operation knob 14 and the second rotary shaft 10 are pushed and moved to the second gear 12 side, The lower end of the second rotating shaft 10 contacts the second gear 12.

  Further, the press contact portion 41a of the second press contact member 54 is pressed against the friction surface 68a in a state of being compressed by D- (E + F) due to elastic deformation. When the pressing portion 41a is pressed against the rubbed surface 68a in this manner, a frictional force is applied to the rubbed surface 68a, and the rotation of the left and right bending operation knob 14 is suppressed. Thereby, the rotation position of the bending operation knob 14 for left and right can be fixed, and the bending position of the bending portion at the distal end of the insertion portion can be fixed at an arbitrary position.

  When the left and right bending operation knob 14 is rotated in this state, the frictional force between the non-rotatable pressing portion 41a of the second pressing member 54 and the rubbed surface 68a causes the rotation resistance of the left and right bending operation knob 14 to decrease. Become.

  When the brake knob 57 is returned, the second movable member 55 and the second press-contact member 54 are brought into contact with the second brake operation member 56 by the engagement of the engagement pin portion 36a and the cam groove 60 by the reverse operation. And the position in the axial direction is fixed. Further, the position of the braking knob 57 in the rotation direction is fixed. At this time, the pressing portion 41a is separated from the rubbed surface 68a, and the suppression of the rotation of the left / right bending operation knob 14 is released, and the left / right bending operation knob 14 can freely rotate.

  In the second bending operation means B, since the cam groove 60 is provided in the brake knob bearing 58 as means for selectively moving the second movable member 55 in the axial direction, the press contact portion 41a and the friction surface 68a are provided. Can be forcibly moved in two directions. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an urging member for separating the press contact portion 41a from the friction surface 68a, and the configuration can be simplified. As described above, the rotation of the left and right bending operation knob 14 can be easily fixed and released.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first pressing member 22 of the first braking mechanism C and the second pressing member 54 of the second braking mechanism D are provided with engaging grooves 43 and 43a, respectively. The movable member 23 and the second movable member 55 are provided with engagement projections 44 and 44a, respectively, which engage with the engagement grooves 43 and 43a. In this case, the engagement grooves 43, 43a and the engagement protrusions 44, 44a are formed in a linear shape extending in a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation direction of the bending operation knobs 13, 14. Therefore, the engagement area between the engagement grooves 43, 43a and the engagement protrusions 44, 44a in the rotation direction of the bending operation knobs 13, 14 is large. Since the engagement with the mating projections 44 and 44a is not disengaged, the first pressing member 22 and the second pressing member 54 cannot be firmly rotated on the first movable member 23 and the second movable member 55, respectively. Can be supported. As a result, when the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 are rotated while the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 are fixed, the friction of the press contact portions 41 and 41a is increased. The first pressing member 22 and the second pressing member 54 do not rotate due to the force, and a desired amount of operation force for rotation can be reliably obtained.

  Further, the configuration for locking in the respective rotation directions between the first pressure contact member 22 and the first movable member 23 and between the second pressure contact member 54 and the second movable member 55 is simplified. Therefore, means such as bonding is not required for assembly.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first pressing member 22 and the second pressing member 54 are provided with elastically deformable mounting portions 45 and 45a, and the first movable member 23 and the second movable member 55 are provided with mounting grooves 46. , 46a are engaged with each other, and the first pressure contact member 22 and the first movable member 23, and the second pressure contact member 54 and the second movable member 55 are moved by the elastic force of the mounting portions 45, 45a. Since they are fixed to each other, no work such as bonding is required, and assembly thereof is easy.

  In addition, when the pressure contact portion 41 of the first pressure contact member 22 and the pressure contact portion 41a of the second pressure contact member 54 are worn out, for example, disassembly for performing repair, the first pressure contact member 22, the second pressure contact member, or the like. 54 can be easily replaced.

  Therefore, a desired amount of operation force can be obtained when rotating the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 with the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 fixed. good. Further, the configurations of the first braking mechanism C and the second braking mechanism D can be simplified, and the size, weight, and cost can be reduced. Further, since the assembly cost of the first braking mechanism C and the second braking mechanism D can be reduced, the cost can be reduced. As described above, an endoscope device with good operability, low cost, and good repairability can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the contact portion 63a of the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the abutment portion 63 of the left / right bending operation knob 14 are formed of resin, respectively. 13 and the first rotating shaft 9 are restricted in the axial direction, and the contact area of the contact surface between the contact portion 63a and the contact portion 63 is made very small, so that the sliding resistance of these is reduced. ing. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of force required to rotate the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 when the up / down bending operation knob 13 and the left / right bending operation knob 14 are in the free state. Further, it is possible to prevent the left and right bending operation knobs 14 from rotating together with the vertical bending operation knob 13 when rotated, and to prevent the vertical bending operation knob 13 from rotating together when the left and right bending operation knobs 14 are rotated.

  Further, when the bending operation knob 13 for up and down is locked, the force for rotating the bending operation knob 14 for left and right is light, and when the bending operation knob 13 for up and down is rotated, the left and right bending operation knobs 14 rotate together, Of the vertical bending operation knob 13 when the vertical bending operation knob 14 is rotated can be prevented. With the above operation, without providing a member for reducing the sliding resistance between the abutting portion 63a and the abutting portion 63, the bending operation knob 13 for raising and lowering the pressing direction of the pressing portion 41 against the rubbed surface 68 is provided. In addition, a member for regulating the position of the first rotating shaft 9 can be omitted, and the configuration for braking the bending operation knob 13 for up and down can be simplified.

  Therefore, operability is good. Since the configuration can be simplified, miniaturization, weight reduction, and cost reduction can be achieved. Since assembly costs can be reduced, costs can be reduced. And the like.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the urging projection 42 is provided on the first pressing member 22, the movement of the first pressing member 22 can be controlled by one like the first movable member 23 and the first braking operation member 27. Even in the case of using a cam mechanism for forcibly moving only in the direction, the friction surface 68 and the press contact portion 41 can be reliably separated in the free state of the up / down bending operation knob 13. Therefore, the amount of operation force of rotation of the up / down bending operation knob 13 is light, and the amount of operation force can be kept constant. Further, the urging projection 42 is hardly worn. In addition, since the urging projection 42 is integrally provided on the first pressing member 22 together with the pressing portion 41 by a compression molding method or an injection molding method, the configuration can be simplified without increasing the number of parts.

  Therefore, operability is good. Since the configuration can be simplified, miniaturization, weight reduction, and cost reduction can be achieved. Since assembly costs can be reduced, costs can be reduced. And the like.

  Further, in the first braking mechanism C of the present embodiment, the first movable member 23 and the first press-contact member 22 are axially selected by the cam mechanism by the engagement between the engagement pin 36 and the cam 35. The second movable member 55 and the second press-contact member 54 are axially selected by the cam mechanism by the engagement of the engagement pin 36a and the cam groove 60 in the second braking mechanism D. Since the first movable member 23 and the second movable member 55 are moved, a moving mechanism by screw engagement is not used. Therefore, the first fixed shaft 6 and the first movable member 23, the first braking operation member 27, the second fixed shaft 7 and the first pressing member 22, and the second braking operation member Since no parts are provided, these parts can be simplified. Furthermore, since there is no problem such as so-called screw stutter that the thread or the thread groove is crushed, these parts can be formed by injection molding using a resin, and the parts can be formed at low cost.

  Further, by providing a plurality of the cam portions 35 and the engaging pin portions 36 and a plurality of the cam grooves 60 and the engaging pin portions 36, the first movable member 23 and the second movable member 55 And the second movable member 55 can be uniformly urged in the axial direction. Therefore, galling between the first movable member 23 and the first fixed shaft 6 and between the second movable member 55 and the second fixed shaft 7 does not occur, and the first movable member 23 and the second The movable member 55 can be smoothly and reliably moved, and the operational feeling is good.

  In addition, since the entire surface of the pressure contact portion 41 and the entire surface of the pressure contact portion 41a are uniformly pressed against the friction surfaces 68, 68a, the bending operation knob 13 for up / down and the bending operation knob 14 for left / right can be reliably locked. Further, in the locked state, the amount of operation force when rotating the bending operation knob 13 for up and down and the bending operation knob 14 for left and right is stabilized. Thus, the operability is good.

  Further, if the cam portion 35 of the first braking operation member 27 and the engagement pin portion 36 of the first movable member 23 are formed of a resin, a metal, or the like having substantially the same hardness and abrasion properties, repeated operations are possible. Abrupt wear of either the cam portion 35 or the engagement pin portion 36 can be prevented, and the durability is good. Further, the same applies to the cam groove 60 of the second braking operation member 56 and the engagement pin portion 36a of the second movable member 55.

  In addition, if one of the engaging pins 36 is formed of a material having a lower hardness and a lower wear property than the cam 35, the cam 35 does not wear even by repeated operations, so that the durability is good. Is unnecessary. Therefore, only the replacement of the movable member 23 having the engagement pin portion 36 needs to be performed, and the repairability is good. Further, the same applies to the cam groove 60 of the second braking operation member 56 and the engagement pin portion 36a of the second movable member 55.

  Further, the upper surface portion 34 is provided on the cam portion of the first braking operation member 27 so that the engagement pin 36 of the first movable member 23 abuts and the flat surfaces abut each other. The axial positions of the first movable member 23 and the first press-contact member 22 do not change during the lock. For this reason, the amount of press-contact of the press-contact portion 41 to the rubbed surface 68 does not change, so that the up-down bending operation knob 13 can be locked more reliably than the cam mechanism in which the slopes are engaged with each other. The operation force of the rotation operation of the vertical bending operation knob 13 when the lock 13 is locked is stable, and the operability is good.

  In this embodiment, the connection between the first rotating shaft 9 and the bending operation knob 13 for up and down, the connection between the second rotating shaft 10 and the bending operation knob 14 for left and right is performed by connecting the projection 19 and the notch 20 and the projection 19a and the notch. The first and second rotating shafts 9 and 10 are provided with locking portions so that the first and second rotating shafts 9 and 10 can be connected to each other by the engaging portions 20a. The knob 14 may be provided with an engaging portion having an elastically deforming portion, and the connection may be changed to a so-called snap-fit connection in which the locking portion and the engaging portion are fixed by engagement with each other.

Also, the guide pin 37 is formed of a hard member that cannot be elastically deformed, and an elastically deformable metal plate having locking portions provided at both ends of the pin guide groove 39 instead of the locking protrusions 40a ₁ and 40a _2. A configuration in which a spring is inserted may be used.

  Further, in the second bending operation means B, a cam portion 35 similar to the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first bending operation means A is provided in the brake knob bearing 58 instead of the cam groove 60, and the second movable member 55 is provided. It is also possible to provide an engagement pin 36 similar to the first movable member 23 and a biasing projection 42 similar to the first pressure member 22 to the second pressure member 54.

  Further, in the first bending operation means A, the first pressing member 22, the first movable member 23, and the brake lever bearing portion 28 are connected to the second pressing member 54 of the second bending operation means B, and the second movable member. 55, a brake knob bearing 58 may be used.

  FIG. 18 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to an endoscope apparatus which does not require the forceps raising device and the forceps raising operation unit 3 as in the first embodiment.

  That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the casing 4 is provided with the mounting hole 91 of the first fixed shaft 6. The first fixed shaft 6 is fitted in the mounting hole 91. Further, a contact portion 92 with the casing 4 is provided on a lower surface of the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first brake operation member 27 fitted outside the first fixed shaft 6. An O-ring groove 93 is formed in the contact portion 92. An O-ring 94 is inserted in the O-ring groove 93. By sealing the space between the brake lever bearing portion 28 of the first brake operation member 27 and the casing 4 in an air-tight and liquid-tight manner with the O-ring 94, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed. , To obtain the effect.

  FIG. 19 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a boss 101 to be inserted into the mounting hole 91 of the casing 4 is protruded below the brake lever bearing 28 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 18). An O-ring groove 102 is provided in the outer peripheral portion, and an O-ring 103 is inserted into the O-ring groove 102 to hermetically and liquid-tightly seal the space between the first braking operation member 27 and the mounting hole 91 of the casing 4. By stopping the operation, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment are obtained.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application will be additionally described as follows.
Record
(Additional Item 1) A fixed shaft fixed to the operation unit of the endoscope and projected to the outside from a hole provided in a casing of the operation unit, at least one rotation shaft rotatably supported by the fixed shaft, and rotation. A bending operation knob connected to the shaft, a braking mechanism for selectively braking the rotation of the bending operation knob, at least one rotatable braking lever member having a braking lever for instructing operation of the braking mechanism, In the endoscope apparatus having the bending operation section consisting of: the bending operation knob is substantially the same as the storage section for storing the braking mechanism provided on the inner peripheral side and the area projected in the axial direction of the fixed axis of the storage section. Or a cylindrical opening hole formed in a large area, the braking lever member is provided to be fitted in the opening hole, and a seal member is provided between the opening hole and the braking lever member. The fixed shaft, the rotating shaft and the braking An endoscope apparatus, wherein a mechanism is disposed and covered in a space surrounded by the bending operation section knob and the braking lever.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-327613 discloses a bending device for an endoscope in which the number of connecting portions between components exposed to the outside is small, and the endoscope has good cleaning properties.

  (Problems to be Solved by Additional Notes 1 to 25) In the configuration of JP-A-6-327613, a first operation knob, a second operation knob, and a third operation for accommodating a rotational force transmission mechanism and a brake pressing mechanism are provided. The knob is composed of an upper surface cover and a lower surface cover. The upper surface cover and the lower surface cover cover a rotational force transmission mechanism and a brake pushing mechanism. An O-ring is provided between the lower surface cover and the housing member. In order to ensure watertightness, the number of parts constituting the operation knob in each of the first operation knob, the second operation knob, and the third operation knob increases, so that the parts cost is high and the assembly cost is high. It will be expensive. Therefore, it becomes very expensive.

  (Purpose of Supplementary Items 1 to 25) Provided is an inexpensive endoscope device having good cleaning properties.

  (Functions of Additional Items 1 to 25) Dirt and chemicals do not touch the fixed shaft, the rotating shaft, and the braking mechanism. Therefore, the operation is reliable, each component is not deteriorated, and the labor for cleaning is reduced. Further, the configuration of the reliable waterproof structure can be simplified.

  (Additional Item 2) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, wherein the bending operation knob is formed of a single member.

  (Additional Item 3) A first rotating shaft, a first bending operation knob connected to the first rotating shaft, and a second rotating shaft fitted inside the first rotating shaft and connected to the second rotating shaft. A second bending operation knob, and a seal member is provided between the first bending operation knob and the second bending operation knob, and the opening of the first rotation shaft is sealed watertight and airtight. The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 1 and 2, wherein the endoscope apparatus is stopped.

  (Additional Item 4) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 1, 2, and 3, wherein at least a portion of the bending operation portion exposed to the outer surface is formed only of a member formed of resin.

  (Additional Item 5) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 4, wherein at least a portion of the bending operation knob exposed to the outer surface is constituted only by a member formed of resin.

  (Problems to be Solved by Additional Notes 5 to 11) In the configuration of JP-A-6-327613, the second sleeve and the second lower cover are fixed, and the second lower cover and the first operating means are fixed. A first fixing member for supporting an O-ring for ensuring watertightness between the first and second lower covers, and a brake operation plate to which an operation lever is connected is exposed to the outside. . When these members are formed of metal, if the operator operates the operation knob with wet hands due to misuse, or if the operation knob is used while wet, the first fixing member or the brake operation There is a possibility that the operator may conduct with those members that have conducted into the endoscope through the water attached to the plate.

  Also, the operation lever, which is required to be formed of metal because it is required to be relatively strong and thin, needs to be insulated by covering the operation knob or heat shrink tube made of resin. As a result, the cost of parts is high and the cost of assembly is high.

  In addition, endoscopes are subjected to various washing, disinfection, and sterilization, and metals have low durability because they are corroded by chemicals, gases, and the like used for these. Although it is preferable to use aluminum in order to form the operation section with a light weight, it is very expensive if surface treatment or the like is performed to prevent corrosion. In addition, when stainless steel is used, the weight of the operation unit increases, and the operability deteriorates.

  (Purpose of Supplementary Items 5 to 11) Provided is an endoscope apparatus which has good durability, good operability, and is safe, small, lightweight, and inexpensive.

  (Functions of Additional Items 5 to 11) In addition to the functions of the above additional items 1 to 25, the metal parts are not exposed to the outside and the metal parts do not come into contact with dirt and chemicals, so that the durability is good. Further, since the metal parts can be formed of aluminum which is easily corroded, the weight can be reduced. Further, the metal parts inside the endoscope are completely insulated.

  (Additional Item 6) The additional item 4, wherein the braking lever member has a bearing portion that is fitted onto a fixed shaft, and at least a portion of the bearing portion that is exposed on the outer surface is formed of resin. Endoscope apparatus of 5.

  (Additional Item 7) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 6, wherein the casing is formed of resin, and a seal member is provided between a bearing portion of the braking lever member and the casing.

  (Supplementary note 8) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 7, wherein the braking lever member has a bearing portion provided in the hole portion and a seal member is provided between the bearing portion and the hole portion. .

  (Supplementary Item 9) At least a portion exposed on the outer surface is provided with a rotary cylinder member formed of resin fitted externally to a part of the fixed shaft and internally fitted into a hole of a casing. That the bearing portion of the fixed shaft is fitted outside the fixed shaft, a seal member is provided between the rotary cylinder member and the hole, and a seal member is provided between the rotary cylinder member and the bearing portion. The endoscope apparatus according to attachment 6, characterized in that:

  (Additional Item 10) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 9, wherein the rotary cylinder member is a forceps raising rotation shaft to which a forceps raising operation lever is fixed while being connected to a forceps raising device.

  (Additional Item 11) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 6, wherein the brake lever member is formed such that the brake lever and the bearing portion are integrally formed of resin.

  (Supplementary Note 12) The braking lever member has a fitting portion that is fitted in an opening of the bending operation knob, and a seal member is provided between the opening and the fitting portion. A connection portion with the braking mechanism is provided on an inner peripheral side of the fitting portion, a connected portion is provided on the braking mechanism, and an elastically deformable portion that can be elastically deformed is locked on one of the connection portion and the connected portion. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of additional items 1 to 11, wherein an engaging portion that engages with the locking portion is provided on the other side, and the braking lever member and the braking mechanism are engaged. .

  (Operation of Additional Items 12 to 14) In addition to the operation of Additional Items 1 to 25, a sealing means for keeping the connection portion between the brake lever member and the braking mechanism liquid-tight and air-tight is not required, and the configuration is further simplified. it can.

  (Additional Item 13) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 12, wherein a plurality of the locking portions and the engaging portions are provided.

  (Additional Item 14) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 12, wherein the elastically deformable portion is made of resin.

  (Additional Item 15) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11, wherein the resin is a modified polyphenylene oxide.

  (Additional Item 16) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 4 to 11, and 14, wherein the resin is polysulfone.

  (Additional Item 17) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 4 to 11, wherein the resin is polyether sulfone.

  (Additional Item 18) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 4 to 11, and 14, wherein the resin is polyetherimide.

  (Additional Item 19) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 4 to 11, and 14, wherein the resin is polyphenylene sulfide.

  (Additional Item 20) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 4 to 11, wherein the resin is polyetheretherketone.

  (Additional Item 21) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 4 to 11, and 14, wherein the resin is a liquid crystal polymer.

  (Additional Item 22) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 4 to 11, and 14, wherein the resin is a fluororesin.

  (Additional Item 23) The bending operation knob has a claw portion projecting from the outer peripheral side, a knob body having a lightening portion provided on the claw portion, and a closing member for closing the lightening portion of the knob body. Item 5 characterized in that these are integrally molded by an injection molding method such as a two-color molding method in which the knob main body is first molded and the closing member is secondarily molded with the same resin as the knob main body. Endoscope device.

  (Additional Item 24) In the additional item 23, in the molding step of the two-color molding method, a contact portion between the knob body and the closing member is fused to form the contact portion without a step. Endoscope device.

  (Additional Item 25) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 5, wherein the bending operation knob has a claw projecting from an outer peripheral side, and is formed by an injection molding method of thick molding.

  (Additional Item 26) At least one fixed shaft that is fixed to the operation unit of the endoscope and protrudes to the outside, and a first rotation that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft and is restricted from moving to the axial operation unit side. The cylinder, a second rotating cylinder that is rotatably supported on a fixed shaft, and whose axial movement is restricted, a first bending operation knob connected to the first rotating cylinder, and a second rotating cylinder. A braking means having a connected second bending operation knob, a braked portion provided on the first bending operation knob, and a pressure contact member which selectively moves in the axial direction of the rotating cylinder and presses against the braked portion. In the endoscope apparatus having, the first rotating barrel or the first bending operation knob provided with a first contact portion, the second rotating barrel or the second bending operation knob, A second contact portion is provided for contacting the first contact portion when the pressure contact member is pressed against the portion to be braked, and the first contact portion is provided. Frictional resistance between parts and the second abutting section, an endoscope apparatus, wherein the smaller than the frictional resistance between the braking portion and the press contact portion.

(Prior art of Supplementary items 26 to 30) JP-A-6-327613 (Problems to be solved by Supplementary items 26 to 30) In the configuration of JP-A-6-327613, the braking mechanism of the first operation knob is: A first mounting plate that is non-rotatably supported on the fixed shaft, a second support plate, and braking means including a friction member that rotates integrally with the operation knob when the operation knob is not braked. (A first support plate, a second support plate) and a coupling means (a first mounting plate, a locking spring, etc.) for selectively coupling and releasing the coupling to a non-rotatable fixed shaft. The configuration was complicated. In the first operation knob, when a mechanism for selectively pressing a pressure plate such as the second operation knob to a friction plate provided non-rotatably on the operation knob is used, when the pressure plate is pressed against the friction plate, Therefore, a regulating means for regulating the movement of the first operation knob is required, and the configuration becomes complicated.

  (Purpose of Supplementary Items 26 to 30) Provided is a small, lightweight, and inexpensive endoscope device with good operability.

  (Operation of Supplementary Items 26 to 30) Since the first bending operation knob and a member for restricting the axial movement of the first rotary cylinder are unnecessary, the braking mechanism of the bending operation knob can be simplified.

  (Additional Item 27) The distance A between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, and the distance B between the pressure contact member and the portion to be braked in a state where the pressure contact member and the portion to be braked are separated from each other. 27. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the movement amount C of the pressing member is provided in a relationship of C ≧ A + B.

  (Additional Item 28) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 26, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are made of a member formed of resin.

  (Operation of Supplementary Item 28) In a state where the first bending operation knob is braked, the operation force of the rotation operation of the second bending operation knob is reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the other one of the first bending operation knob and the second bending operation knob from rotating together with the other during the rotation operation. In a state where the first bending operation knob is not braked, the amount of operation force of the rotation operation of the first bending operation knob and the second bending operation knob is reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the other one of the first bending operation knob and the second bending operation knob from rotating together with the other during the rotation operation.

  (Additional Item 29) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 26 to 28, wherein the press contact portion is formed of an elastic member that can be elastically deformed.

  (Additional Item 30) A first cylindrical fixed shaft having one end fixed to the operation unit, a second fixed shaft provided concentrically with the first fixed shaft and having one end fixed to the operation unit, A first rotary cylinder that is rotatably supported by being internally fitted to one fixed shaft, is provided by being internally fitted to the first rotary tube, and is rotatably supported by being externally fitted to the second fixed shaft. A regulating member provided on the second rotating cylinder and the second fixed shaft, for restricting the axial movement of the second rotating cylinder by contacting the distal end from the operating portion of the second rotating cylinder. And the first bending operation knob is provided near the operation unit, the second bending operation knob is provided more distally than the first bending operation knob, and the second bending operation knob of the first operation knob is provided. Wherein the first contact portion is provided on the operation knob side of the second operation knob, and the second contact portion is provided on the first operation knob side of the second operation knob. of Endoscope apparatus.

  (Additional Item 31) A fixed shaft fixed to the operation unit of the endoscope and protruding to the outside, at least one rotation shaft rotatably supported by the fixed shaft, a bending operation knob connected to the rotation shaft, and fixed A press-contact member supported by the shaft so as to be non-rotatable and movable in the axial direction, the press-contact member having a press-contact portion selectively pressed against a brake-receiving surface provided on the bending operation knob; and a brake lever rotatably supported by the rotary shaft. A brake lever member for selectively moving the press-contact member in the axial direction toward the surface to be braked, wherein the press-contact member is biased in a direction to separate the press-contact member from the surface to be braked. An endoscope apparatus, wherein an urging member made of an elastic body having a lower frictional resistance than the press-contact portion with respect to the braking surface portion is provided integrally with the press-contact member.

(Prior art of Supplementary items 31 to 42) JP-A-6-327613 and JP-B-1-16175 (Problems to be solved by Supplementary items 31 to 42) Second operation of JP-A-6-327613 In a configuration in which the pressure plate is pressed against a friction plate that is non-rotatably fixed to the operation knob, as in the case of a knob braking mechanism, a mechanism is required to force the pressure plate to separate. Although the press-contact plate is pressed against and separated by the engagement, the configuration is complicated because a screw portion or the like is required. Further, these members must be formed of metal in order to prevent screw fuzz and the like, and there is a problem that the members become heavy.

  In the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-16175, a friction member formed of an elastic body is naturally separated from the braked member by inserting a spacer between the braked member and the friction member. Parts were needed.

  (Purposes of Supplementary Items 31 to 42) To provide a small, lightweight, and inexpensive endoscope device with good operability.

  (Operation of Supplementary Items 31 to 42) Since the press-contact member and the surface to be braked can be reliably separated from each other, the operation force of the rotation operation of the bending operation knob can be kept constant. Further, the press-contact member is hardly worn. In addition, since a separate member for separating is unnecessary, the configuration can be simplified.

  (Additional Item 32) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 31, wherein a contact area between the urging member and the braked surface portion is smaller than a contact area between the press-contact portion and the braked surface portion. .

  (Additional Item 33) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 31, 32, wherein the urging member is provided so as to be elastically deformable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the urging direction.

  (Additional Item 34) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 33, wherein the urging member is provided so as to be elastically deformable in a rotation direction of the bending operation knob.

  (Additional Item 35) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 31, 32, wherein the urging member is provided so as to be elastically deformable in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

  (Additional Item 36) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 31 to 34, wherein the urging member is provided on an inner peripheral side of the press contact portion.

  (Additional Item 37) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 31 to 36, wherein a plurality of the urging members are provided.

  (Additional Item 38) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 31 to 37, wherein the elastic body is a soft elastic body.

  (Additional Item 39) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 38, wherein the soft elastic body is a vulcanized rubber.

  (Additional Item 40) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 39, wherein the vulcanized rubber is silicone rubber.

  (Additional Item 41) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 39, wherein the vulcanized rubber is a fluoro rubber.

  (Additional Item 42) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 38, wherein the soft elastic body is a thermoplastic elastomer.

  (Additional Item 43) A fixed shaft fixed to the operation unit of the endoscope and protruding to the outside, at least one rotation shaft rotatably supported by the fixed shaft, a bending operation knob connected to the rotation shaft, and a rotation shaft Alternatively, a member to be braked provided on the bending operation knob, a movable member supported on the fixed shaft so as to be non-rotatable and movable in the axial direction, and a pressure contact member selectively pressed against the member to be braked supported on the movable member In the endoscope apparatus having a groove portion is provided on one of the movable member and the press-contact member, and an engagement protrusion for engaging the groove portion is provided on the other one at a position opposite to the groove portion, and the groove portion is provided. An endoscope apparatus wherein the press-contact member is non-rotatably supported on a movable member by engagement of an engagement protrusion.

(Prior art of Supplementary notes 43 to 52) Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-16175 (Problem to be solved by Supplementary Notes 43 to 52) In the configuration of Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-16175, the friction member and the disk are not fixed. Due to the configuration, when the pulley is rotated by operating the bending operation lever in a braking state, a case where the disk and the friction member rotate and a case where the pulley and the friction member rotate are generated. For this reason, there is a problem that the amount of operation force of the bending operation lever in the braking state is not stable. In addition, since both surfaces of the pulley, the disk, and the friction member contact surface with the pulley and the contact surface with the disk are worn, each member is easily worn and the durability is poor. Also, if an adhesive or the like or a double-sided tape is used to fix them, the assembly cost becomes high. In addition, when the friction member is worn, the replacement operation becomes complicated.

  Further, when a convex portion is simply provided on one of the friction member and the disc and a concave portion is provided on the other, and these are engaged with each other, the engagement may be released.

  (Purposes of Supplementary Items 43 to 52) An endoscope apparatus having good operability, small size, light weight, low cost, and good repairability.

  (Functions of Additional Items 43 to 52) Even when the bending operation knob is braked, the press-contact member does not rotate with respect to the movable member and the fixed shaft. For this reason, the operation force amount of the rotation operation of the bending operation knob can be reliably and stably obtained. Further, only the contact surface of the pressure contact member with the surface to be braked is worn. Also, since no bonding or the like is performed, assembly becomes easy. Also, replacement of the press contact member is facilitated.

  (Additional Item 44) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 43, wherein the longitudinal direction of the groove portion is substantially perpendicular to the rotation direction of the bending operation knob.

  (Additional Item 45) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 43 and 44, wherein a plurality of the groove portions and the engagement protrusions are provided.

  (Additional Item 46) The pressing member is provided with an elastically deformable locking portion, and the movable member is provided with an engaging groove portion which engages with the locking portion and regulates the axial movement of the pressing member in the axial direction. An endoscope apparatus according to additional items 43, 44, and 45, characterized in that:

  (Additional Item 47) The endoscope apparatus according to additional items 43, 44, 45, and 46, wherein the pressing member is made of an elastic body.

  (Additional Item 48) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 47, wherein the elastic body is a soft elastic body.

  (Additional Item 49) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 48, wherein the soft elastic body is a vulcanized rubber.

  (Additional Item 50) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 49, wherein the vulcanized rubber is silicone rubber.

  (Additional Item 51) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 49, wherein the vulcanized rubber is a fluoro rubber.

  (Additional Item 52) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 48, wherein the soft elastic body is a thermoplastic elastomer.

  (Additional Item 53) The operation unit casing, a fixed shaft protruding from the operation unit casing, a rotation shaft rotatable with respect to the fixed shaft and for pulling a curved wire, and a storage unit fixed to the rotation shaft and opened to the casing side. A bending operation knob having a braking mechanism that is stored in a storage unit and applies a brake to the rotation of the bending knob, and covers an opening of the storage chamber so as to contact an inner surface of a storage chamber of the bending operation knob, A braking operation member that transmits a rotation operation to a braking mechanism to apply a brake to the bending operation knob, and a seal member that seals between the inner surface of a storage chamber of the bending operation knob and the braking operation member. Endoscope device characterized.

  (Supplementary Note 54) The braking operation member covers an opening of the storage chamber so as to be in contact with an inner surface of the storage chamber of the bending operation knob and an outer surface of an operation unit casing, and the seal member stores the bending operation knob. An endoscope apparatus according to claim 53, wherein a seal is provided between an inner surface of the chamber, the braking operation member, and an outer surface of the operation portion casing and the braking operation member.

  (Additional Item 55) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 53, wherein the operation unit casing is formed as a part of the forceps raising device.

  (Additional Item 56) At least one fixed shaft that is fixed to the operation unit of the endoscope and protrudes to the outside, and a first rotation that is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft and is restricted from moving to the axial operation unit side. The cylinder, a second rotating cylinder that is rotatably supported on a fixed shaft, and whose axial movement is restricted, a first bending operation knob connected to the first rotating cylinder, and a second rotating cylinder. A braking means having a connected second bending operation knob, a braked portion provided on the first bending operation knob, and a pressure contact member which selectively moves in the axial direction of the rotating cylinder and presses against the braked portion. In the endoscope apparatus having, the first rotating barrel or the first bending operation knob provided with a first contact portion, the second rotating barrel or the second bending operation knob, A second contact portion is provided for contacting the first contact portion when the pressure contact member is pressed against the portion to be braked, and the first contact portion is provided. Means for setting the frictional resistance between the part and the second contact part to be smaller than the frictional resistance between the part to be braked and the pressure contact member to prevent co-rotation during operation of the braking means. Endoscope device characterized.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an entire endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a bending operation knob for up and down of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment and a braking mechanism thereof. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the left and right bending operation knobs and the braking mechanism of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment. 3A and 3B show components of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a first fixed shaft, FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a first rotating shaft, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second rotation shaft. 1A is a perspective view showing a front side of a first press-contact member of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a front side of the first press-contact member. The perspective view which shows a side. 1A is a perspective view showing a front side of a first movable member of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a front side of the first movable member. The perspective view which shows a side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a brake lever bearing of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B show a second movable member of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a front surface side of the second movable member, and FIG. The perspective view which shows a side. 1A and 1B show a brake knob bearing portion of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment, wherein FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a front surface side of a brake knob bearing portion, and FIG. Perspective view. FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a second press-contact member of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating a back surface side of the second press-contact member, and FIG. The perspective view which shows a side. FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the up / down bending operation knob of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining an operation of an engaging portion between a cam portion of a brake lever bearing portion and an engaging pin portion of a first movable member of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment. (A) is a plan view showing a press-contact ring and a biasing projection of a first press-contact member of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment, and (B) is a plan view of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view showing an engagement state between a convex portion of the first rotation shaft and a cutout portion of the up / down bending operation knob; FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an engagement state between the notch and a protrusion of the second rotating shaft. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line NN of FIG. 4. (A) is a cross-sectional view showing an engagement state between a cam groove of a brake knob bearing portion of the endoscope device of the first embodiment and an engagement pin portion of the second movable member, and (B) is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing an engagement state between a groove portion of a fixed shaft and an insertion groove of a retaining member. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which a braking lever of a bending operation knob for left and right and a braking knob of a bending operation knob for up and down of the endoscope device according to the first embodiment have been moved to lock positions. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... operation part, 4 ... casing, 6 ... 1st fixed shaft, 9 ... 1st rotating shaft, 13 ... up-down bending operation knob, 29 ... braking lever (braking operation member), 47 ... claw part, 48 ... Knob body, 49 ... nail back (closing member).

Claims (3)

The bending operation knob has a storage portion that stores a braking mechanism that selectively brakes the rotation of the bending operation knob provided on the inner peripheral side, and at least a portion exposed on the outer surface is formed of resin, A knob body having a claw protruding from the outer peripheral side and having a lightening portion provided on the claw portion, and a closing member for closing the lightening portion of the knob body,
An endoscope apparatus wherein the knob body is formed by primary molding and the closing member is formed integrally by an injection molding method such as a two-color molding method for secondary molding.   2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, in a molding step of the two-color molding method, a contact portion between the knob main body and the closing member is fused to form the contact portion without a step. Mirror device.   The bending operation knob has a storage portion that stores a braking mechanism that selectively brakes the rotation of the bending operation knob provided on the inner peripheral side, and at least a portion exposed on the outer surface is formed of resin. An endoscope device having a claw portion projecting from an outer peripheral side, wherein the claw portion is formed by an injection molding method of thick molding.

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