Treatment apparatus

A treatment apparatus includes a rotor which is provided between a distal-end treatment section and a flexible tube section and which is rotatable together with the distal-end treatment section in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section, a rotational operation wire which is configured to be pulled or loosened by a rotational operation section to rotate the distal-end treatment section, and a wire fixing portion which is provided to the rotor or to a part to the distal-end direction side of the rotor and to which a distal end of the rotational operation wire is fixed. The treatment apparatus includes a direction change portion which is configured to change an extending direction of the rotational operation wire extended on an outer peripheral surface of the rotor from the wire fixing portion, and configured to lead out the rotational operation wire to the rotational operation section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a treatment apparatus such as a forceps or a manipulator which is configured to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient and to treat a diseased part.

2. Description of the Related Art

JP-A 2009-142513 (KOKAI) discloses a high-frequency treatment apparatus configured to grip a diseased part with high-frequency electrodes to give a treatment. This high-frequency treatment apparatus includes an insertion section configured to be inserted into a body cavity and an operation section provided to a proximal-end direction side of the insertion section. The insertion section includes a distal-end treatment section to which the high-frequency electrodes are provided, and a flexible tube section which is provided to the proximal-end direction side of the distal-end treatment section and which is extended in longitudinal directions. When performing a rotational action of the distal-end treatment section, rotating torque is transmitted to the distal-end treatment section through a conductive wire, which is a rotational operation transmitting member inserted into the flexible tube section, by rotating the operation section. As a result, the distal-end treatment section rotates in periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section.

Further, a treatment apparatus including a motor provided at a distal-end treatment section is also used. In this treatment apparatus, the distal-end treatment section performs a rotational action by driving the motor.

Furthermore, there is also used a treatment apparatus in which a bevel gear is provided to a distal-end treatment section and the distal-end treatment section performs a rotational action by rotating the bevel gear. In this treatment apparatus, a rotational operation transmitting member such as a wire, which is inserted into a flexible tube section, is connected to the bevel gear. The bevel gear rotates by pulling or loosening the wire, and the distal-end treatment section rotates in periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a treatment apparatus includes a flexible tube section which has a longitudinal axis and is extended in longitudinal directions, a distal-end treatment section which is provided to a distal-end direction side of the flexible tube section and which is rotatable in periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section, a rotor which is provided between the distal-end treatment section and the flexible tube section and which is rotatable together with the distal-end treatment section in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section, a rotational operation section which is provided to a proximal-end direction side of the flexible tube section and which is configured to perform a rotational operation of the distal-end treatment section, a rotational operation wire which is configured to be pulled or loosened by the rotational operation section to rotate the distal-end treatment section, a wire fixing portion which is provided to the rotor or to a part to the distal-end direction side of the rotor and to which a distal end of the rotational operation wire is fixed, and a direction change portion which is configured to change an extending direction of the rotational operation wire extended on an outer peripheral surface of the rotor from the wire fixing portion, and configured to lead out the rotational operation wire to the rotational operation section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

A first embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 11.

FIG. 1is a view showing a configuration of a treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, the treatment apparatus1includes an insertion section2configured to be inserted into a body cavity and an operation section3provided to a proximal-end direction side of the insertion section2. The insertion section2includes a distal-end treatment section4configured to give a treatment, and a flexible tube section5provided to the proximal-end direction side of the distal-end treatment section4and extended in longitudinal directions. A grip section6configured to grip a tissue and the like is provided in the distal-end treatment section4. Moreover, the flexible tube section5has a longitudinal axis C.

FIG. 2is a view showing a configuration of the operation section3. As shown inFIG. 2, the operation section3includes an operation section main body10, a grip operation handle11as a grip operation section configured to perform a grip operation of gripping, e.g., a tissue by the grip section6, and a rotational operation handle12as a rotational operation section configured to perform a rotational operation of rotating the distal-end treatment section4in periaxial directions of the flexible tube section5.

The grip operation handle11is attached to the operation section main body10in a state that the grip operation handle11is movable in the longitudinal directions with respect to the operation section main body10. A proximal end of a grip operation wire16as a grip operation transmitting member configured to transmit a grip operation to the grip section6is fixed to the grip operation handle11. A distal end of the grip operation wire16is connected to the grip section6of the distal-end treatment section4through the inside of the flexible tube section5. In the flexible tube section5, the grip operation wire16is inserted in a coil pipe17used in the grip operation. When the grip operation handle11is moved in the longitudinal directions with respect to the operation section main body10, the grip operation wire16is pulled or loosened.

The rotational operation handle12is attached to the operation section main body10in a state that the rotational operation handle12can rotate in the periaxial directions of the operation section main body10. A bevel gear20is coupled with the rotational operation handle12. The bevel gear20includes a first gear20A coupled with the rotational operation handle12, and a second gear20B that meshes with the first gear20A. Proximal ends of a first rotational operation wire21A and a second rotational operation wire21B as rotational operation transmitting members configured to transmit the rotational operation to the distal-end treatment section4are connected to the second gear20B. The first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B are guided to the inside of the flexible tube section5by a guide pulley22and extended in the flexible tube section5along substantially the longitudinal directions. In the flexible tube section5, each of the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B is inserted into associated rotational operation coil pipe23A or23B. For example, the first rotational operation wire21A is inserted into the coil pipe23A. When the rotational operation handle12is rotated in the periaxial directions, the first gear20A of the bevel gear20rotates together with the rotational operation handle12in the periaxial directions. With the rotation of the first gear20A, the second gear20B rotates about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal directions. When the second gear20B rotates in one of rotational directions, the first rotational operation wire21A is pulled, and the second rotational operation wire21B is loosened. When the second gear20B rotates in the other of the rotational directions, the first rotational operation wire21A is loosened, and the second rotational operation wire21B is pulled.

FIG. 3andFIG. 4are views each showing a distal-end direction side part of the treatment apparatus1. As shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, a rotor26is provided between the distal-end treatment section4and the flexible tube section5in a state that the rotor26is fixed in the distal-end treatment section4. A rotor support member27is provided between the rotor26and the flexible tube section5. The rotor support member27is coupled with and fixed to the flexible tube section5. The rotor26is coupled with the rotor support member27to be rotatable in the periaxial directions thereof. A cylindrical first cover30is provided to an outer peripheral direction side of the rotor support member27. The first cover30is fixed to and coupled with the flexible tube section5. A truncated conical second cover31is provided to the distal-end direction side of the first cover30to be fixed to the first cover30. Adopting such a configuration enables the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26to integrally rotate in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5, the rotor support member27, the first cover30, and the second cover31.

It is to be noted that, as shown inFIG. 3, a first mark33A may be provided on an outer peripheral surface of the distal-end treatment section4, and a second mark33B may be provided on an outer peripheral surface of the second cover31. As a result, an operator confirms a positional relationship between the first mark33A and the second mark33B from an image of, e.g., an endoscope used together with the treatment apparatus1. Further, a neutral position (an initial position) of the distal-end treatment section4and amounts of the rotation of the distal-end treatment section4from the neutral position in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5can be recognized from the positional relationship between the first index33A and the second index33B.

As shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the distal-end treatment section4includes a treatment section main body25. A first pinch portion35A constituting the grip section6is provided at a distal-end direction side part of the treatment section main body25. Additionally, a second pinch portion35B constituting the grip section6is supported to swing by the treatment section main body25through a coupling pin36. The second pinch portion35B can rotate together with the treatment section main body25in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5. Further, the second pinch portion35B can rotate about the coupling pin36with respect to the treatment section main body25. When the second pinch portion35B rotates with respect to the treatment section main body25, the second pinch portion35B performs opening or closing action with respect to the first pinch portion35A of the treatment section main body25.

As shown inFIG. 4, the grip operation coil pipe17into which the grip operation wire16is inserted is coupled with the rotor26through the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27in a state that a distal end of the grip operation wire16is fixed to the rotor26. The grip operation wire16is further extended to the distal-end direction side of the distal end of the coil pipe17. A coupling member39coupled with the second pinch portion35B through the coupling pin38is provided in the treatment section main body25. A distal end of the grip operation wire16is fixed to the coupling member39through the rotor26. Adopting such a configuration enables the coupling member39to move in the longitudinal directions in response to a pulling or loosening action of the grip operation wire16when the grip operation wire16is pulled or loosened by an operation of the grip operation handle11. Based on the movement of the coupling member39, the second pinch portion35B performs a rotating action about the coupling pin36with respect to the treatment section main body25. When the coupling member39moves in the distal-end direction, the second pinch portion35B rotates in a direction where the second pinch portion35B opens with respect to the first pinch portion35A. On the other hand, when the coupling member39moves in the proximal-end direction, the second pinch portion35B rotates in a direction where the second pinch portion35B closes with respect to the first pinch portion35A.

FIG. 5toFIG. 8are views each showing a configuration of the distal-end direction side part of the treatment apparatus1in a state that the first cover30and the second cover31are removed. As shown inFIG. 8, a through hole41pierced in the rotor26in a radial direction is provided in a distal-end direction side part of the rotor26.

FIG. 9is a view showing a configuration of a wire fixing portion40configured to fix distal ends of the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B. As shown inFIG. 9, a groove portion42is provided along circumferential directions on a part of the treatment section main body25(the distal-end treatment section4) placed to an inner peripheral direction side of the rotor26. One linear member43is wound and fixed on the groove portion42by, e.g., brazing, thereby forming a wound portion43A. The linear member43is extended from both ends of the wound portion43A to the outer peripheral direction side of the rotor26via the through hole41. A portion extended to the outer peripheral direction side of the rotor26from one end of the wound portion43A of the linear member43forms the first rotational operation wire21A, and a portion extended to the outer peripheral direction side of the rotor26from the other end of the wound portion43A forms the second rotational operation wire21B.

It is to be noted that the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B are formed of the one linear member43in this embodiment in consideration of efficiency of an assembling operation of the treatment apparatus and others, but the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B may be formed of two different linear members, and each of the linear members may be fixed in the groove portion42of the distal-end treatment section4.

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view taken along a line10-10inFIG. 7. As shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 10, an outer peripheral surface of the rotor support member27includes a first surface45A and a second surface45B each of which has a radial distance from the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5smaller than those of any other portions of the outer peripheral surface. Each of the first surface45A and the second surface45B is formed by flatly cutting the rotor support member27in the radial direction, for example. The first surface45A is arranged at a position apart from the through hole41of the rotor26in the circumferential directions. The second surface45B is arranged at a position apart from the through hole41of the rotor26, toward a direction opposite to a direction where the first surface45A is disposed, in the circumferential directions. A protruding convex portion47A protruding in the outer peripheral direction is provided on the first surface45A. Likewise, a second protruding portion47B protruding in the outer peripheral direction from the outer peripheral surface is provided on the second surface45B. That is, the first surface45A is a protruding portion arrangement surface where the first protruding portion47A is placed, and the second surface45B is a protruding portion arrangement surface where the second protruding portion47B is placed. As shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, a first circular surface48A is provided to the first protruding portion47A, and a second circular surface48B is provided to the second protruding portion47B.

It is to be noted that each of the first surface45A and the second surface45B is formed in a planar shape in this embodiment, but the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, each of the first surface45A and the second surface45B may be formed in a curved surface. That is, in each of the first surface45A and the second surface45B, a satisfactory configuration is one in which the radial distance from the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5is smaller than those of any other portions of the outer peripheral surface of the rotor support member27. Further, it is preferable that a radius of each of the first circular surface48A and the second circular surface48B is not smaller than a minimum bending R of each of the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B.

As shown inFIG. 5toFIG. 8, the first rotational operation wire21A extended from the wire fixing portion40toward the outer peripheral direction is extended on an outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along a first oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions. Furthermore, the first rotational operation wire21A abuts on the first convex portion47A along the first circular surface48A. That is, the first rotational operation wire21A abuts on the first circular surface48A of the first convex portion47A. Since the first rotational operation wire21A abuts on the first convex portion47A, the extending direction of the first rotational operation wire21A is changed from the first oblique direction. A first hole portion46A is provided at a position to the proximal-end direction side of the first convex portion47A. The first rotational operation wire21A whose extending direction has been changed from the first oblique direction by the first convex portion47A is inserted into the flexible tube section5from the first hole portion46A. That is, the first hole portion46A is a wire inserting portion through which the first rotational operation wire21A is inserted into the flexible tube section5. The first rotational operation wire21A inserted in the flexible tube section5is extended to a rotational operation section (the rotational operation handle12).

On the other hand, the second rotational operation wire21B extended from the wire fixing portion40toward the outer peripheral direction is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along a second oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions to a direction opposite to the first oblique direction. Moreover, the second rotational operation wire21B abuts on the second convex portion47B along the second circular surface48B. That is, the second rotational operation wire21B abuts on the second circular surface48B of the second convex portion47B. Since the second rotational operation wire21B abuts on the second convex portion47B, the extending direction of the second rotational operation wire21B is changed from the second oblique direction. A second hole portion46B is provided at a position to the proximal-end direction side of the second convex portion47B. The second rotational operation wire21B whose extending direction has been changed from the second oblique direction by the second convex portion47B is inserted into the flexible tube section5from the second hole portion46B. That is, the second hole portion46B is a wire inserting portion through which the second rotational operation wire21B is inserted into the flexible tube section5. The second rotational operation wire21B inserted in the flexible tube section5is extended to the rotational operation section (the rotational operation handle12).

As shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, a wire crossing portion49at which the first rotational operation wire21A crosses the second rotational operation wire21B is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26. That is, the wire crossing portion49is provided between the wire fixing portion40and the first convex portion47A (the second convex portion47B). As shown inFIG. 10, a first distance a from an axis center of the rotor support member27(the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5) to the first surface45A is larger than a second distance b from the axis center of the rotor support member27(the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5) to the second surface45B. That is, in the first convex portion47A, a first root44A is provided to be apart in the radial direction from the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5by the first distance a. Further, in the second convex portion47B, a second root44B is provided to be apart in the radial direction from the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5by the second distance b smaller than the first distance a. Therefore, in the wire crossing portion49, the first rotational operation wire21A crosses the second rotational operation wire21B in a state that the first rotational operation wire21A is arranged on the outer peripheral direction side and the second rotational operation wire21B is arranged on the inner peripheral direction side. Here, it is preferable that a difference (a-b) between the first distance a and the second distance b is equal to or above a diameter of each of the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B. As a result, at the wire crossing portion49, the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B cross without coming into contact with each other.

It is to be noted that the first distance a from the axis center of the rotor support member27to the first surface45A may be smaller than the second distance b from the axis center of the rotor support member27to the second surface45B. In this case, at the wire crossing portion49, the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B cross each other in a state that the first rotational operation wire21A is arranged on the inner peripheral direction side and the second rotational operation wire21B is arranged on the outer peripheral direction side.

A function of the treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment will now be described. In the treatment apparatus1, when rotating the distal-end treatment section4in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5, the rotational operation handle12is rotated in one of rotating directions. As a result, the first rotational operation wire21A is pulled and the second rotational operation wire21B is loosened through the bevel gear20.

FIG. 11is a view explaining a rotational action of the distal-end treatment section4in the periaxial directions. The first rotational operation wire21A is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along the first oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions between the wire fixing portion40and the first convex portion47A. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 11, when the first rotational operation wire21A is pulled, force F is applied to the rotor26in the first oblique direction. The force F can be divided into force F1in the longitudinal directions and force F2in the circumferential directions. The rotor26is rotated in one of the rotating directions by the force F2in the circumferential directions. At this time, the treatment section main body25and the second pinch portion35B (the distal-end treatment section4) rotate in the periaxial directions together with the rotor26. As described above, the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26rotate in one of the rotating directions with respect to the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27.

On the other hand, when the rotational operation handle12is rotated in the other of the rotating directions, the first rotational operation wire21A is loosened and the second rotational operation wire21B is pulled through the bevel gear20. The second rotational operation wire21B is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along the second oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions to the direction opposite to the first oblique direction between the wire fixing portion40and the second convex portion47B. Therefore, when the second rotational operation wire21B is pulled, force is applied to the rotor26in the second oblique direction. This force can be divided into force in the longitudinal directions and force in the circumferential directions which acts in a direction opposite to the force F2. The rotor26is rotated in the other of the rotating directions by the force that acts in the direction opposite to the force F2. At this time, the treatment section main body25and the second pinch portion35B (the distal-end treatment section4) rotate in the periaxial directions together with the rotor26. As described above, the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26rotate in the other of the rotating directions with respect to the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27.

In the treatment apparatus1, the first rotational operation wire21A abuts on the first convex portion47A along the first circular surface48A, and the second rotational operation wire21B abuts on the second convex portion47B along the second circular surface48B. Therefore, when the first rotational operation wire21A is pulled, stress applied to the first rotational operation wire21A from the first convex portion47A is reduced. Likewise, when the second rotational operation wire21B is pulled, stress applied to the second rotational operation wire21B from the second convex portion47B is reduced. Further, when the radius of the first circular surface48A of the first convex portion47A is set to be not smaller than the minimum bending R of the first rotational operation wire21A, the stress applied to the first rotational operation wire21A from the first convex portion47A can be further reduced. This is also true for the second rotational operation wire21B and the second convex portion47B.

Furthermore, in the treatment apparatus1, the wire crossing portion49at which the first rotational operation wire21A crosses the second rotational operation wire21B is provided at the portion between the wire fixing portion40and the first convex portion47A (the second convex portion47B) on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26. Providing the wire crossing portion49causes the distal-end treatment section4to be rotatable in the range of at least ±180 degrees from the neutral position (the initial position) when the distal-end treatment section4rotates in the periaxial directions of the flexible tube section5.

Furthermore, the first distance a from the axis center of the rotor support member27(the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5) to the first surface45A (the first root44A of the first convex portion47A) is larger than the second distance b from the axis center of the rotor support member27(the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5) to the second surface45B (the second root44B of the second convex portion47B). Here, when the difference (a-b) between the first distance a and the second distance b is set to be not smaller than the diameter of each of the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B, the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B cross without coming into contact with each other at the wire crossing portion49. As a result, an effect of friction between the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B at the wire crossing portion49is reduced.

Moreover, in the treatment apparatus1, the first surface45A and the second surface45B, each of which has the radial distance from the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5being smaller than that of any other portions of the outer peripheral surface, are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor support member27. Additionally, the first convex portion47A is provided on the first surface45A, and the second convex portion47A is provided on the second surface45B. Therefore, as compared with a configuration where the first convex portion47A or/and the second convex portion47B is/are provided at positions excluding the first surface45A and the second surface45B on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor support member27, a diameter of the distal-end direction side part of the treatment apparatus1is reduced.

Therefore, the thus configured treatment apparatus1exhibits the following effect. That is, in the treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment, when the first rotational operation wire21A is pulled by an operation using the rotational operation handle12, the force F is applied to the rotor26in the first oblique direction. This force F is divided into the force F1in the longitudinal directions and the force F2in the circumferential directions. The rotor26, the treatment section main body25, and the second pinch portion35B (the distal-end treatment section4) are rotated in one of the rotating directions by the force F2. Likewise, when the second rotational operation wire21B is pulled by an operation using the rotational operation handle12, the force is applied to the rotor26in the second oblique direction. The force in the second oblique direction is divided into the force in the longitudinal directions and the force in the circumferential directions that acts in the direction opposite to the force F2. The rotor26, the treatment section main body25, and the second pinch unit35B (the distal-end treatment section4) are rotated in the other of the rotating directions by the force in the direction opposite to the force F2. As described above, since the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26rotate in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27, the rotational operation is appropriately transmitted to the distal-end treatment section4. Moreover, since a motor, a bevel gear, and others are not provided in the distal-end treatment section4, the diameter of the distal-end treatment section4can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide the treatment apparatus1that can realize appropriate transmission of the rotational operation to the distal-end treatment section4and reduce the diameter of the distal-end treatment section4.

Additionally, in the treatment apparatus1, the first rotational operation wire21A abuts on the first convex portion47A along the first circular surface48A, and the second rotational operation wire21B abuts on the second convex portion47B along the second circular surface48B. Therefore, when the first rotational operation wire21A is pulled, the stress applied to the first rotational operation wire21A from the first convex portion47A can be reduced. Likewise, when the second rotational operation wire21B is pulled, the stress applied to the second rotational operation wire21B from the second convex portion47B can be reduced. Further, when the radius of the first circular surface48A of the first convex portion47A is set to be not smaller than the minimum bending R of the first rotational operation wire21A, the stress applied to the first rotational operation wire21A from the first convex portion47A can be further reduced. This is also true for the second rotational operation wire21B and the second convex portion47B.

Furthermore, in the treatment apparatus1, the wire crossing portion49at which the first rotational operation wire21A crosses the second rotational operation wire21B is provided at the position between the wire fixing portion40and the first convex portion47A (the second convex portion47B) on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26. Providing the wire crossing portion49enables the distal-end treatment section4to be rotatable in the range of at least ±180 degrees from the neutral position (the initial position) when the distal-end treatment section4rotates in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5.

Moreover, in the treatment apparatus1, the first distance a from the axis center of the rotor support member27(the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5) to the first surface45A (the first root44A of the first convex portion47A) is larger than the second distance b from the axis center of the rotor support member27(the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5) to the second surface45B (the second root44B of the second convex portion47B). Here, when the difference (a-b) between the first distance a and the second distance b is set to be not smaller than the diameter of each of the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B, the first rotational operation wire21A crosses the second rotation operation wire21B without coming into contact with each other at the wire crossing portion49. As a result, it is possible to reduce the effect of friction between the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B at the wire crossing portion49.

Additionally, in the treatment apparatus1, the first surface45A and the second surface45B, each of which has the radial distance from the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5being smaller than that of any other portions of the outer peripheral surface of the rotor support member27, are provided on the outer peripheral surface. Furthermore, the first convex portion47A is provided on the first surface45A, and the second convex portion47A is provided on the second surface45B. Therefore, as compared with the configuration where the first convex portion47A or/and the second convex portion47B is/are provided at positions excluding the first surface45A and the second surface45B on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor support member27, the diameter of the distal-end direction side part of the treatment apparatus1is reduced.

Modifications of First Embodiment

A modification of the first embodiment will now be described with reference toFIG. 12toFIG. 15. It is to be noted that like reference numerals denote the same parts and parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment, thereby omitting a description thereof.

FIG. 12is a view showing a configuration of a distal-end direction side part of a treatment apparatus1according to a first modification of the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 12, in the treatment apparatus1according to this modification, a distal end of a grip operation wire coil pipe17into which a grip operation wire16is inserted is fixed to and coupled with a rotor support member27rather than a rotor26. When the coil pipe17is coupled with the rotor26, the coil pipe17and the grip operation wire16integrally rotate with rotor26in the periaxial directions at the time of a rotational action of a rotor26. Therefore, the rotational torque of rotating the rotor26is increased. Further, when the grip operation wire coil pipe17and the grip operation wire16rotate, the grip operation wire16is apt to be affected by the friction from other internal members in the flexible tube section5. Therefore, a diameter of the grip operation wire16must be increased to avoid cutting of the grip operation wire16.

On the other hand, in the treatment apparatus1according to this modification, since the grip operation wire coil pipe17is coupled with the rotor support member27, the grip operation wire16alone rotates and the coil pipe17does not rotate when the rotor26performs the rotational action. Therefore, the rotational torque of rotating the rotor26can be reduced. Furthermore, when the rotor26carries out the rotational action, friction occurs between the grip operation wire16and the coil pipe17. Therefore, as compared with a configuration in which the grip operation wire16is affected by the friction from other internal members in the flexible tube section5, the diameter of the grip operation wire16can be reduced.

FIG. 13is a view showing a configuration of a treatment apparatus1according to a second modification of the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 13, a grip operation section52configured to effect a grip operation of gripping, e.g., a tissue by the grip section6is provided in an operation section51of the treatment apparatus1. The grip operation section52includes a fixed handle55fixed to an operation section main body10, and a movable handle57supported on the fixed handle55to swing through a coupling pin56. The movable handle57can rotate about the coupling pin56with respect to the fixed handle55. A proximal end of a grip operation wire16is connected to the movable handle57. When the movable handle57is rotated in a closing direction with respect to the fixed handle55, the grip operation wire16is pulled. Furthermore, when the movable handle57is rotated in an opening direction with respect to the fixed handle55, the grip operation wire16is loosened.

As described above in conjunction with the second modification, the configuration of pulling or loosening the grip operation wire16is not restricted to the configuration of the foregoing embodiment. Likewise, the configuration of pulling or loosening the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B is not restricted to the configuration of the foregoing embodiment either.

FIG. 14is a view showing a distal-end direction side part of a treatment apparatus1according to a third modification of the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 14, the first convex portion47A and the second convex portion47B are not provided on a rotor support member27according to this modification. Instead, a first guide portion61A and a second guide portion61B are provided to the rotor support member27. The first guide portion61A includes a first insertion hole62A, and the second guide portion61B includes a second insertion hole62B.

As shown inFIG. 14, a first rotational operation wire21A extended from a wire fixing portion40is extended on the outer peripheral surface of a rotor26along a first oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions. Moreover, the first rotational operation wire21A is inserted into the first insertion hole62A of the first guide portion61A. When the first rotational operation wire21A is inserted into the first insertion hole62A of the first guide portion61A, the extending direction of the first rotational operation wire21A is changed from the first oblique direction. The first rotational operation wire, the extending direction of which has been changed from the first oblique direction by the first guide portion61A, is inserted into a flexible tube section5from the first hole portion46A. That is, the first hole portion46A is a wire inserting portion through which the first rotational operation wire21A is inserted into the flexible tube section5. The first rotational operation wire21A inserted in the flexible tube section5is extended to a rotational operation section (a rotational operation handle12).

On the other hand, a second rotational operation wire21B extended from the wire fixing portion40is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along a second oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions to the direction opposite to the first oblique direction. Further, the second rotational operation wire21B is inserted into the second insertion hole62B of the second guide portion61B. When the second rotational operation wire21B is inserted into the second insertion hole62B of the second guide portion61B, the extending direction of the second rotational operation wire21B is changed from the second oblique direction. The second rotational operation wire21B, the extending direction of which has been changed from the second oblique direction by the second guide portion61B, is inserted into the flexible tube section5from the second hole portion46B. That is, the second hole portion46B is a wire inserting portion through which the second rotational operation wire21B is inserted into the flexible tube section5. The second rotational operation wire21B inserted in the flexible tube section5is extended to the rotational operation section (the rotational operation handle12).

FIG. 15is a view showing a distal-end direction side part of a treatment apparatus1according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 15, the first convex portion47A and the second convex portion47B are not provided on a rotor support member27according to this modification. Instead, a first hole portion65A and a second hole portion65B are provided to the rotor support member27.

As shown inFIG. 15, a first rotational operation wire21A extended from a wire fixing portion40is extended on the outer peripheral surface of a rotor26along a first oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions. Further, the first rotational operation wire21A is inserted into the first hole portion65A of the rotor support member27. When the first rotational operation wire21A is inserted into the first hole portion65A, the extending direction of the first rotational operation wire21A is changed from the first oblique direction. Furthermore, the first rotational operation wire21A is inserted into a flexible tube section5from the first hole portion65A. That is, the first hole portion65A is a wire inserting portion through which the first rotational operation wire21A is inserted into the flexible tube section5. The first rotational operation wire21A inserted into the flexible tube section5is extended to a rotational operation section (a rotational operation handle12).

On the other hand, a second rotational operation wire21B extended from the wire fixing portion40is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along a second oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions to the direction opposite to the first oblique direction. Furthermore, the second rotational operation wire21B is inserted into a second hole portion65B of the rotor support member27. When the second rotational operation wire21B is inserted into the second hole portion65B, the extending direction of the second rotational operation wire21B is changed from the second oblique direction. Moreover, the second rotational operation wire21B is inserted into the flexible tube section5from the second hole portion65B. That is, the second hole portion65B is a wire inserting portion through which the second rotational operation wire21B is inserted into the flexible tube section5. The second rotational operation wire21B inserted into the flexible tube section5is extended to the rotational operation section (the rotational operation handle12).

As described above in conjunction with the third modification and the fourth modification, the configuration in which the extending direction of the first rotational operation wire21A is changed from the first oblique direction and the configuration in which the extending direction of the second rotational operation wire21B is changed from the second oblique direction are not restricted to those in the foregoing embodiment. That is, it is satisfactory to provide a direction change portion configured to change the extending direction of the first rotational operation wire21A, extended from the wire fixing portion40on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along the first oblique direction, from the first oblique direction and to cause the first rotational operation wire21A to be extended to the rotational operation section. Likewise, it is satisfactory to provide a direction change portion configured to change the extending direction of the second rotational operation wire21B, extended from the wire fixing portion40on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along the second oblique direction, from the second oblique direction and to cause the second rotational operation wire21B to be extended to the rotational operation unit.

Further, when the first convex portion47A is provided as the direction change portion of the first rotational operation wire21A, the first convex portion47A includes the first circular surface48A in the foregoing embodiment, but the first circular surface48A does not have to be necessarily provided. That is, a satisfactory configuration is one in which the extending direction of the first rotational operation wire21A is changed from the first oblique direction when the first rotational operation wire21A abuts on the first convex portion47A. This is also true for the configuration where the second convex portion47B is provided as the direction change portion of the second rotational operation wire21B.

Furthermore, although the first surface45A and the second surface45B each of which has the smaller radial distance from the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5than those of any other portions of the outer peripheral surface of the rotor support member27are provided on the outer peripheral surface in the foregoing embodiment, these surfaces do not have to be necessarily provided. For example, in a state that the radial distances from the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5are equal in any portions, the outer peripheral surface of the rotor support member27may be formed.

Moreover, the first convex portion47A and the second convex portion47B may be provided on the distal-end direction side part of the flexible tube section5. That is, the first convex portion47A and the second convex portion47B may be provided on the distal-end direction side part of the flexible tube section5or a different member, e.g., the rotor support member27which is provided between the flexible tube section5and the distal-end treatment section4is fixed to the flexible tube section5. Additionally, the first surface and the second surface each of which has a smaller radial distance from the longitudinal axis C of the flexible tube section5than those of any other parts of the outer peripheral surface may be provided on the distal-end direction side part of the flexible tube section5. In this case, the first convex portion47A is provided on the first surface, and the second convex portion47B is provided on the second surface.

Further, although the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26are different members in the foregoing embodiment, they may be integrally formed. That is, the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26can be configured to rotate in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5. Furthermore, it is satisfactory to provide the wire fixing portion40, to which the distal ends of the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B are fixed, to the rotor26or parts to a distal-end direction side of the rotor26. Moreover, although the distal-end treatment section4includes the grip section6in the foregoing embodiment, the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, the distal-end treatment section4may be an electric scalpel.

Additionally, although the wire crossing portion49is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26between the wire fixing portion40and the first convex portion47A (the second convex portion47B) in the foregoing embodiment, the wire crossing portion49does not have to be necessarily provided. That is, it is satisfactory to cause the first rotational operation wire21A to be extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along the first oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions between the wire fixing portion40and the first convex portion47A. Likewise, it is satisfactory to cause the second rotational operation wire21B to be extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along the second oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions to the direction opposite to the first oblique direction between the wire fixing portion40and the second convex portion47B.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 16. It is to be noted that like reference numerals denote the same parts or parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment, thereby omitting a detailed description thereof.

FIG. 16is a view showing a configuration of a distal-end direction side part of a treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 16, a torsion spring71is provided on an outer peripheral surface of a rotor26according to this embodiment. The torsion spring71is arranged to the outer peripheral side of the rotor26and to the inner peripheral side of a rotor support member27. When the torsion spring71performs an action, the rotor26receives an urging force in one of rotating directions. That is, the torsion spring71is an urging member configured to give the urging force in one of the rotating directions of the rotor26.

Moreover, in the treatment apparatus1, one rotational operation wire21A alone is provided in comparison to the first embodiment in which the two rotational operation wires21A and21B are provided. Likewise, one convex portion47A alone is provided on the rotor support member27.

A distal end of the rotational operation wire21A is fixed to a wire fixing portion40like the first embodiment. The rotational operation wire21A, the distal end of which is fixed to the wire fixing portion40, is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along an oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions to a direction opposite to a direction where the torsion spring71gives the urging force. Additionally, the rotational operation wire21A abuts on the convex portion47A. When the rotational operation wire21A abuts on the convex portion47A, the extending direction of the rotational operation wire21A changes from the oblique direction. The rotational operation wire21A whose extending direction has been changed from the oblique direction by the convex portion47is inserted into a flexible tube section5from a hole portion46A. The rotational operation wire21A inserted in the flexible tube section5is extended to a rotational operation section (a rotational operation handle12).

A function of the treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment will now be described. When effecting a rotational action of a distal-end treatment section4in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5, the torsion spring71is actuated. The rotor26receives the urging force in one of the rotating directions by the action of the torsion spring71. The rotor26rotates in one of the rotating directions by the urging force from the torsion spring71. At this time, a treatment section main body25and a second pinch portion35B (the distal-end treatment section4) rotate in the periaxial directions integrally with the rotor26. As described above, the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26rotate in one of the rotating directions with respect to the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27.

Additionally, the rotational operation wire21A is pulled by an operation using the rotational operation handle12. The rotational operation wire21A is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26between the wire fixing portion40and the convex portion47A along the oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions to the circumferential directions to the direction opposite to the direction where the torsion spring71gives the urging force. Therefore, when the rotational operation wire21A is pulled, a force is applied to the rotor26in the oblique direction. This force is divided into a longitudinal force and a circumferential force acted to the direction opposite to the urging force from the torsion spring71. The rotor26is rotated in the other of the rotating directions by the force acted to the direction opposite to the urging force from the torsion spring71. At this time, the treatment section main body25and the second pinch portion35B (the distal-end treatment section4) rotate in the periaxial directions together with the rotor26. As described above, the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26rotate in the other of the rotating directions with respect to the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27.

Therefore, the treatment apparatus1having the above-described configuration exhibits the following effects. That is, in the treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment, the rotor26receives the urging force in one of the rotating directions by the action of the torsion spring71. The rotor26and the distal-end treatment section4rotate in one of the rotating directions by the urging force from the torsion spring71. On the other hand, when the rotational operation wire21A is pulled by an operation using the rotational operation handle12, the force is applied to the rotor26in the oblique direction. The force in the oblique direction is divided into the longitudinal force and the circumferential force acted to the direction opposite to the urging force of the torsion spring71. The rotor26and the distal-end treatment section4rotate in the other of the rotating directions by the force acted to the direction opposite to the urging force from the torsion spring71. As described above, since the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26rotate in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27, the rotational operation is appropriately transmitted to the distal-end treatment section4. Further, since a motor, a bevel gear, and others are not provided in the distal-end treatment section4, a diameter of the distal-end treatment section4can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide the treatment apparatus1that can realize appropriate transmission of the rotational operation to the distal-end treatment section4and a reduction of the diameter of the distal-end treatment section4.

Furthermore, in the treatment apparatus1, since the distal-end treatment section4is rotated in one of the rotating directions by the torsion spring71, providing one rotational operation wire21A can suffice. Therefore, a space in the flexible tube section5is larger. As a result, for example, when a bending section is provided between the distal-end treatment section4and the flexible tube section5, a bending operation wire and a coil pipe used in the bending operation wire can be readily arranged.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 17andFIG. 18. Like reference numerals denote the same parts and parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment, thereby omitting a description thereof.

FIG. 17is a view showing a configuration of a distal-end direction side part of a treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 17, like the first embodiment, the treatment apparatus1includes a distal-end treatment section4, a rotor26, a rotor support member27, and a flexible tube section5. A first rotational operation wire21A is extended on an outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along a first oblique direction. Likewise, a second rotational operation wire21B is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26along a second oblique direction.

Like the first embodiment, a first convex portion47A and second convex portion47B are provided to the rotor support member27. When the first rotational operation wire21A abuts on the first convex portion47A, an extending direction of the first rotational operation wire21A changes from the first oblique direction. Further, the first rotational operation wire21A is extended to a rotational operation section (a rotational operation handle12) through the flexible tube section5. Furthermore, when the second rotational operation wire21B abuts on the second convex portion47B, an extending direction of the second rotational operation wire21B is changed from the second oblique direction. Moreover, the second rotational operation wire21B is extended to the rotational operation section (the rotational operation handle12) through the flexible tube section5.

As shown inFIG. 17, a tubular portion75having flexibility is provided between the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26. The tubular portion75can rotate together with the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27. The distal-end treatment section4, the rotor26, and the rotor support member27are made of a hard material. Therefore, when the tubular portion75is not provided, a dimension of the hard part in the longitudinal directions from a distal end of the treatment apparatus1is increased. Therefore, when the tubular portion75is provided, the portion having flexibility is provided between the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26. Therefore, the dimension of the hard portion in the longitudinal directions from the distal end of the treatment apparatus1is reduced.

FIG. 18is a view showing a use state in which the treatment apparatus1is used together with an endoscope80. As shown inFIG. 18, the endoscope80includes an endoscope insertion section81configured to be inserted into a body cavity and an endoscope operation section (not shown) provided to a proximal-end direction side of the endoscope insertion section81. The endoscope insertion section81includes an endoscope flexible tube section83having flexibility, an endoscope bending section85which is provided to the distal-end direction side of the endoscope flexible tube section83and which is configured to perform a bending action, and a distal-end hard section86provided to the distal-end direction side of the endoscope bending section85. An imaging element (not shown) configured to perform an observation of a subject is provided at the distal-end hard section86. A treatment apparatus insertion channel87is extended in the endoscope insertion section81along the longitudinal directions. The treatment apparatus1is used in a state in which it is inserted in the treatment apparatus insertion channel87of the endoscope80. When using the treatment apparatus1, the distal-end treatment section4of the treatment apparatus1is placed at a position in which the distal-end treatment section4can be observed (visually confirmed) by the imaging element of the endoscope80.

As described above, in the treatment apparatus1, since the tubular portion75having the flexibility is provided between the distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26, the longitudinal dimension of the hard portion from the distal end of the treatment apparatus1is reduced. Therefore, insertion properties of the treatment apparatus1with respect to the treatment apparatus insertion channel87of the endoscope80can be improved.

Further, in a state that the distal-end treatment section4can be observed by the imaging element of the endoscope80, a proximal end of the rotor support member27of the treatment apparatus1is placed to the distal-end direction side of a distal end of the endoscope bending section85. As a result, the flexible tube section5having the flexibility in the treatment apparatus1is placed in the endoscope bending section85. Therefore, deterioration of bending properties of the endoscope bending section85can be avoided.

It is to be noted that the treatment apparatus1may not include the rotor support member27. In this case, in the state that the distal-end treatment section4can be observed by the imaging element of the endoscope80, a proximal end of the rotor26of the treatment apparatus1is placed to the distal-end direction side of the distal end of the endoscope bending section85. That is, in the state that the distal-end treatment section4can be observed by the imaging element of the endoscope80, a distal end of the flexible tube section5in the treatment apparatus1is placed to the distal-end direction side of the distal end of the endoscope bending section85.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 19. It is to be noted that like reference numerals denote the same parts or parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment, thereby omitting a description thereof.

FIG. 19is a view showing a configuration of a distal-end direction side part of a treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 19, the treatment apparatus1includes a distal-end treatment section4, a flexible tube section5, a rotor26, and a rotor support member27. The rotor26includes a first rotor91and a second rotor92provided to the proximal-end direction side of the first rotor91. A first tubular portion95having flexibility is provided between the first rotor91and the distal-end treatment section4. When the first tubular portion95is provided, a dimension of a hard part in the longitudinal directions from a distal end of the treatment apparatus1is reduced. Therefore, insertion properties of the treatment apparatus1with respect to a treatment apparatus insertion channel of an endoscope can be improved. Further, a second tubular portion96having flexibility is provided between the first rotor91and the second rotor92. As a result, the first rotor91and the second rotor92are arranged in a state that these rotors are apart from each other in the longitudinal directions. The distal-end treatment section4, the first rotor91, the second rotor92, the first tubular portion95, and the second tubular portion96can rotate in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27.

The rotor support member27provided between the second rotor92and the flexible tube section5includes a member main body98and a protruding portion99protruding from the member main body98to the distal-end direction. A distal end of the protruding portion99is extended to a position substantially equal to that of the second tubular portion96in the longitudinal directions. A first convex portion47A is provided to the protruding portion99of the rotor support member27. Further, a second convex portion47B is provided to the member main body98of the rotor support member27.

A first rotational operation wire21A is extended on an outer peripheral surface of the first rotor91along a first oblique direction. The extending direction of the first rotational operation wire21A is changed from the first oblique direction when the first rotational operation wire21A abuts on the first convex portion47A. Furthermore, the first rotational operation wire21A is extended to a rotational operation section (a rotational operation handle12) through the protruding portion99of the rotor support member27and the flexible tube section5. Moreover, a second rotational operation wire21B is extended on an outer peripheral surface of the second rotor92along a second oblique direction. The extending direction of the second rotational operation wire21B is changed from the second oblique direction when the second rotational operation wire21B abuts on the second convex portion47B. Additionally, the second rotational operation wire21B is extended to the rotational operation section (the rotational operation handle12) through the flexible tube section5.

At the time of a treatment using the treatment apparatus1, rotating the distal-end treatment section4equal to or above 360° may be required. In such a case, each of the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the rotor26in two or more turns and extended in this state. Therefore, when the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B are extended on the outer peripheral surface of one rotor26like the first embodiment, the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B cross each other at two positions. As a result, friction between the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B is increased.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the first rotor91and the second rotor92are provided. Further, the first rotational operation wire21A is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor91, and the second rotational operation wire21B is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the second rotor92. Therefore, when the first rotational operation wire21A is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor91in two or more turns and the second rotational operation wire21B is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the second rotor92in two or more turns, the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B do not cross each other. Therefore, friction is not produced between the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B, and the distal-end treatment section4can be rotated equal to or above 360°.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 20. It is to be noted that like reference numerals denote the same parts and parts having the same functions as those in the fourth embodiment, thereby omitting a description thereof.

FIG. 20is a view showing a configuration of a distal-end direction side part of a treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 20, the treatment apparatus1includes a distal-end treatment section4, a flexible tube section5, a first rotor91, a second rotor92, and a rotor support member27. The second rotor92is provided in a state that the first rotor91is continuous to the distal-end direction side. The distal-end treatment section4, the first rotor91, and the second rotor92can rotate in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5and the rotor support member27.

The rotor support member27includes a member main body98and a protruding portion99. A distal end of the protruding portion99is extended to a position substantially equal to that of the second rotor92in the longitudinal directions. A first convex portion47A is provided to the protruding portion99of the rotor support member27, and a second convex portion47B is provided to the member main body98of the rotor support member27.

A first rotational operation wire21A is extended on an outer peripheral surface of the first rotor91along a first oblique direction. When the first rotational operation wire21A abuts on the first convex portion47A, the extending direction of the first rotational operation wire21A is changed from the first oblique direction. Further, the first rotation operation wire21A is extended to a rotational operation section (a rotational operation handle12) through the flexible tube section5. Moreover, a second rotational operation wire21B is extended on an outer peripheral surface of the second rotor92along a second oblique direction. When the second rotational operation wire21B abuts on the second convex portion47B, the extending direction of the second rotational operation wire21B is changed from the second oblique direction. Additionally, the second rotational operation wire21B is extended to the rotational operation section (the rotational operation handle12) through the flexible tube section5.

In the treatment apparatus1according to this embodiment, the first rotor91and the second rotor92are separately provided. Further, the first rotational operation wire21A is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor91, and the second rotational operation wire21B is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the second rotor92. Therefore, even when the first rotational operation wire21A is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the first rotor91in two or more turns and the second rotational operation wire21B is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the second rotor92in two or more turns, the first rotation operation wire21A does not cross the second rotational operation wire21B. Therefore, friction is not produced between the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B, and the distal-end treatment section4can be rotated equal to or above 360°.

Here, in the treatment apparatus1according to the fourth embodiment, since the second tubular portion96is provided, the dimension in the longitudinal directions from the second rotor92to the distal-end treatment section4is increased. Therefore, a rotational action of the second rotor92may possibly not be appropriately transmitted to the distal-end treatment section4. In this case, the rotation tracking properties of the distal-end treatment section4with respect to the second rotor92are reduced, and operability of the rotational operation is deteriorated.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the first rotor91is continuous to the distal-end direction side of the second rotor92, and the second tubular portion96is not provided. Accordingly, the dimension in the longitudinal directions from the second rotor92to the distal-end treatment section4can be reduced. Therefore, not only the rotational action of the first rotor91but also the rotational action of the second rotor92placed to the proximal-end direction side can be appropriately transmitted to the distal-end treatment section4. Therefore, the rotation tracking properties of the distal-end treatment section4with respect to the second rotor92can be improved. As a result, when rotating the distal-end treatment section4equal to or above 360°, the operability of the rotational operation can be assured.

It is to be noted that, to reduce the dimension of the hard part of the treatment apparatus1in the longitudinal directions from the distal end, a tubular portion having flexibility may be provided between the distal-end treatment section4and the first rotor91. In this case, the tubular portion rotates together with the distal-end treatment section4, the first rotor91, and the second rotor92in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5.

First Reference Example

A first reference example will now be described with reference toFIG. 21. Like reference numerals denote the same parts and parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment, thereby omitting a description thereof.

FIG. 21is a view showing a treatment apparatus1according to this reference example. As shown inFIG. 21, the treatment apparatus1according to this reference example includes a first bending section101and a second bending section102provided between a rotor support member27and a flexible tube section5. The first bending section101is provided to the distal-end direction side of the second bending section102. The first bending section101is a bending section with two freedom degrees configured to perform a bending action in four directions. Likewise, the second bending section102is a bending section with two freedom degrees configured to perform a bending action in four directions. The first bending section101and the second bending section102carry out the bending action by pulling or loosening a bending operation wire (not shown).

A distal-end treatment section4and a rotor26rotate in the periaxial directions with respect to a flexible tube section5by pulling or loosening a first rotational operation wire21A and a second rotational operation wire21B like the first embodiment. Moreover, when an operation section3is moved in the longitudinal directions (an arrowhead A inFIG. 21), the distal-end treatment section4moves forward and backward in the longitudinal directions.

As described above, in the treatment apparatus1, the bending actions of the first bending section101and the second bending section102and the rotational action of the distal-end treatment section4are carried out by pulling or loosening the operation wires (the bending operation wire and the rotational operation wires21A and21B). For example, when rotating the operation section3to rotate the distal-end treatment section4, the rotational operation in the operation section3may possibly not be appropriately transmitted to the distal-end treatment section4due to, e.g., a change in shape of an insertion section2at the time of insertion into a body cavity. Therefore, in this reference example, the distal-end treatment section4is rotated by pulling or loosening the first rotational operation wire21A and the second rotational operation wire21B. Therefore, the rotational operation in the operation section is appropriately transmitted to the distal-end treatment section4irrespective of a shape of the insertion section2. This is also true for the bending operations of the first bending section101and the second bending section102.

Second Reference Example

A second reference example will now be described with reference toFIG. 22. It is to be noted that like reference numerals denote the same parts and parts having the same functions as those in the first reference example, thereby omitting a description thereof.

FIG. 22is a view showing a treatment apparatus1according to this reference example. As shown inFIG. 21, the treatment apparatus1according to this reference example includes a flexible tube section5and an advancing/retreating unit10configured to move forward and backward in the longitudinal directions with respect to a flexible tube section5. The advancing/retreating unit103is provided to the distal-end direction side of the flexible tube section5. The advancing/retreating unit103includes a distal-end treatment section4, a rotor26, a rotor support member27, a first bending section101, and a second bending section102.

Each of the first bending section101and the second bending section102is configured to perform a bending action by pulling or loosening a bending operation wire (not shown). The distal-end treatment section4and the rotor26rotate in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section5by pulling or loosening a first rotational operation wire21A and a second rotational operation wire21B like the first embodiment.

An advancing/retreating operation wire107configured to advance or retreat the advancing/retreating unit103with respect to the flexible tube section5is extended in the flexible tube section5along the longitudinal directions. One end of the advancing/retreating operation wire107is connected to an operation section3. The advancing/retreating operation wire107extended from the operation section3to the distal-end direction is folded toward the proximal-end direction by a pulley105fixed in the flexible tube section5. Further, the other end of the advancing/retreating operation wire107is fixed to a fixing portion108of the advancing/retreating unit103.

Adopting such a configuration allows the advancing/retreating unit103to advance or retreat with respect to the flexible tube section5(an arrowhead B2inFIG. 22) by pulling or loosening the advancing/retreating operation wire107(an arrowhead B1inFIG. 22). As described above, in this reference example, the distal-end treatment section4is advanced or retreated by pulling or loosening the advancing/retreating operation wire107. Therefore, the advancing/retreating operation in the operation section can be appropriately transmitted to the distal-end treatment section4irrespective of a shape of an insertion section2.

Moreover, in this reference example, when each of the operation wires (the bending operation wire, the rotational operation wires21A and21B, the advancing/retreating operation wire107) is pulled or loosened, the bending actions of the first bending section101and the second bending section102, the rotational action of the distal-end treatment section4, and the advancing/retreating action of the distal-end treatment section4are carried out. That is, all four actions are carried out by pulling or loosening the operation wires. Therefore, changes in driving characteristics of the respective operations due to a variation in shape of the insertion section2are substantially equal in the respective actions. Therefore, the bending actions of the first bending section101and the second bending section102, the rotational action of the distal-end treatment section4, and the advancing/retreating action of the distal-end treatment section4can be easily performed.

Notes

A treatment apparatus comprising:

a flexible tube section which has a longitudinal axis and is extended in longitudinal directions;

a distal-end treatment section which is provided to a distal-end direction side of the flexible tube section and which is rotatable in periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section;

a rotor which is provided between the distal-end treatment section and the flexible tube section and which is rotatable together with the distal-end treatment section in the periaxial directions with respect to the flexible tube section;

a rotational operation section which is provided to a proximal-end direction side of the flexible tube section and which is configured to perform a rotational operation of the distal-end treatment section;

a rotational operation wire which is configured to be pulled or loosened by the rotational operation section to rotate the distal-end treatment section;

a wire fixing portion which is provided to the rotor or to a part to the distal-end direction side of the rotor and to which a distal end of the rotational operation wire is fixed; and

a direction change portion which is configured to change an extending direction of the rotational operation wire, extended on an outer peripheral surface of the rotor from the wire fixing portion along an oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward circumferential directions, from the oblique direction, and configured to lead out the rotational operation wire to the rotational operation section.

The treatment apparatus according to Additional note 1, further comprising an urging member configured to give the distal-end treatment section an urging force in one of rotating directions,

wherein the rotational operation wire is extended on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor from the wire fixing portion along the oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions to a direction opposite to a direction where the urging member gives the urging force.

The treatment apparatus according to Additional note 1, further comprising a tubular portion which is provided between the distal-end treatment section and the rotor and which has flexibility.

The treatment apparatus according to Additional note 1,

wherein the rotor includes a first rotor, and a second rotor provided to the proximal-end direction side of the first rotor,

the rotational operation wire includes a first rotational operation wire which is extended on an outer peripheral surface of the first rotor along a first oblique direction, and a second rotational operation wire which is extended on an outer peripheral surface of the second rotor along the second oblique direction inclined from the longitudinal directions toward the circumferential directions to a direction opposite to the first oblique direction, and

the direction change portion includes a first direction change portion which is configured to change the extending direction of the first rotational operation wire from the first oblique direction, and a second direction change portion which is configured to change the extending direction of the second rotational operation wire from the second oblique direction.

The treatment apparatus according to Additional note 4,

wherein the second rotor is provided in a state that the first rotor is continuous to the distal-end direction side.