Patent ID: 7828725
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A bent state holding mechanism for an endoscope which includes a control portion and an insertion portion extending from said control portion, said insertion portion having a bendable portion at a distal end thereof, comprising: a bendable portion control mechanism provided on said control portion, which is operated to bend said bendable portion, and at least two frictional resistance producing members which rotate relative to each other upon operation of said bendable portion control mechanism, to exert a frictional resistance for holding said bendable portion at any operated position, wherein said two frictional resistance producing members include a radial plate spring made of resilient metal which includes a ring portion and a plurality of radial projections which project radially outwards from an outer periphery of said ring portion, wherein said radial plate spring rotates with said bendable portion control mechanism about an axis of rotation; and an annular friction member having a pressure surface which is brought to be pressed obliquely against flat surfaces of said plurality of radial projections, wherein said annular friction member is engaged with a fixing member of said control portion to be prevented from rotating relative to said control portion.