JPH08182647A - Covered type endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent flare or the like by holding an approximately close contact state between the front end of a cover and the front edge of an endoscope via a structure to easily mount the cover and ensure inexpensiveness. CONSTITUTION: The cover front end forming section 36 of a cover 18 for an inserting section has an elastically deformable slender engagement arm 40 on the side external surface thereof in such a state as extended to the lengthwise rear end of the inserting section. Also, a bent section 42 is formed on the arm 40 at an intermediate position, and an engagement section 41 having an engagement tooth is formed at the end thereof. On the other hand, a grooved engaging section 46 to be engaged to the section 41 of the arm 40 is formed on the side external surface of an endoscope front end forming section 43. When a cover is mounted, a distance up to the section 41 is adjusted for a distance from the contact plane of an endoscope cover and an endoscope front end to the section 46 via the deformation of the arm 40 for engagement, and two distance values are maintained equal to each other under the restoring force of the arm 40, thereby keeping a close contact state between a housing section bottom 47 and an endoscope front edge 48 for preventing the occurrence of flare.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cover-type endoscope which has an endoscope cover for covering an endoscope insertion portion and the like and is used in a state where the endoscope body is covered with the cover.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the like. For endoscopy in the medical field, it is necessary to use a clean endoscope that has been thoroughly washed and disinfected before the examination. For this reason, when using an endoscope, it is necessary to wash or sterilize it after use to ensure the prevention of infectious diseases, etc. There is a problem that the use efficiency of the mirror is reduced.

Therefore, in order to reduce the trouble of cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope, an endoscope inspection is carried out with the cover attached to the endoscope body, and after the inspection, only the cover is exchanged as a disposable and after use. However, a cover-type endoscope has been proposed in which the endoscope itself is not made dirty and sanitary consideration is unnecessary.

In a cover type endoscope, generally, by inserting the insertion portion of the cover endoscope main body into the flexible insertion portion cover, the insertion portion cover covers the outer surface of the endoscope insertion portion, and The body of the endoscope is always kept clean. Therefore, even if the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope covered with a sterilized cover is contaminated during use, the endoscope insertion portion itself is not contaminated due to the isolation effect of the cover, and the cover is replaced with a clean one. By doing so, the infection to the patient can be prevented.

In the cover type endoscope as described above, if a gap is formed between the tip portion of the cover and the tip surface of the endoscope insertion portion due to operation during use, flare occurs and good observation is possible. You may not be able to do it. In order to solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-193023 proposes a device provided with a locking means for locking the distal end portion of the cover at the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope. Flare is prevented by bringing the endoscope optical system into close contact with the transparent window at the tip of the cover.

[0006]

In the configuration of the endoscope of the above-mentioned publication, the locking means is formed of a rigid body, and in order to keep the cover in close contact, the locking portion is applied from the abutting surface on the endoscope side. It was necessary to accurately make the distance (to be dimension A) and the distance from the abutting surface on the endoscope cover side to the engaging portion (to be dimension B). This leads to an increase in the cost of the endoscope cover. Increasing the cost of the endoscope cover, which is disposable or used only a few times, leads to an increase in the cost of endoscopy and an increase in medical costs.

As described above, it is not easy to make the dimensions A and B coincide with each other, and if a space is generated between the endoscope optical system and the tip of the cover due to variations in dimensions such as component tolerances of the two, the endoscope Since the mirror optical system and the cover cannot be kept sufficiently close to or in close contact with each other, there is a possibility that optical defects such as ghost and flare may occur between the two.

Generally, when the snap-fit type locking means is used, the dimension A is changed to the dimension B.
By making it smaller than this, the locking means can be easily engaged to facilitate the work of mounting the cover. However, in the above publication, the dimension A and the dimension B are made to coincide in order to bring the cover into close contact. Therefore, it is difficult to attach the cover.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and has a structure in which the cover can be easily mounted and is inexpensive, and at the same time, the flare can be maintained while maintaining the close contact between the cover distal end portion and the endoscope distal end surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover-type endoscope capable of preventing optical defects such as the above.

[0010]

A cover type endoscope according to the present invention includes an endoscope having an observation optical system at a distal end of an insertion portion, and a transparent body facing the observation optical system of the endoscope. In an endoscope having a distal end portion and at least an endoscope cover that covers the endoscope insertion portion, a locking portion is provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion, and the endoscope cover. Engaging portions that engage with the locking portions are respectively provided at the distal ends of the endoscopes, and the movement of the endoscope insertion portion with respect to the endoscope cover in the longitudinal direction by the engagement of the locking portions and the engaging portions. And a distance from the abutting surface of the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion and the endoscope housing portion of the endoscope cover to the locking portion, and from the abutting surface to the engaging portion. The length adjustment means for changing at least one of the distances relative to the other, and the endoscope cover When mounted on, the distance from the abutting surface to the locking portion is generated by relatively exerting a biasing force in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion between the endoscope insertion portion and the endoscope cover. And biasing means for holding the distance from the abutting surface to the engaging portion at the same value.

[0011]

When the endoscope cover is attached to the endoscope, the length adjusting means allows the length of the endoscope from the abutting surface between the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion and the endoscope housing portion of the endoscope cover to the locking portion. At least one of the distance and the distance from the abutting surface to the engaging portion is changed relative to the other to engage the engaging portion and the engaging portion of the engaging means. At this time, the biasing means keeps the distance from the abutting surface to the locking portion and the distance from the abutting surface to the engaging portion at the same value, so that the observation optical system of the endoscope and the transparency of the endoscope cover are transparent. The distance to the unit is maintained at a predetermined value such that flare does not occur.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration of a distal end portion of an insertion portion of a cover type endoscope. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 3 is a configuration explanatory view of an engagement arm portion that is provided on the distal end portion of the endoscope cover and that engages with the distal end portion of the endoscope, as viewed from the side.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the distal end portion in a state where the endoscope cover is completely attached to the endoscope insertion portion.

The endoscope apparatus 1 has a cover-type endoscope 2 as shown in FIG. 1, and this cover-type endoscope 2 supplies air, water, and suction as will be described later. An endoscope cover with a channel provided with various channels such as a treatment instrument channel (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope cover) 3
And by being covered by this endoscope cover 3,
It is configured by a combination with the cover endoscope 4 that prevents contamination and the like.

The cover type endoscope apparatus 1 holds a cart 5 in which various peripheral devices connected to the cover type endoscope 2 are installed, and the cover type endoscope 2 is held. And a cover holder 6 for

The cart 5 includes, for example, a light source device 7 for supplying illumination light to the endoscope, a video processor 8 for performing signal processing of a subject image signal obtained by driving the image pickup means of the endoscope, and air supply.・ Fluid control device 9 for controlling fluid such as water supply / suction, endoscope cover expander equipped with expansion mechanism (hereinafter,
10 and the like are stored.

A monitor 11 for receiving an image signal from the video processor 8 and displaying an endoscopic image is mounted on the upper surface of the cart 5.

The cover endoscope 4 includes an elongated and flexible insertion portion 12 and an operation portion 13 which also serves as a large-diameter grip portion provided at the proximal end of the insertion portion 12 on the proximal side. From the side of the operation section 13 to the universal cord 14
Has been extended. A connector 15 for connecting to the light source device 7 is provided at an end of the universal cord 14. The universal cord 14 has a light guide and a signal cable inserted therein.

The light source device 7 is detachably connected to the cover endoscope 4 via a connector 15 and supplies illumination light to an illumination light transmitting means provided in the cover endoscope 4 to illuminate the illumination light. The inside of the body cavity is illuminated with the illumination light emitted from the illumination light emitting means on the tip side of the light transmitting means.

Further, the video processor 8 is detachably connected to the cover endoscope 4 via a curl cord 16 extending from a side portion of the connector 15, and an image pickup built in the cover endoscope 4 is provided. It drives the device and processes the signal output from the image pickup device to convert it into a standard video signal and output it to the monitor 11.

The expander 10 is for sending air into the endoscope cover 3 through the expansion tube 17, and by sending air to the endoscope cover 3 to expand the air, the inside of the cover is expanded. The endoscope 4 can be easily attached to or removed from the endoscope cover 3. Therefore, in the case of attachment or removal, the other end of the expansion tube 17 having one end connected to the dilator 10 has the insertion portion cover 1
8 is connected to an extension tube mouth 21 provided at the base end.

When the endoscope cover 3 is attached to or detached from the cover endoscope 4, a cover holder 6 is used, and the base end side of the endoscope cover 3 is fixed by the cover holder 6. Hold and do.

The endoscope cover 3 includes a flexible insertion portion cover portion 18 and an operation portion cover portion 1 formed of a thin and flexible polymer material such as polyethylene or vinyl chloride.
9 and the universal cord cover portion 20, and is configured to cover the insertion portion 12 (and the portion in the vicinity thereof) of the cover endoscope 4, the operation portion 13, and the universal cord 14, respectively. All of these covers are sterilized before use.

The angle knob 22 portion of the operating portion 13 of the cover endoscope 4 is also covered with the angle knob cover 23.

The fluid control device 9 includes an insertion portion cover portion 1
An air supply conduit tube 24, a water supply conduit tube 25, and a suction conduit tube 26 (hereinafter, the tubes are omitted) extending from No. 8 are connected to each other.

The suction conduit 26 is connected to a suction tube 31 and a leak conduit 32 communicating with a suction bottle 30 connected to a suction device (not shown) by a three-way stopcock 33. The leak line 32 and the suction line 26 are connected to the electromagnetic pinch valve 34.
The electromagnetic pinch valve 34 controls the opening and closing of the suction passage. Although not shown, opening / closing of the air supply conduit 24 and the water supply conduit 25 is controlled by a solenoid valve inside the fluid control device 9.

In this embodiment, the air supply pipe line 24, the water supply pipe line 24 and the suction pipe line 26 extending from the base end side of the insertion portion cover portion 18 are universal along the way to the vicinity where they are connected to the fluid control device 9. Along with the cords 14, the universal cord cover portion 20 covers them all together.

During a case, a treatment tool such as a biopsy forceps 28 can be inserted into the forceps channel provided in the endoscope cover 3 from the forceps insertion port 27 to perform a medical treatment or the like when necessary. ing. It is also possible to attach a syringe injecting the dye to the forceps insertion port 27 and spray the dye through the forceps channel. At this time, if the endoscope cover 3 is used as a disposable one, there is no need to worry that the dye adheres to the forceps channel and dries to impair the slipperiness.

The cover holding member 6a of the cover holder 6 is
It is a portion that is connected to the insertion portion cover portion 18 when it is attached and detached, and is formed in a U shape. The surface of the cover holding member 6a also covers the cover holding member cover 2 for preventing contamination.
It is covered with 9.

Next, the detailed structure of the distal end portions of the endoscope insertion portion 12 and the insertion portion cover portion 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows the insertion portion cover portion 18 with the endoscope insertion portion 1
2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the endoscope insertion portion 12 and the insertion portion cover portion 18 in a state in which the fixation of the distal end portions thereof is completed.

The insert cover portion 18 has a cover body composed of an outer cover 35 made of a thin tube of urethane or vinyl chloride having a cylindrical shape, and a cover front end forming part 36 is hermetically sealed at the front end of the outer cover 35. Are provided by being joined together. The cover tip forming portion 36 includes an opening 37 that communicates with the air supply conduit 24, the water supply conduit 25, and the suction conduit 26, a storage portion 38 that stores the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion 12, an outside world and a storage portion 38. And a transparent portion 39 formed of a transparent member that enables light to be transmitted and received between the transparent portion 39 and the transparent portion 39. Further, a slender engagement arm portion 40 extending toward the rear end side in the insertion portion longitudinal direction is provided on the side peripheral portion of the cover front end forming portion 36.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the engaging arm portion 40 has a bent portion 42 in which the arm body is bent at an intermediate portion and an engaging claw at an end portion. 41 is provided. The cover tip forming portion 36 including the engaging arm portion 40 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate or modified poniphenylene oxide. The engaging arm portion 40 is formed to have a thickness of about 0.2 to 0.7 mm so as to have sufficient elasticity, and a width of about 2 to 5 mm so that the engaging portion 41 has sufficient strength. The height of the claw of the engaging portion 41 is about 0.4 to 0.8 mm in order to obtain sufficient engagement.

On the other hand, the endoscope insertion portion 12 is configured to have at its tip an endoscope tip forming portion 43 having an outer shape to be fitted and stored in the storing portion 38 of the cover tip forming portion 36. . An observation optical system 44 and an illumination optical system (not shown) are provided at a position facing the transparent portion 39 in the endoscope leading end configuration portion 43. A solid-state image pickup device 45 having a CCD is arranged behind the observation optical system 44. Further, a locking portion 46 that is recessed in a groove shape and that engages with the engaging portion 41 of the engaging arm portion 40 is provided on a lateral outer peripheral portion of the endoscope leading end configuration portion 43.

Here, when the bending portion 42 of the engaging arm portion 40 is in a natural state, the axial distance (longitudinal direction) of the insertion portion between the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion and the engaging portion 41 (dimension A in FIG. 2) is ,
The dimensions of the cover tip forming portion 36 and the endoscope tip forming portion 43 are set so as to be smaller than the axial distance (dimension B in FIG. 2) of the insertion portion between the endoscope leading end surface 48 and the locking portion 46. There is.

In order to mount the insertion portion cover portion 18 on the endoscope insertion portion 12, the endoscope insertion portion 12 is attached to the insertion portion cover portion 1.
When it is inserted into the housing 8, the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion and the end surface 48 of the endoscope stop as an abutting surface as shown in FIG. In this state, when the bending portion 42 of the engaging arm portion 40, which is the length adjusting means, is pushed from the outside of the outer skin 35, the bending portion 42 is formed as shown in FIG.
And the ends of the engaging arm portions 40 extend rearward,
1 engages with the locking portion 46 of the endoscope tip forming portion 43.

At this time, the elastic restoring force by which the bent portion 42 tries to return to the natural state functions as a biasing means, and the endoscope distal end constituting portion 43 is biased toward the bottom surface side of the housing portion 38 of the cover distal end constituting portion 36. The close contact between the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion and the end surface 48 of the endoscope is maintained. If the positional relationship in the optical axis direction between the housing bottom surface 47 and the transparent portion 39, the endoscope tip surface 48, and the observation optical system 44 is fixed at a predetermined position, the transparent portion 39 and the observation optical system 4 are fixed.
Since the clearance with respect to No. 4 is maintained at a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 mm or less), flare and ghost that hinder observation are not generated.

When the engaging portion 41 is engaged with the locking portion 46, 10 to 10 are provided between the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion and the endoscope front end surface 48.
A biasing force of about 20 Newtons is working, and the endoscope insertion portion 12 is bent by operating the angle knob 22 or the endoscope insertion portion 12 is looped to operate the endoscope insertion portion 12 and the insertion portion. Even when a force that slides in the longitudinal direction is generated between the cover portion 18 and the cover portion 18, the close contact between the housing bottom surface 47 and the endoscope front end surface 48 is maintained.

As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, the inside of the cover tip forming portion 36 and the endoscope tip forming portion 43 from the abutting surfaces (the endoscope leading end surface 48 and the housing bottom surface 47 in contact therewith). An engaging arm portion having an elastically deformable bending portion 42 as length adjusting means for adjusting the distance to the engaging portion 41 on the endoscope cover side with respect to the distance to the engaging portion 46 on the endoscope side. Four
Since 0 is provided, the engagement portion 46 of the endoscope and the engagement portion 41 of the cover can be easily engaged. Further, the engaging arm portion 40 serves as a biasing means for holding the two distances at the same value.
Since the elastic restoring force of the endoscope is used, the distance between the observation optical system of the endoscope and the transparent part of the endoscope cover can be maintained at a predetermined position where flare does not occur, preventing obstacles during observation. be able to.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the distal end portion of the endoscope and the distal end portion of the cover are surely secured by the engaging means constituted by the engaging arm portion of the endoscope cover and the engaging portion of the endoscope. It is possible to fix the cover to the cover and to facilitate the mounting work such as the engagement between the engaging portion and the locking portion when the cover is attached. Since the engagement means can prevent flare and ghost, a good endoscopic image can be obtained without disturbing the observation. In addition, since the engaging arm portion 40 can be formed integrally with the cover tip forming portion 36, the endoscope cover can be constructed at low cost, and the cost of the cover type endoscope apparatus can be reduced. Further, since the locking portion 46 is provided in the dead space on the side surface of the endoscope distal end constituting portion 43, the insertion portion can be downsized and the patient's pain can be reduced.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the engaging arm portion provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, the engaging arm portion is provided integrally with the cover tip forming portion, but in the second embodiment, a modification in which the engaging arm portion is provided separately is shown. Here, only the configuration of the part different from that of the first embodiment will be described.

The cover tip forming portion 36 is provided with an elongated engaging arm portion 40a formed separately. The engaging arm portion 40a is formed of an elastic material having high elasticity such as silicon rubber, nitrile rubber, or fluororubber, and one end thereof is engaged with the engaging portion 46 of the endoscope distal end constituting portion 43. Is provided with an engaging portion 41. A T-shaped fixing portion 50 is provided at the other end of the engaging arm portion 40a, and the engaging arm portion 40a is fixed to the cover tip forming portion 36 by the fixing portion 50. In order to increase the rigidity of the engaging portion 41, the above-mentioned elastomer material may be coated with a metal plate, or may be formed of resin or metal and integrated with the engaging arm body.

The engaging arm portion 40a is made of an elastic material and is capable of expanding and contracting in the longitudinal direction. When the engaging arm portion 40a has a natural length, the distance between the engaging portion 41 and the bottom surface 47 of the accommodating portion is small. ,
It is shorter than the distance between the locking portion 46 and the endoscope front end surface 48.

In the present embodiment, the main body of the engaging arm portion 40a itself serves as the length adjusting means, and when the insertion portion cover portion 18 is attached to the endoscope inserting portion 12, the engaging arm portion 40a is used. To extend rearward so that the engaging portion 41 is moved to the endoscope tip forming portion 4
3 is engaged with the locking portion 46. At this time, the engaging arm 40
The elastic restoring force of a functions as an urging means, and the endoscope tip forming portion 43 is pulled and urged toward the bottom surface side of the housing portion 38 of the cover tip forming portion 36, and the housing bottom surface 47 and the endoscope tip surface. The abutting portions of 48 come into close contact with each other and this state is maintained.

As described above, also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the effect of preventing flare can be obtained by using the structure which is easy to mount and inexpensive. Further, since the engaging arm portion 50 is not provided with the bent portion, the engaging arm portion can be thinned, the engaging means can be further downsized, and the insertion portion can be further reduced in diameter.

6 to 9 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a detailed structure of a distal end portion of an insertion portion of a cover type endoscope, and FIG. 7 is a cover distal end portion. And FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are operation explanatory views showing the engagement state of the engagement portion of the endoscope cover and the engagement portion of the endoscope. is there.

The third embodiment is an example in which the shapes of the endoscope cover and the tip of the endoscope are different from those of the first embodiment, and the structure of the engaging means is changed.

The insertion portion cover portion 51 is provided with a cover front end forming portion 52 airtightly joined to the end portion of the outer skin 35 on the front end side. The joining groove 5 is formed on the side peripheral portion of the cover tip forming portion 52.
3 is formed, the end of the outer cover 35 is located in the joint groove 53, and a heat shrinkable tube 54 made of cross-linked polyethylene, fluorocarbon resin, or the like is heated and contracted around the outer periphery of the outer cover 35 and the cover. It is joined to the tip forming portion 52. An adhesive may be added before shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube 54 to increase the bonding strength.

The transparent portion 39 which transmits the light from the outside world and guides the subject image to the observation optical system 44 of the endoscope is not fitted to the cover tip forming portion as in the first embodiment, but is covered with the cover tip forming portion. 52 is attached and disposed on the end face.

The cover tip forming portion 52 is provided with an engaging arm portion 56 that engages with the endoscope tip forming portion 55. The engaging arm portion 56, as shown in FIG.
2 is formed integrally with resin and extends rearward in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, one end of which is fixed to the cover front end forming portion 52, and the other end is a free end. An engagement portion 57 having an inclined surface protruding in a triangular mountain shape is provided inside the middle portion of the engagement arm portion 56. The engaging arm portion 56 uses the fixed portion 58 of the base end portion with the cover distal end forming portion 52 as a fulcrum,
The distal end side including the engaging portion 57 is elastically deformable.

On the other hand, the endoscope tip portion 55 is provided with a locking portion 59 having an inclined surface protruding in a triangular mountain shape corresponding to the engaging portion 57. The height of the ridges of the engaging portion 57 and the locking portion 59 is about 0.2 to 0.6 mm, and the apex angle of the ridges is about 110 ° to 130 °.

Here, when the engaging arm portion 56 is in the natural state, the axial distance between the bottom surface 47 of the storage portion and the engaging portion 57 is as follows.
It is smaller than the axial distance of the insertion portion between the endoscope front end surface 48 and the locking portion 59.

In order to mount the insertion portion cover portion 51 on the endoscope insertion portion 60, the endoscope insertion portion 60 is attached to the insertion portion cover portion 5.
When it is inserted into the housing 1, the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion abuts the tip surface 48 of the endoscope as shown in FIG. At this time, the engaging portion 57 of the cover distal end forming portion 52 and the locking portion 59 of the endoscope distal end forming portion 55 come into contact with each other, and the engaging portion 57 rides over the inclined surface portion of the locking portion 59 and engages.

The engaging portion 57 and the bottom surface 47 of the accommodating portion when the axial distance between the engaging portion 59 and the distal end surface 48 of the endoscope is natural.
If it is slightly larger than the axial distance between the insertion part and
As shown in FIG. 5, the fixing portion 58 of the engaging arm portion 56 is slightly deformed so that the slant surfaces of the engaging portion 57 and the engaging portion 59 contact and engage with each other. The deformation recovery force of the engaging arm portion 56 at this time is the engaging portion 57.
And the sloped portion of the locking portion 59 serve as a force for pulling the endoscope distal end forming portion 55 into the cover, and serve as an urging force for the abutting portion between the housing bottom surface 47 and the endoscope distal end surface 48 to serve as a cover housing portion. The close contact with the tip of the endoscope is maintained.

The engaging portion 57 and the bottom surface 47 of the accommodating portion when the axial distance between the engaging portion 59 and the distal end surface 48 of the endoscope is natural.
When it is considerably larger than the axial distance of the insertion part from the engagement part 57, the fixing part 58 of the engaging arm part 56 is largely deformed as shown in FIG. To do. At this time, the deformation recovery force of the engagement arm portion 56 largely acts on the fixing portion 58, and the endoscope distal end forming portion 55 is drawn into the cover, and this deformation recovery force is stored in the housing bottom surface 47 and the endoscope distal end surface. Four
The urging force of the abutting portion with respect to 8 holds the close contact between the cover storage portion and the tip of the endoscope.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal component of the degree of rotational deformation of the fixed portion 58 of the engaging arm portion 56 acts as the length adjusting means, and the deformation recovery force of the engaging arm portion 56 acts as the biasing means. Acts as.

Therefore, also in the structure of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, while the structure is easy and inexpensive to mount,
The effect of preventing flare is obtained.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The fourth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment,
In this example, the biasing means is different. Here, only the configuration of the part different from the third embodiment will be described.

The insertion portion cover portion 61 of this embodiment has the outer cover 3
5, so that the engaging arm portion 56a of the cover tip forming portion 52a projects laterally from the inner diameter of the natural state of No. 5 of FIG.
An enlarged portion 62 is provided outside the end of the. The other parts are configured similarly to the third embodiment.

The endoscope insertion portion 60 is provided in the insertion portion cover portion 61.
With the inserted state, the fixing portion 5 at the base end portion of the engaging arm portion 56a is
The enlarged portion 62 pushes the outer skin 35 regardless of the degree of deformation of No. 8, and the portion of the enlarged portion 62 at the end of the engaging arm portion 56a receives the inward biasing force from the outer skin 35. The urging force from the outer skin 35 is transmitted from the engaging portion 57 to the engaging portion 59, and the inclined surface of the engaging portion 57 and the engaging portion 59 serves as a force for pulling the endoscope distal end constituting portion 55 into the cover, and the accommodating portion. The urging force of the abutting portion between the bottom surface 47 and the endoscope front end surface 48 serves as the urging force to maintain the close contact between the cover storage portion and the endoscope front end.

As described above, in this embodiment, the engaging arm portion 56a is
In addition to the deformation recovery force of the fixing portion 58, the urging force to the inside of the cover of the outer skin 35, which is received by pressing the outer skin 35 outward by the enlarged portion 62, is used as the urging means.

Also in this structure, as in the third embodiment, the effect of preventing flare can be obtained while the structure is easy and inexpensive to mount. Further, in this embodiment,
Even if the deformation of the fixing portion 58 of the engaging arm portion 56a is small, a sufficiently large biasing force can be obtained by providing the enlarged portion 62 with a large size, and the transparent portion 39 of the endoscope cover and the endoscope distal end constituent portion can be obtained. It is possible to reliably maintain close contact with the observation optical system 44.

11 and 12 relate to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of a cover type endoscope, and FIG. 12 shows the engaging arm portion. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the ring member which urges | biases, and the ring attachment jig used at the time of mounting | wearing.

In the fourth embodiment, the elastic restoring force of the outer cover 35 generates the urging force between the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion and the front end surface 48 of the endoscope, but in the fifth embodiment, the elastically deformable ring. It is a configuration example in which a member is used to generate an abutting biasing force.

The insertion portion cover portion 63 of this embodiment is provided with a ring accommodating groove A65 for positioning the ring member 64 outside the end portion of the engaging arm portion 56b. In addition, so as to continue to the ring storage groove A65, the cover tip forming portion 52
A ring accommodating groove B66 is also provided on the outer peripheral portion of b over substantially the entire circumference.

The ring member 64 is C as shown in FIG.
A ring made of V-shaped metal or resin or an O ring made of an elastomer material such as silicon rubber is used.
It is housed in the ring housing groove A65 and the ring housing groove B66 with the outer skin 35 sandwiched therebetween. The inner diameter of the ring member 64 in the natural state is the ring storage groove A65 and the ring storage groove B6.
It is smaller than the outer diameter of the concave portion of No. 6. The other parts are configured similarly to the third embodiment.

When the insertion portion cover portion 63 is attached to the endoscope insertion portion 60, the endoscope insertion portion 60 is attached to the insertion portion cover portion 6.
3, the ring member 64 is attached to the ring storage groove A65 and the ring storage groove B66 from the outer side of the outer skin 35 in a state where the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion and the distal end surface 48 of the endoscope are in contact with each other.

When a C-shaped ring is used as the ring member 64, a ring mounting jig 67 as shown in FIG.
Install using. The ring attachment jig 67 has two arms 6
8 and a spindle 69. The arm 68 has a grip portion 68a located on one side of the support shaft 69 and an arcuate portion 68b covering the ring member 64 located on the other side, and an end portion of the arcuate portion 68b engages with a cutout portion of the ring member 64. A matching claw 70 is provided. When the ring attachment jig 67 holds the ring member 64 and grasps the grip portion 68a, the notch portion of the ring member 64 is spread by the claw 70 and can be easily attached to the ring storage grooves A65, B66. When the ring member 64 is removed, it can be easily removed by performing the same operation using the ring attachment jig 67.

The ring member 64 is the cover tip forming portion 52b.
Mounted on the, the elastic restoring force of the ring member 64 works,
The ring storage groove A65 of the engaging arm portion 56b is biased inward. The urging force from the ring member 64 becomes a force for pulling the endoscope distal end constituting portion 55 into the cover via the inclined surface portions of the engaging portion 57 and the locking portion 59, and the accommodation portion bottom surface 47 and the endoscope distal end surface 48. And the close contact between the cover storage part and the tip of the endoscope is maintained.

As described above, in this embodiment, the ring member 64 made of an elastic material is provided as the biasing means and the biasing force is utilized. Also in this configuration, similarly to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the effect of preventing flare from occurring while making the configuration easy and inexpensive to mount. In this embodiment, a large biasing force can be easily obtained by selecting the material and shape of the ring member.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The sixth embodiment is an example in which an elastically deformable plate-like elastic member is provided on the distal end surface of the endoscope as the length adjusting means and the urging means.

On the distal end face of the endoscope tip forming portion 71,
An elastic member 72 made of a flat plate-shaped elastomer material is fixed by adhesion or the like in a range that does not hinder the observation visual field of the observation optical system 44 and the illumination range of the illumination optical system. On the other hand, the cover tip forming portion 73 has a storage portion 38 formed therein for storing the endoscope tip forming portion 71, and a transparent portion 39 is adhesively fixed to the tip portion so as to seal the storage portion 38. An elongated engaging arm portion 74 extending toward the rear end side in the insertion portion longitudinal direction is provided on the side peripheral portion of the cover tip forming portion 73. The engaging arm portion 74 is provided with an engaging portion 75 having engaging claws at the end similarly to the first embodiment, and has a groove shape formed on the side peripheral portion of the endoscope distal end constituting portion 71. It is adapted to engage with the locking portion 76.

Here, when the elastic member 72 is in a natural state, the axial distance between the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion and the engaging portion 75 is
It is smaller than the axial distance of the insertion portion between the endoscope front end surface 48 and the locking portion 76.

When the endoscope tip forming portion 71 is housed in the cover tip forming portion 73, the endoscope tip surface 48, which is the distal end side end surface of the elastic member 72, and the cover side storing portion bottom surface 47. bump into. When the endoscope tip forming portion 71 is further pushed in, the elastic member 72 as a length adjusting means is deformed into a thin wall,
The engaging portion 75 of the engaging arm portion 74 and the engaging portion 76 of the endoscope distal end forming portion 71 engage with each other. In this state, the restoring force of the elastic member 72 acts in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion and acts as a biasing means to maintain the close contact between the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion and the distal end surface 48 of the endoscope.
The clearance between the transparent portion 39 and the observation optical system 44 is kept at a predetermined value.

In the structure of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the effect of preventing flare is obtained while the structure is easy and inexpensive to mount. In this embodiment, since the length adjusting means and the biasing means are provided on the endoscope side,
The cover can be constructed at a lower cost.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The seventh embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment,
This is an example in which an elastic member as a length adjusting means and a biasing means is provided on the endoscope cover side.

The cover tip forming portion 77 is provided with an engaging arm portion 74 having an engaging portion 75 at the end portion as in the sixth embodiment. On the other hand, the endoscope distal end forming portion 78 is provided with a locking portion 79 having an inclined surface portion that protrudes outward, and engages with the engaging portion 75.

In this embodiment, the flat elastic member 72 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing portion 38 of the cover tip forming portion 77 and the observation optical system 4 is provided.
4 is adhered and fixed in a range that does not interfere with the observation visual field. In this case, the distal end end face of the endoscope tip forming portion 78 becomes the endoscope tip face 48, and the proximal end side end face of the elastic member 72 becomes the housing portion bottom face 47.

When the endoscope tip forming portion 78 is housed in the cover tip forming portion 77, the endoscope tip surface 48 and the cover side storing portion bottom surface 47 abut against each other, and the endoscope tip forming portion 78 is further fixed. When pushed, the elastic member 72 serves as a length adjusting means.
Deforms into a thin wall, and the engaging portion 75 of the engaging arm portion 74 rides over the engaging portion 79 of the endoscope distal end forming portion 78 to engage. In this state, the restoring force of the elastic member 72 acts in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion and acts as a biasing means to maintain the close contact between the bottom surface 47 of the housing portion and the endoscope front end surface 48.

With the configuration of this embodiment, the same effect as that of the sixth embodiment can be obtained. In this embodiment, since the elastic member as the length adjusting means and the urging means is provided on the endoscope cover side, the elastic member is not required to have much durability and can be made of an inexpensive material.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

The eighth embodiment is a structural example in which the length adjusting means and the urging means are provided on the endoscope front end side.

The side peripheral portion of the cover tip forming portion 80 has a sixth
Similar to the embodiment, the engaging arm portion 74 having the engaging portion 75 at the end portion
Is provided. On the other hand, in the endoscope distal end configuration section 81,
A bottomed spring groove 82 is formed by cutting out in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction of the insertion portion. Inside the spring groove 82, a spring 83 which is elastically deformable along the spring groove 82 made of a leaf spring or the like is housed, and a conical locking member 84 is housed above the spring 83. The bottom of the locking member 84 contacts one end of the spring 83, and the head of the locking member 84 projects from the opening of the spring groove 82 and faces the engaging portion 75. A retaining plate 85 having a hole smaller than the opening for preventing the spring 83 and the locking member 84 from coming off is fixed to the opening of the spring groove 82.

When the endoscope leading end constituting portion 81 is housed in the cover leading end constituting portion 80, the locking member 84 is pushed into the spring groove 82 and the spring 83 is deformed toward the compression side, and the locking member 84. Passes over the engaging portion 75 of the engaging arm portion 74, and the locking member 84 and the engaging portion 75 engage with each other. Since the locking member 84 moves diagonally with respect to the axial direction of the insertion portion, the amount of deformation of the spring 83 at this time functions as a length adjusting means. Further, the restoring force of the spring 83 functions as a biasing means, and the bottom surface 4 of the storage portion 4
The close contact between the endoscope 7 and the endoscope front end surface 48 is maintained.

Also in the structure of this embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment, the effect of preventing the flare is obtained while the structure is easy and inexpensive to mount, and the length adjusting means and the urging means are further provided. Since it is provided on the endoscope side, the cover can be constructed at a lower cost. Further, since the springs as the length adjusting means and the biasing means are provided so as to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the insertion portion, there is no need for much space for arrangement in the insertion portion length direction, and the distal end hard portion of the endoscope is The length can be shortened, and the tip can be downsized.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

The ninth embodiment is a structural example in which the length adjusting means and the urging means are provided on the side of the distal end portion of the endoscope similarly to the eighth embodiment.

A bottomed spring groove 87 extending in the axial direction of the insertion portion is provided in the endoscope distal end forming portion 86. Inside the spring groove 87, a spring 88 that is elastically deformable along the spring groove 87, such as a spiral spring, and this spring 88.
Spring receiver 8 which is connected to one end of the spring and is slidable in the spring groove 87
9 and 9 are stored. The spring receiver 89 has a spring groove 87.
A locking portion 90 protruding from is provided and faces the engaging portion 75.

When the endoscope tip forming portion 86 is housed in the cover tip forming portion 80, the spring 88 is deformed toward the compression side,
Engagement portion 90 of spring receiver 89 and engagement portion 75 of engagement arm portion 74
Engage. The amount of deformation of the spring 88 at this time functions as a length adjusting means. Further, the restoring force of the spring 88 functions as a biasing means, and the close contact between the housing bottom surface 47 and the endoscope front end surface 48 is maintained.

Also in the structure of this embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment, the effect of preventing the flare is obtained while the structure is easy and inexpensive to mount, and the length adjusting means and the urging means are further provided. Since it is provided on the endoscope side, the cover can be constructed at a lower cost. Further, since the springs as the length adjusting means and the biasing means are provided so as to extend in the axial direction of the insertion portion, there is no need for a large arrangement space in the radial direction of the insertion portion,
The outer diameter of the endoscope tip can be reduced.

Next, a modified example of the engaging means by the engaging arm portion of the endoscope cover and the engaging portion of the endoscope will be described below.

17 and 18 show a first modification of the engaging means. In this example, the elastically deformable elongated engaging arm portion 102 provided on the side peripheral portion of the cover tip forming portion 101 has an engaging portion 103 projecting inward in a spherical shape.
Are formed. On the other hand, the groove-shaped locking portion 1 that engages with the engaging portion 103 is provided on the lateral outer peripheral portion of the endoscope tip forming portion 104.
05 is provided.

FIG. 18 shows an enlarged cross section of the state where the engaging portion 103 and the engaging portion 105 are engaged with each other. The cross section of the engaging portion 103 is R-shaped, and the axial dimension a of the engaging portion 103 in the insertion portion and the axial dimension b of the engaging portion 105 are a>
The relationship is b. Therefore, in the engaged state, the R-shaped portion of the engaging portion 103 and the corner portion of the locking portion 105 come into contact with each other, and the elastic restoring force of the engaging arm portion 102 causes the endoscope tip forming portion 104 to move to the bottom surface of the housing portion. The bottom surface of the housing portion and the front end surface of the endoscope are kept in close contact with each other. In addition, even if the dimension from the endoscope distal end surface to the locking portion 105 varies slightly with respect to the dimension from the bottom surface of the housing portion to the engaging portion 103, the engaging portion 103
The dimensional variation can be absorbed by moving the contact position between the R-shaped portion and the corner portion of the locking portion 105.

It should be noted that the engagement portion 103 and the engagement portion 105 are reversed on the cover side and the endoscope side, and a spherical protrusion is provided on the endoscope side and a groove-shaped recess is provided on the cover side. May be.

A second modification of the engaging means will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23. In this example, an elastically deformable elongated engaging arm portion 107 provided on the side peripheral portion of the cover tip forming portion 106 is provided with an engaging portion 108 projecting inward in a prismatic shape at the end portion, and a base end portion. A thin hinge portion 109 is provided in the portion. On the other hand, the endoscope distal end configuration unit 11
The locking portion 11 having a slanted surface portion that protrudes outward so as to engage with the engaging portion 108 of the engaging arm portion 107 on the side peripheral portion of 0.
1 is provided.

When the endoscope distal end constituting portion 110 is inserted into the cover distal end constituting portion 106, the engaging arm portion 107 elastically deforms with the hinge portion 109 as a fulcrum, and as shown in FIG. Is a locking portion 111 of the endoscope tip component 110.
When riding over the slope part and further inserting, it engages as shown in FIG. At this time, the engaging arm portion 107 and the outer skin 3
The elastic tipping force of 5 urges the endoscope tip forming portion 110 toward the bottom surface of the housing portion, and maintains the close contact between the bottom surface of the housing portion and the endoscope leading end surface.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the engaging arm portion 107. When detaching the endoscope cover, the engaging portion 108 is detached from the locking portion 111 by using a disengaging jig 112 having a substantially triangular width toward the tip as shown in FIG. At this time, the disengagement jig 112 is pushed into the gap of the side portion of the engagement arm portion 107 to be engaged, and the engagement arm portion 107 is laterally expanded along the guide slope portion 113 of the disengagement jig portion 112. As shown by the two-dot chain line 23, the engaging portion 108 engaged with the locking portion 111 is laterally displaced as shown by the solid line and removed. By using the jig as described above, the engaging portion can be easily disengaged.

The present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments, and it is of course possible to reconfigure the contents of each embodiment or the simplification of the structure by omitting a part of the elements. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope.

[Appendix] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following constitution can be obtained.
That is, (1) an endoscope having an observation optical system at the distal end of the insertion portion, and a transparent portion facing the observation optical system of the endoscope at the tip portion, at least the endoscope insertion portion. In a cover-type endoscope including a covering endoscope cover, a locking portion is engaged with the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion, and the locking portion is engaged with the distal end portion of the endoscope cover. Engaging means, each of which is provided with an engaging portion, and restricts movement of the endoscope insertion portion with respect to the endoscope cover in a longitudinal direction by engagement between the engaging portion and the engaging portion; and the endoscope. At least one of the distance from the abutting surface between the tip of the insertion portion and the endoscope housing portion of the endoscope cover to the locking portion and the distance from the abutting surface to the engaging portion is relative to the other. Length adjustment means to change to
When the endoscope cover is attached to the endoscope, a relative biasing force is generated between the endoscope insertion portion and the endoscope cover in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion. A cover-type endoscope comprising: a biasing unit that keeps the distance from the abutting surface to the locking portion and the distance from the abutting surface to the engaging portion at the same value.

(2) In the engaging means, one of the engaging portion and the engaging portion is formed by a protruding portion and the other is formed by a concave portion, and the protruding portion and the concave portion are opposed to each other and engage with each other. Cover-type endoscope.

(3) The cover according to appendix 1, wherein both the engaging portion and the engaging portion of the engaging means are formed by protrusions, and the two protrusions engage with each other at positions adjacent to each other. Scheme endoscope.

(4) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the engaging portion and the engaging portion are formed by facing two projecting portions having inclined surface portions projecting in a triangular mountain shape.

(5) A remark that the engaging arm portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion is provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope cover, and the engaging portion is provided in this engaging arm portion. The cover-type endoscope described in 1.

(6) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 5, wherein the engaging arm portion is provided with a length adjusting means.

(7) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 6, wherein the engaging arm portion is made of an elastically deformable material.

(8) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 6, wherein the engaging arm portion has a bent portion at an intermediate portion and is elastically deformable at the bent portion.

(9) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 6, wherein the engaging arm portion is elastically deformable at the base end portion.

(10) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 6, wherein the engaging arm portion is made of a material that is capable of expanding and contracting in the longitudinal direction.

(11) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the length adjusting means is provided on the endoscope cover.

(12) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the length adjusting means is provided in the endoscope insertion portion.

(13) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the biasing means is provided on the endoscope cover.

By providing the length adjusting means or the urging means on the side of the endoscope cover, the durability of the construction of these means is not required so much and the construction can be made at a low cost.

(14) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the biasing means is provided in the endoscope insertion portion.

By providing the length adjusting means or the urging means on the endoscope side, the diameter of the insertion portion is reduced or the distal end hard portion is prevented from becoming thick without increasing the tip end portion of the endoscope cover. It can be shortened.

(15) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 7, wherein the elastic deformation amount of the engaging arm portion serves as the length adjusting means.

(16) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 7, wherein the deformation restoring force of the engaging arm portion serves as the biasing means.

(17) The endoscope cover has an elastic tube member covering the outer peripheral surface of the engaging arm portion, and the restoring force of the elastic tube member serves as the urging means. Cover-type endoscope.

(18) The engaging arm portion is made of an elastomer material which can be elastically deformed in the longitudinal direction, and the amount of elastic deformation of the engaging arm portion serves as the length adjusting means, and the restoring force acts as the biasing means. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 5.

(19) The engaging portion and the engaging portion of the engaging means are configured such that two projecting portions each having a slanted portion inclined obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion are opposed to each other. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein an amount of change in abutting position between the engaging portion and the engaging portion on the slope portion serves as the length adjusting means.

In this structure, since the biasing force is generated by the slope portion where the two projecting portions are in contact with each other, it is not necessary to provide a bent portion that elastically deforms, and the diameter can be reduced.

(20) An appendix 1 in which an elastically deformable ring member is provided on the outer peripheral portion including the engaging portion of the distal end portion of the endoscope cover, and the tightening force of the ring member serves as the biasing means. Cover type endoscope described in.

(21) The cover type endoscope according to attachment 20, wherein the ring member is a C-shaped ring.

(22) The cover type endoscope according to attachment 20, wherein the ring member is a circular ring made of an elastomer material.

(23) A supplementary note 1 in which a compression-deformable plate-shaped member as the length adjusting means and the urging means is provided on the abutting surface of the distal end portion of the endoscope with the endoscope cover. Cover-type endoscope.

(24) A description is given in appendix 1 in which a compression-deformable plate-shaped member as the length adjusting means and the urging means is provided on the abutting surface of the distal end portion of the endoscope cover with the endoscope. Cover-type endoscope.

(25) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23 or 24, wherein the plate member is made of an elastomer material.

(26) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a spring member as the length adjusting means and the urging means is provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope.

(27) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 26, wherein the spring material is a leaf spring.

(28) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 26, wherein the spring member is a helical spring.

(29) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 26, wherein the spring member is provided in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion.

(30) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 26, wherein the spring member is provided obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion.

[0134]

As described above, according to the present invention, the cover can be easily attached and the cost can be reduced.
Further, in this configuration, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a cover-type endoscope capable of preventing the optical trouble such as flare by maintaining the close contact state between the cover front end portion and the endoscope front end surface.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an endoscope device.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the detailed configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration explanatory view of an engagement arm portion that is provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope cover shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the distal end portion in a state where the endoscope cover is completely attached to the endoscope insertion portion.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an engaging arm portion provided at a distal end portion of the endoscope cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a detailed configuration of a distal end portion of an insertion portion of a cover-type endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration explanatory view of an engagement arm portion provided in the cover distal end configuration portion shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from the side.

FIG. 8 is an axial distance between the engaging portion of the endoscope and the distal end surface of the endoscope which is smaller than the axial distance between the engaging portion of the endoscope cover and the bottom surface of the housing portion in a natural state. Explanatory diagram showing the engagement state between the engagement portion and the locking portion when the size is too large

FIG. 9 is an axial distance between the engaging portion of the endoscope and the distal end surface of the endoscope, which is considerably larger than an axial distance between the engaging portion of the endoscope cover and the bottom surface of the housing in a natural state. Operation explanatory view showing the engagement state of the engagement portion and the locking portion in the case of a large

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a ring member for urging the engaging arm portion shown in FIG. 11 and a ring attachment jig used for attachment.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope of the cover system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of a distal end portion of an insertion portion showing a first modified example of the engaging means.

FIG. 18 is a structural explanatory view showing the engagement means of FIG. 17 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of a distal end portion of an insertion portion showing a second modified example of the engaging means.

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in which the endoscope distal-end component is being inserted into the cover distal-end component.

FIG. 21 is a configuration explanatory view of the engagement arm portion shown in FIG. 19 seen from the side.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a disengagement jig that releases the engagement between the engagement portion of the endoscope cover and the engagement portion of the endoscope.

FIG. 23 is an operation explanatory view showing a state of the engaging arm portion when the engaging portion between the engaging portion of the endoscope cover and the engaging portion of the endoscope is disengaged.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 ... Endoscope cover 4 ... Cover endoscope 18 ... Insertion part cover part 35 ... Outer skin 36 ... Cover tip component part 38 ... Storage part 39 ... Transparent part 40 ... Engaging arm part 41 ... Engaging part 42 ... Bend Part 43 ... End part of endoscope 44. Observation optical system 46 ... Locking part 47 ... Bottom of storage part 48 ... End face of endoscope

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having an observation optical system at a distal end of an insertion portion, and a transparent portion facing the observation optical system of the endoscope at a tip portion thereof, and at least the endoscope insertion portion. In a cover-type endoscope including a covering endoscope cover, a locking portion is engaged with a distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion, and a locking portion is engaged with a distal end portion of the endoscope cover. Engaging means, each of which is provided with an engaging portion, restricts movement of the endoscope insertion portion with respect to the endoscope cover in a longitudinal direction by engagement between the engaging portion and the engaging portion, and the endoscope. At least one of the distance from the abutting surface between the tip of the insertion portion and the endoscope housing portion of the endoscope cover to the locking portion and the distance from the abutting surface to the engaging portion is relative to the other. When the endoscope cover is attached to the endoscope, the endoscope insertion portion And a distance from the abutting surface to the engaging portion and a distance from the abutting surface to the engaging portion by relatively urging a force in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion between the and the endoscope cover. A cover-type endoscope comprising: a biasing unit that holds the same value.