CN109788887B

CN109788887B - Endoscope and lens cap for endoscope

Info

Publication number: CN109788887B
Application number: CN201780057109.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 细越泰嗣; 斋藤恵一
Original assignee: Hoya Corp
Current assignee: Hoya Corp
Priority date: 2016-10-14
Filing date: 2017-10-13
Publication date: 2022-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-13
Also published as: CN109788887A; WO2018070519A1

Abstract

The invention provides an endoscope (10) and the like capable of realizing a large lifting angle. The endoscope (10) is provided with a channel outlet (35), a forceps lifting device (80), and a bending part (27), wherein the channel outlet (35) is opened at the front end side of the insertion part (30); the forceps raising device (80) can raise the diagnosis and treatment tool (40) protruding out of the channel outlet (35); the bent portion (27) protrudes from the edge of the passage outlet (35) toward the distal end side of the insertion portion (30), and is contactable with the medical tool (40) lifted by a forceps lifter (80). The forceps raising device (80) is pressed to a position further to the front than a contact portion with the bending portion (27) of the medical tool (40).

Description

Endoscope and lens cap for endoscope

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an endoscope and a lens cap for the endoscope.

Background

An endoscope with a forceps raising device is used to pass through the channel nose inside the insertion section. The forceps raising device is used to bend a medical tool or the like passing through the passage and guide it to a desired direction.

An endoscope having a wall provided between a forceps-raising wire for driving a forceps-raising device and the forceps-raising device is disclosed (patent document 1).

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 8-56900.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The lifting angle of an endoscope, a medical tool, and the like disclosed in patent document 1 is limited to the lifting range of a forceps lifter.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an endoscope or the like that can achieve a large lift angle.

Means for solving the problems

The endoscope is provided with a channel outlet, a forceps lifting device and a bending part, wherein the channel outlet is arranged at the front end side of the insertion part; the forceps lifting device can lift the diagnosis and treatment tool protruding out of the channel outlet; the bent portion protrudes from an edge portion of the passage outlet toward a front end side of the insertion portion, and is contactable with the medical tool raised by the forceps raising device. The forceps holder presses a position on a tip side of a contact portion between the medical tool and the bent portion.

Effects of the invention

In one aspect, an endoscope or the like can be provided that can achieve a larger lift angle.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an external view of an endoscope;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front end of the insertion section;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a state where the distal end portion of the medical treatment tool protrudes from the distal end of the insertion portion;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the front end of the insertion portion;

FIG. 5 is a front view for explaining a state where the lens cap for an endoscope is detached from the distal end of the insertion portion;

FIG. 6 is a rear view for explaining a state where the endoscope lens cap is detached from the distal end of the insertion portion;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the distal end of the insertion portion with the endoscope lens cap removed;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the distal end of the insertion portion with the endoscope lens cap and the lever case cover removed;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lens cap for an endoscope viewed from the attachment side of the endoscope;

fig. 10 is a perspective view of the lens cap for an endoscope seen from the bottom of the cap;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the 1 st engaging part;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the clip lifting device;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the caliper lifter;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the caliper lifter;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the base;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the assembled pliers lifter and base;

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the assembled pliers raised and base;

fig. 18 is a sectional view of the lens cap for an endoscope taken along line XVIII-XVIII in fig. 5;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the lever;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along line XX-XX in FIG. 4;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along line XXI-XXI in FIG. 4;

fig. 22 is a sectional view of an insertion portion which press-deforms the cover;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the insertion portion of the lifting pincer;

fig. 24 is an enlarged view of the 1 st engaging portion seen from the open end portion side in embodiment 2;

fig. 25 is a back view of the cover in embodiment 2;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the lid in embodiment 3;

fig. 27 is an enlarged view of the 1 st engaging portion seen from the open end portion side in embodiment 4;

fig. 28 is a sectional view of an insertion portion in embodiment 5;

fig. 29 is a sectional view of an insertion portion that is press-deformed in embodiment 5;

fig. 30 is a sectional view of an insertion portion in embodiment 6;

fig. 31 is a perspective view of the lens cap for an endoscope in accordance with embodiment 7, as viewed from the attachment side of the endoscope;

fig. 32 is a sectional view of an insertion portion in embodiment 7;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along line XXXIII-XXXIII in FIG. 32;

fig. 34 is a sectional view of an insertion portion of the lifting pincer lifter in embodiment 7;

fig. 35 is a sectional view of an insertion portion in embodiment 8;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along line XXXVI-XXXVI in FIG. 35;

fig. 37 is a sectional view of an insertion portion in embodiment 9;

FIG. 38 is a front view of the tip of the insertion section in embodiment 10;

FIG. 39 is a front view of the front end of the insertion portion in embodiment 11;

FIG. 40 is a sectional view of the insertion section in embodiment 12 before the lifting of the clip lifter;

fig. 41 is a sectional view of the insertion portion after lifting the clip lifter in embodiment 12;

fig. 42 is a sectional view of the insertion portion after lifting the clip lifter in embodiment 13.

Detailed Description

Embodiment 1:

fig. 1 is an external view of an endoscope. The endoscope 10 of the present embodiment is a flexible scope used for the upper digestive tract. The endoscope 10 includes an operation portion 20 and an insertion portion 30. The operation portion 20 has a raising nipper operating lever 21, a passage entrance 22, and a bending knob 23. The operation unit 20 is connected to a video processor, a light source device, a display device, and the like, which are not shown.

The insertion portion 30 is elongated and has one end connected to the operation portion 20. The insertion portion 30 includes, in order from the operation portion 20 side, a flexible portion 12, a bending portion 13, and an endoscope lens cap 50. The flexible portion 12 is flexible. The bending portion 13 is bent according to the operation of the bending knob 23. The endoscope lens cap 50 covers the rigid distal end portion 31 connected to the bending portion 13 (see fig. 2).

In the endoscope 10 of the present embodiment, the endoscope lens cap 50 is detachably attached to the distal end portion 31. The endoscope lens cap 50 includes a cover 52 as an external member and a clip lifter 80 (see fig. 2). The structure of the endoscope lens cap 50 will be described in detail below.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 30 is referred to as an insertion direction. Similarly, the side closer to the operation unit 20 in the insertion direction is referred to as the operation unit side, and the side farther from the operation unit 20 is referred to as the tip side.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tip of the insertion portion 30. Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing a state in which the medical tool distal end portion 41 protrudes from the distal end of the insertion portion 30. The structure of the endoscope 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 3.

The distal end portion 31 disposed at the distal end of the bent portion 13 has an observation window 36 and an illumination window 37 which are arranged side by side in the insertion direction on one side. The illumination window 37 is disposed closer to the leading end side than the observation window 36. On the other side of the operating section, the front end 31 has a channel outlet 35. A pincer raising portion 83 is disposed on the front end side of the passage outlet 35. The cover 52 covering the distal end portion 31 has a substantially rectangular window portion 53 at a portion corresponding to the observation window 36, the illumination window 37, and the clamp-lifting portion 83. The side of the window 53 on the operation portion side is stepped such that the side of the pincer-lifting portion 83 is located on the operation portion side and the side of the observation window 36 is located on the distal end side, and the stopper portion 531 is provided in the middle portion thereof.

The illumination window 37 emits illumination light emitted from a light source device, not shown. The range irradiated with the illumination light can be optically observed through the observation window 36. The endoscope 10 of the present embodiment is of a so-called side-view type, in which a visual field direction in which optical observation is possible is a direction intersecting the insertion direction. The endoscope 10 may be of a front see-through type in which the visual field direction is inclined toward a plurality of distal end sides, or a rear see-through type in which the visual field direction is inclined toward a plurality of operation unit sides.

The channel inlet 22 and the channel outlet 35 are connected by a channel 34 passing through the flexible part 12 and the interior of the curved part 13. The medical tool 40 is inserted from the medical tool tip 41 side into the tunnel entrance 22, and the medical tool tip 41 protrudes from the tunnel exit 35.

As shown by a solid line in fig. 3, the medical tool distal end portion 41 protrudes on the forceps raising portion 83 while being gently curved. When the forceps-raising operation lever 21 is operated as indicated by an arrow in fig. 1, the lever 60 (see fig. 8) operates as described below, and the forceps raising device 80 operates in conjunction with the lever 60. As shown by an arrow and a two-dot chain line in fig. 1 and 3, the forceps raising device 80 is operated, and the diagnostic tool tip portion 41 on the forceps raising device 80 is bent toward the operation portion 20. The treatment tool tip 41 is operated, and images are taken by an imaging device or the like, not shown, through the observation window 36, and then displayed on a display device, not shown.

The medical tool 40 is an operation device such as a high-frequency knife, a forceps, or a contrast catheter. Also, the device inserted into the channel 34 is not limited to a medical device. For example, an observation device such as an ultrasonic probe, a small-diameter endoscope, or the like may also be used to be inserted into the channel 34. In the following description, the observation device is also referred to as a diagnosis tool 40.

As described above, in the following description, "the operation of the clamp lifter 80" may be written as "the clamp lifter 80 is lifted". In the following description, the "lifted forceps raising device 80" may be "lifted by pressing the tool tip 41 to bend" the writing "of the tool 40. By manipulating the raising forceps operation lever 21, the raising degree of the medical tool 40 can be adjusted.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the front end of the insertion portion 30. The cover 52 has a rectangular recess 48 near the open end 56. The sides of the recess 48 descend from the surface of the cover 52 to be approximately perpendicular. The depressed portion 48 is thinner than other portions in the circumferential direction of the cover 52, and is more likely to be bent if an external force is applied by finger pressing. The recessed portion 48 is an example of a flexible portion in the present embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a front view for explaining a state where the endoscope lens cap 50 is detached from the distal end of the insertion portion 30. Fig. 6 is a rear view for explaining a state where the endoscope lens cap 50 is detached from the distal end of the insertion portion 30. The user of endoscope 10 holds bending portion 13 in one hand and pinches cap 52 with two fingers of the other hand. At this time, one of the two fingers presses the recessed portion 48, and the other finger naturally presses the region P shown in fig. 6. The user presses the cap 52 with two fingers to deform it slightly, and then pulls it to the distal end portion, so that the endoscope lens cap 50 can be detached from the distal end of the insertion portion 30 as described later.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the distal end of the insertion portion 30 from which the endoscope lens cap 50 is removed. The structure of the distal end of the insertion portion 30 will be described with reference to fig. 5 to 7. The distal end portion 31 is substantially cylindrical, and is provided with a groove provided at a position deviated from the center from the distal end side toward the operation portion side, thereby separating the optical housing portion 33 and the lever box 69. The channel outlet 35 opens at the bottom of the tank. A bend 27 is provided near the channel outlet 35. The shape of the bent portion 27 will be explained below.

The tip portion 31 has a 1 st plane portion 321 formed by flatly grooving a part of the peripheral surface thereof. The 1 st plane portion 321 is provided with a 3 rd engaging portion 29 along a portion extending along a groove bottom that blocks the optical housing portion 33 and the lever box 69. The 3 rd engaging portion 29 is an elliptical recess. The distal end portion 31 has a 4 th engagement portion 28 (see fig. 20) on the rear surface of the 3 rd engagement portion 29. The 4 th engaging portion 28 is a rectangular recess.

The observation window 36 and the illumination window 37 are disposed on the optical housing portion 33 side of the 1 st plane portion 321. The operation portion side of the observation window 36 is provided with a nozzle 38 that sprays water or air to clean the observation window 36. The optical housing portion 33 is provided with a 2 nd plane portion 322 and a 3 rd plane portion 323 formed by making a groove in a part of the peripheral surface of the distal end surface 31. The 2 nd plane part 322 and the 3 rd plane part 323 are connected by a certain angle.

The lever box 69 is hollow, and is covered with a rectangular thin plate-like lever box cover 67 extending along the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion 31. The lever box cover 67 is fixed at four corners by cover screws 66. The cover screw 66 is an example of a fixing member in the present embodiment. The lever box 69 has a support wall 68 on the optical housing portion 33 side. The gripper connector 61 protrudes from the support wall 68 toward the optical housing 33. The gripper attachment 61 is a rectangular cross-sectional shaft. The lifter connecting portion 61 will be explained below.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the distal end of the insertion portion 30 from which the endoscope lens cap 50 and the lever box cover 67 are removed. The lever box 69 is provided with a lever 60 inside. The lever 60 has a wire fixing portion 65 at one end thereof, and a lever shaft 63 (see fig. 19) and a clamp lifting attachment portion 61 at the other end thereof as described below. The lever 60 is rotatably supported in a hole provided on the support wall 68. In addition, the rotation refers to a rotational motion performed within a certain angular range.

The wire fixing portion 65 is connected to the end of the tong wire 24. The forceps-raising wire 24 is connected to the forceps-raising operation lever 21 (see fig. 1) through the insertion portion 30. More specifically, the forceps-raising wire 24 is inserted into a not-shown guide tube having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the forceps-raising wire 24. A catheter, not shown, penetrates the insertion portion 30 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the distal end of the forceps wire 24 expands and contracts as the forceps operation lever 21 is manipulated. The tong lead 24 is an example of a turning part in the present embodiment. The forceps wire 24 is remotely operated by the forceps operation lever 21.

By the operation of the forceps-raising operation lever 21, the forceps-raising wire 24 connected to the forceps-raising operation lever 21 is pulled to the operation portion side. The lever 60 is pulled by the tong wire 24 and rotated about the lever shaft 63.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the endoscope lens cap 50 viewed from the attachment side of the endoscope 10. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the endoscope lens cap 50 viewed from the bottom of the cover 52. As described above, the endoscope lens cap 50 includes the cover 52 and the clip lifter 80. The lid 52 has a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening at one end. As described above, the opening portion at one end of the cover 52 is referred to as "opening end portion 56".

As described above, the cylindrical portion of the cap 52 has the window portion 53. The window 53 is opened almost over the entire length of the peripheral surface 52. The cover 52 has a seating groove 45 extending from the open end 56 toward the bottom on the inner surface facing the window 53. The base 70 fixed to the base groove 45 mounts a caliper lifter 80 inside the cover 52. The base 70 will be described hereinafter.

The cover 52 has a plate-like boss portion 49 projecting inward along the edge of the window portion 53 on the opening end portion 56 side. On a part of the front end of the boss 49, the 1 st engaging portion 46 is provided to protrude inward.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the 1 st engaging portion 46. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion a in fig. 9. The shape of the 1 st engaging portion 46 will be described with reference to fig. 9 to 11. The 1 st engaging portion 46 has a 1 st wedge surface 461 on the bottom side and a 2 nd wedge surface 462 on the open end 56 side. The 1 st wedge surface 461 is a plane continuous with the surface of the bottom side of the boss 49, along the edge of the window portion 53.

The 2 nd wedge surface 462 is a plane having an inner side as a bottom side and an outer side as an opening end side, and is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the cylinder portion. When the 1 st engagement portion 46 is cut on a surface parallel to the axis of the cylindrical portion, the 1 st wedge surface 461 and the 2 nd wedge surface 462 are tapered.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the forceps raising device 80. Fig. 13 is a front view of the forceps raising device 80. Fig. 14 is a side view of the forceps-lifter 80. The structure of the forceps lifter 80 will be described with reference to fig. 12 to 14.

The clip lifting device 80 has a clip lifting portion 83 having an approximately L-shape. The lifting clamp portion 83 has a 1 st lifting clamp portion 831 and a 2 nd lifting clamp portion 832. A spoon-shaped concave part 84 is arranged on one surface of the 1 st pincers lifting part 831; the 2 nd lifting clamp 832 protrudes from the 1 st lifting clamp 831 on the same side as the surface of the recess 84 having the 1 st lifting clamp 831. The 2 nd lifting jaw 832 has a lever connecting portion 81 at its end. The lever connecting portion 81 is a U-shaped groove opened toward an end of the 2 nd raising claw portion 832.

One end of the lever connecting portion 81 covers the plate-like flange 85. The caliper lift shaft 82 protrudes from the face of the opposite side of the flange 85. That is, the caliper lifting shaft 82 projects from one end surface of the flange 85, and the caliper lifting portion 83 projects from the other surface of the flange 85 in a direction intersecting the center axis of the caliper lifting shaft 82. The lever connecting portion 81 is provided at the base end portion side of the clamp lifting portion 83.

As shown by a broken line in fig. 14, the lever coupling portion 81 is provided to sandwich the center axis of the caliper raising shaft 82. The flange 85 has a cylindrical surface 851 substantially coaxial with the caliper raising shaft 82.

The 2 nd lifting clamp portion 832 is provided with a planar 2 nd relief surface 87 at a portion adjacent to the surface having the recessed portion 84 of the 1 st lifting clamp portion 831. The 2 nd flank 87 is a plane parallel to a plane to which the two U-shaped vertical lines of the lever connecting portion 81 are fitted.

The 2 nd lifting jaw portion 832 has a 1 st flank surface 86 between the 2 nd flank surface 87 and the entrance of the lever connecting portion 81. The 1 st flank surface 86 is a flat surface arranged closer to the center axis side of the caliper raising shaft 82 than an extended surface of the cylindrical surface 851 provided on the flange 85. The 1 st flank surface 86 has one end on the flange 85 side continuous with the cylindrical surface 851.

The 2 nd raising claw portion 832 has a stop surface 88 on the opposite side of the 2 nd clearance surface 87 with the lever connecting portion 81 therebetween. The stop surface 88 is a plane parallel to the 2 nd flank surface 87. The stop surface 88 is disposed closer to the side of the center axis of the caliper raising shaft 82 than the extension surface of the cylindrical surface 851. The stop surface 88 is continued to the entrance of the lever attaching portion 81 by a substantially cylindrical rotational relief surface 881.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the base 70. The structure of the base 70 will be described with reference to fig. 15.

The pedestal 70 has a rectangular plate-shaped base 95 and a 1 st wall 77 of an approximately rectangular plate shape. The 1 st wall 77 of the substantially rectangular plate shape extends in the longitudinal direction of the base 95 from the leg rising from the middle of the base 95 in the longitudinal direction.

Further, from the base 95, the 2 nd wall 78 of the approximately rectangular plate shape rises in parallel with the 1 st wall 77. The 1 st wall 77 is spaced from the 2 nd wall 78 in the width direction of the base 95. The 2 nd wall 78 has a 2 nd wall end surface 781 parallel to the base 95. The 2 nd wall end surface 781 is closer to the base 95 than the edge of the 1 st wall 77.

The end of the 1 st wall 77 is connected to a 3 rd wall 79 of a rectangular plate shape erected on the 1 st wall 77 and the 2 nd wall 78. The 3 rd wall 79 is provided with the 1 st fixing projection 73 on the side opposite to the 1 st wall 77. The 1 st fixing projection 73 is a projection having an expansion groove. The 1 st fixing projection 73 has a locking body which is formed by a thick circle at its end.

One end of the base 95 in the longitudinal direction has a thick-walled portion 74, and the other end on the opposite side has a 2 nd engaging portion 72 protruding in an approximately semicircular shape. The thick portion 74 faces the 1 st wall 77.

The root of the 1 st wall 77 has a caliper raising mounting hole 76. The forceps-raising shaft 82 of the forceps-raising device 80 described with reference to fig. 12 to 14 is inserted into the forceps-raising device mounting hole 76, and the forceps-raising device 80 and the base 70 are rotatably assembled together.

Fig. 16 is a front view of the assembled pliers-lifter 80 and base 70. Fig. 17 is a rear view of the assembled structure of the caliper raising device 80 and the base 70. The structure of assembling the caliper lifter 80 and the base 70 will be described with reference to fig. 16 and 17.

As described above, the caliper lift shaft 82 is inserted into the caliper lift mounting hole 76. The caliper lift mounting holes 76 act as bearings so that the caliper lift 80 may rotate about the caliper lift shaft 82. The 1 st wall 77 and the 2 nd wall 78 sandwich a flange 85 therebetween. The flange 85 and the 2 nd wall 78 act as a lock to prevent the caliper 80 from being removed from the base 70.

The stop surface 88 faces the 2 nd wall end surface 781. When a force in the clockwise direction in fig. 17 is applied to the caliper lifter 80 with the caliper lifter shaft 82 as an axis, the stop surface 88 contacts the 2 nd wall 78 to prevent the caliper lifter 80 from rotating. On the other hand, the open end 56 side of the stop surface 88 is connected to the entrance of the lever connecting portion 81 by a substantially cylindrical turning relief surface 881, so that the caliper raising member 80 can turn the caliper raising member shaft 82 in the counterclockwise direction in fig. 17.

The description is continued with reference to fig. 9. The base 70 is inserted into the cover 52 from the 1 st fixing projection 73 side in a state where the caliper lifter 80 is rotatably mounted in the caliper lifter mounting hole 76. The base 95 of the foot 70 is secured to the foot slot 45.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the endoscope lens cap 50 taken along line XVIII-XVIII in fig. 5. The XV-XV cross section is a cross section obtained by cutting the 1 st wall 77 in the thickness direction along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 30. The structure of the endoscope lens cap 50 will be described with reference to fig. 9 to 18.

As shown in fig. 18, the cover 52 has a base fixing hole 57 and a 2 nd fixing projection 58. The base fixing hole 57 is a through hole provided in the bottom of the cover 52. The 2 nd fixing projection 58 is a projection projecting from one end of the base groove 45 toward the open end 56 side.

The 1 st fixing projection 73 and the thick portion 74 described with reference to fig. 15 are engaged with the base fixing hole 57 and the 2 nd fixing projection 58, respectively, to fix the cover 52 and the base 70 inside the cover 52. The recess 84 is disposed to face the window portion 53.

As shown by the two-dot chain line in fig. 18, the forceps raising device 80 can be rotated to a position where the edge of the forceps raising portion 83 contacts the stopper portion 531 with the forceps raising device shaft 82 as the shaft. In the following description, the rotation angle of the caliper lifter 80 will be referred to as an angle Z.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the lever 60. The lever 60 has a lever shaft 63 at one end and a wire fixing portion 65 at the other end. The wire fixing part 65 includes an expansion slot. The caliper lifting attachment 61 as a rectangular cross-sectional shaft protrudes from one end surface of the lever shaft 63 in the same direction as the center axis of the lever shaft 63. In the following description, the plate-like portion connecting the lever shaft 63 and the wire fixing portion 65 is referred to as "rotation connecting portion 64". The rotation connecting portion 64 protrudes from an end portion of the lever shaft 63 on the opposite side to the caliper raising connecting portion 61 in a direction intersecting the center axis of the lever shaft 63. As shown in fig. 8, the rotation connecting portion 64 rotates in the lever box 69.

The lever shaft 63 has 2O-rings 62 fixed thereto. The description is continued with reference back to fig. 7. The lever shaft 63 is inserted into a hole provided in the support wall 68 from the lever box 69 side, and the lever 60 is rotatably supported in a state where the clamper holder connector 61 is directed to the optical housing unit 33. The hollow lever box 69 is sealed by the O-ring 62 and the lever box cover 67.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of insert 30 taken along line XX-XX in fig. 4. The XX-XX section is a section obtained by cutting the insertion portion 30 along the longitudinal direction at the position of the forceps-raising attachment portion 61. Fig. 21 is a sectional view of the insertion portion 30 taken along line XXI-XXI in fig. 4. The cross section XXI-XXI is a cross section obtained by vertically cutting the insertion portion 30 along the longitudinal direction at the positions of the 1 st engagement portion 46 and the 2 nd engagement portion 72. A structure in which the endoscope lens cap 50 is fixed to the distal end of the insertion portion 30 will be described with reference to fig. 20 and 21.

The opening end 56 of the endoscope lens cap 50 faces the insertion portion 30. The 1 st engaging portion 46 of the inner surface of the endoscope lens cap 50 engages with the 3 rd engaging portion 29 of the distal end portion 31. In the engaging portion, the 1 st wedge surface 461 and the operating portion side surface of the 3 rd engaging portion 29 are in contact with each other.

Similarly, the 2 nd engaging portion 72 of the inner surface of the endoscope lens cap 50 engages with the 4 th engaging portion 28 of the distal end portion 31. The endoscope lens cap 50 is engaged with the distal end portion 31 at 2 positions facing the inner surface, and the endoscope lens cap 50 is fixed to the distal end portion 31.

As shown in fig. 20, the 1 st engaging portion 46 is disposed closer to the opening end portion 56 side than the 2 nd engaging portion 72. The engagement portions of the 1 st engagement portion 46 and the 3 rd engagement portion 29 are engaged by abutment between flat surfaces, and the 2 nd engagement portion 72 is engaged with the 4 th engagement portion 28 by a surface having an arc shape, in contrast. Therefore, the 1 st engaging portion 46 is more firmly engaged with the distal end portion 31 than the 2 nd engaging portion 72.

The lever 60 and the clip lifter 80 are engaged with each other by inserting the clip lifter connecting portion 61 as a rectangular cross-sectional shaft into the lever connecting portion 81 of the U-shaped groove.

As shown in fig. 21, the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the lid 52 faces the 2 nd planar portion 322 and the 3 rd planar portion 323 at intervals, thereby forming the 1 st cavity 93. The recess 48 is disposed at a position corresponding to the 1 st cavity portion 93. On the opposite side of the recessed portion 48, the cover 52 collapses the inner surface of the cylindrical portion, thereby becoming thin-walled. The inner surface of the thin wall portion of the cover 52 faces the lever case cover 67 at a spacing, thereby forming a 2 nd cavity 94. The head of the cover screw 66 is disposed in the 2 nd hollow portion 94. That is, the 2 nd cavity 94 is a receiving space for receiving a head of the fixing member cover screw 66 for fixing the lever cover 67.

When the endoscope lens cap 50 is removed, the user presses the recessed portion 48 and the opposite sides thereof with fingers as indicated by white arrows in fig. 21. Since the pressed portion has the 1 st cavity 93 and the 2 nd cavity 94 inside, the cover 52 is deformed. As described above, the recessed portion 48 is a flexible portion that is thinner than the other portions of the cover 52 in the circumferential direction and can be easily bent by finger pressure or the like. Therefore, the user can easily deform the endoscope lens cap 50.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view of the insertion portion 30 in which the cover 52 is deformed by pressing. Fig. 22 shows the same cross section as fig. 21. The cover 52 is deformed in such a manner that the pressed portions move inward and the middle portion bulges outward. The 1 st engaging portion 46 and the 2 nd engaging portion 72 are arranged at the raised positions and therefore move outward, respectively. By this deformation, the engagement of the 1 st engaging portion 46 and the 3 rd engaging portion 29 and the engagement of the 2 nd engaging portion 72 and the 4 th engaging portion 28 are released.

The user pushes and pulls the endoscope lens cap 50 to the distal end side, so that the engagement between the lever connecting portion 81 and the clip lifter connecting portion 61 can be released, and the endoscope lens cap 50 can be detached from the distal end portion of the insertion portion 30. As shown in fig. 4, the recess 48 has a side that intersects perpendicularly with the insertion direction. Therefore, the user can easily remove the endoscope lens cap 50 by hooking the edge of the recessed portion 48 with his or her fingers.

Further, the user can attach the endoscope lens cap 50 to the insertion portion 30 by pressing the endoscope lens cap 50 into the distal end of the insertion portion 30 while confirming that the lever connection portion 81 and the clip lifter connection portion 61 face each other. As shown in fig. 11, the 2 nd wedge surface 462 of the 1 st engaging portion 46 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tube portion of the cap 52, and the 1 st engaging portion 46 is difficult to catch the distal end portion 31, and is easy to attach.

As shown in fig. 20, the tubular passage 34 is connected to a passage outlet 35 provided at the front end portion 31. The channel outlet 35 flares towards the window 53. A bent portion 27 that gently protrudes toward the distal end side is provided in the vicinity of the 3 rd engaging portion 29 of the passage outlet 35, that is, in the edge portion on the lifting side of the caliper 80 as viewed from the passage outlet 35.

Fig. 23 is a sectional view of the insertion portion 30 of the lifting pincer 80. Fig. 23 and 20 show the same cross section. The structure of the lift pincer-lifter 80 will be described with reference to fig. 7, 8, 19, 20, and 21.

The lever shaft 63 is inserted into a through hole provided in the support wall 68 from the lever box 69 side, and the caliper raising attachment 61 protrudes toward the opposite side of the support wall 68 as shown in fig. 7. As described above, the lever box 69 is water-sealed by the O-ring 62 and the lever box cover 67 (see fig. 5). Therefore, during use of the endoscope 10, the interior of the lever box 69 and the path of the forceps wires 24 are not contaminated with body fluids and the like.

In the state shown in fig. 20, the caliper lifter 80 is housed inside the cover 52. The recess 84 is disposed at a position where the medical tool front end portion 41 protruding in the passage outlet 35 is gently bent in the upward direction in fig. 20.

As described above, the user operates the forceps operating lever 21 to rotate the lever 60 about the lever shaft 63. The gripper linkage 61 rotates together with the lever shaft 63. Since the clipper connecting portion 61 is connected to the lever shaft connecting portion 81, the clipper 80 is integrally formed with the lever 60, and rotates and rises, so that the distance between the clipper 80 and the window portion 53 is changed.

Fig. 23 shows a rotation state of the caliper raising device 80. The distal end portion 41 of the medical tool protruding from the passage outlet 35 is lifted by being pressed by the forceps lifter 80. The medical tool distal end portion 41 is pushed from the state of being pushed against the distal end of the bent portion 27 to the side of the operation portion through the edge on the distal end side of the concave portion 84. Therefore, the treatment tool front end 41 can be bent at a larger angle than the rotational angle Z of the forceps raising device 80 illustrated in fig. 18. The detailed bending of the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool will be described later.

An outline of a method of using the endoscope 10 in the present embodiment will be described. The endoscope 10 is stored in a state where the lens cap 50 for endoscope is removed and washed clean. The lens caps 50 for an endoscope are sealed in the sterilization bag one by one, and then, for example, are put into a paper box every 10 bags to be subjected to radiation sterilization, and are provided in this state. The number of the endoscope lens caps 50 put in the paper box is preferably the minimum sales unit, that is, the minimum unit sold to the user at a time.

The cover 52, the base 70, and the pincer lifter 80, which are members of the endoscope lens cap 50, are preferably made of a material resistant to sterilization by irradiation, such as polypropylene or polycarbonate. The cap 52 may be integrally molded by insert molding or bonding a resin such as polycarbonate and a rubber such as silicone. The partial use of rubber allows the cover 52 to be thinner, thereby making the endoscope 10 thinner.

The user takes out the lens cap 50 for the endoscope from the sterilization bag. The user confirms that the lever connecting portion 81 and the clip lifter connecting portion 61 face each other, and presses the endoscope lens cap 50 into the distal end of the insertion portion 30, thereby attaching the endoscope lens cap 50 to the insertion portion 30. As described above, the 2 nd wedge surface 462 of the 1 st engagement portion 46 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tube portion of the cap 52, and the 1 st engagement portion 46 is difficult to catch the distal end portion 31, and is easy to attach.

The 1 st engaging portion 46 resiliently engages with the 3 rd engaging portion 29 when the 1 st wedge surface 461 passes through the surface on the operating portion side of the 3 rd engaging portion 29. The facing surfaces on the operation portion side of the 1 st wedge surface 461 and the 3 rd engagement portion 29 are flat surfaces perpendicular to the insertion direction, and are engaged with each other. The user slightly pulls the lens cap 50 for the endoscope to confirm that the lens cap 50 for the endoscope is tightly fixed to the front end of the insertion portion 30.

The user inserts the insertion portion 30 into the examination subject port. The user guides the tip of the insertion portion 30 to a target position while observing the photographed image through the observation window 36. The user inserts a desired medical tool 40 or the like through the access port 22. After confirming that the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool protrudes from the distal end of the insertion portion 30 and reaches the vicinity of the target position, the user operates the forceps operation lever 21 to guide the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool to the target position. After the desired examination or the like is made, the user pulls the medical tool 40 out of the passageway 34. The user pulls out the endoscope 10 from the body to be examined to complete examination or diagnosis.

The operation of raising the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool when performing an examination or a medical treatment using the endoscope 10 will be described in further detail with reference to fig. 20 and 23. The user operates the forceps-raising operation lever 21 so that the forceps raising device 80 is placed horizontally on the front end side of the insertion portion 30 as shown in fig. 20. As described above, the user inserts the medical tool 40 or the like through the passage entrance 22 according to the purpose. The treatment tool tip portion 41 is curved along the recessed portion 84 and protrudes from the window portion 53 as indicated by the two-dot chain line in fig. 20. The user visually confirms that the medical tool tip portion 41 protrudes through the observation window 36.

The user operates the forceps-raising operation lever 21 to raise the forceps-raising device 80. The diagnostic tool tip portion 41 is pressed and bent by the forceps holder 80. A part of the clip lifter protrudes outward from the window 53. The side surface of the medical tool tip portion 41 is in contact with the bent portion 27 at a position where the medical tool tip portion 41 faces the same direction as the optical field of view.

The user further raises the forceps holder 80, and as shown by the two-dot chain line in fig. 23, the treatment tool distal end portion 41 is pressed by the pressing portion 841 at the edge of the depressed portion 84 to the distal end side of the contact portion with the bent portion 27, and is bent toward the operation portion side. As shown in fig. 23, the entire treatment tool tip portion 41 is gently curved. That is, the pressing portion 841 presses the diagnostic tool tip portion 41 to bend toward the operation portion side outside the window portion 53 when the forceps 80 is lifted.

As shown in fig. 20 and 23, the bent portion 27 is located inside the window portion 53. The 3 rd engaging portion 29 is provided at the root of the bent portion 27, i.e., at the operating portion side. The 3 rd engaging portion 29 engages with the 1 st engaging portion 46, and the 1 st engaging portion 46 is provided at the tip of a boss portion 49 protruding from the edge of the window portion 53 toward the inside of the cover 52. With the above configuration, a space is left above the bent portion 27 in fig. 23, and the bending of the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool is not hindered. Therefore, the medical tool distal end portion 41 can be bent at an angle larger than the rotational angle Z of the forceps raising device 80.

Then, the user operates the forceps-raising operation lever while visually checking the state of the medical tool tip portion 41 and the like through the observation window 36. The user does not need to raise the forceps-raising device 80 to the state shown in fig. 23 without raising the distal end portion 41 of the medical instrument significantly.

As described above, the cover 52 is pinched by two fingers and pulled toward the front end side, so that it can be easily detached. The endoscope lens cap 50 of the present embodiment is disposable and is discarded after one use.

Further, when observation and diagnosis are performed using the endoscope 10 according to the conventional method, it is difficult to think that 2 positions of the cap 52 simultaneously apply an external force that deforms the cap 52.

The user cleans the endoscope 10 after removing the lens cap 50 for endoscope for the next use. As shown in fig. 7, the endoscope 10 with the endoscope lens cap 50 removed does not have the forceps holder 80. As shown in fig. 7, the forceps-raising device connecting portion 61 used when the forceps-raising device 80 is fixed is exposed to the distal end portion 31.

As is clear from the above, the endoscope 10 of the present embodiment does not require special cleaning work such as cleaning the forceps raising device 80 and the complicated structure near the forceps raising wire 24. Therefore, the endoscope 10 with the forceps-raising device can be provided with a short treatment time and high use efficiency. In the present embodiment, the lifting angle can be increased, that is, the treatment tool tip portion 41 can be lifted at a large angle, and the cleaning convenience of the endoscope 10 can be also taken into consideration.

The edge of the mount fixing hole 57 described in fig. 18 may be provided with a slit or the like, and when the endoscope lens cap 50 is detached from the distal end portion 31, the mount fixing hole 57 may be broken, and the 1 st fixing projection 73 may be disengaged from the mount fixing hole 57. The base 70 and the clip raising tool 80 remaining on the front end portion 31 side can be easily removed and discarded by the user's hand. The endoscope lens cap 50 can be disassembled while being detached, thereby preventing the user from misusing it for a second time.

The first engaging portion 46 may be provided with a slit or the like at a root portion of the first engaging portion 46, so that the first engaging portion 46 is broken when the endoscope lens cap 50 is detached from the distal end portion 31. The 2 nd engaging portion 72 may be provided with a slit or the like at a root portion thereof, so that the 2 nd engaging portion 72 is broken when the endoscope lens cap 50 is detached from the distal end portion 31. It is possible to provide the endoscope lens cap 50 which prevents the user from accidentally reusing the endoscope lens cap 50 by making it impossible to fix the endoscope lens cap 50 to the distal end portion 31 when the 1 st engaging portion 46 or the 2 nd engaging portion 72 is broken.

The stopping surface 88 may also be non-parallel to the surface of the lever connecting portion 81 to which the two U-shaped vertical lines fit. For example, when the stop surface 88 is inclined in the lower left direction in fig. 20, the caliper raising device 80 can be rotated counterclockwise from the state shown in fig. 20. According to the above-described operation, the endoscope 10 can be provided in which the medical tool 40 can be inserted without greatly bending the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool.

When the jig 40 having a high rigidity is lifted, the clamp-lifting portion 83 is pushed back by a force with which the jig 40 is to return to a straight state. At this time, the endoscope lens cap 50 is applied with a force of being twisted counterclockwise as shown in fig. 23 with the 2 nd engaging portion 72 as an axis.

As described above, the 1 st engaging portion 46 is disposed closer to the open end portion 56 side than the 2 nd engaging portion 72, and the 1 st engaging portion 46 is more firmly engaged with the distal end portion 31 than the 2 nd engaging portion 72, so the lens cap 50 for an endoscope is less likely to come off from the insertion portion 30. Further, since the projecting amount of the 1 st engaging portion 46 is larger than the projecting amount of the 2 nd engaging portion 72, the endoscope lens cap 50 can be made less likely to come off from the insertion portion 30.

The endoscope 10 of the present embodiment is a side-view type including the forceps 80, and is therefore suitable for diagnosis and examination of the duodenum and pancreaticobiliary tract regions. The endoscope 10 of the present embodiment is particularly suitable for performing operations such as ercp (endoscopic retrogradio patency graph), est (endoscopic sphincterology), ebd (endoscopic Biliary Drainage), and the like. In this operation, the medical tool 40 is guided to the duodenal papilla on the duodenal wall and the inside of the pancreatic duct, the common bile duct, and the like leading to the duodenal papilla to perform medical treatment and the like.

The side-view endoscope 10 is also referred to as a side-view endoscope. Similarly, endoscope 10, which is suitable for diagnosis of the duodenal and pancreaticobiliary regions, may also be referred to as a duodenoscope.

In the present embodiment, the base 70 and the cover 52 are independent from each other, and therefore, the shape thereof is relatively simple. Therefore, for example, injection molding and other processes can be adopted, and the production cost is lower.

Instead of the clamp wires 24, a retractable sma (shape memory alloy) actuator may be used on the rotating portion. At this time, one end of the SMA actuator is fixed to the wire fixing portion 65, and the other end is fixed to the tip portion 31. A heater is disposed around the SMA actuator. The heater operates in conjunction with the operation of the forceps-raising operation lever 21.

Operation of the heater causes the SMA actuator to contract, thereby rotating the lever 60 and the forcer 80. Any other linear actuator may be used for the rotating portion.

A rotary actuator such as a small engine may be used for the rotary part. A small engine is disposed on the lever box 69, and an engine shaft is connected to the lever shaft 63 so that the lever 60 can be rotated.

If an actuator is used for the rotary part, the forceps raising device 80 can be operated, for example, by voice control or the like without using the user's hand.

The endoscope lens cap 50 may be provided in a state where the lever connecting portion 81 is directed toward the open end portion 56 and the clip lifter 80 and the cover 52, the base 70, and the like are temporarily fixed by an adhesive or the like. Thus, the endoscope lens cap 50 can be used conveniently without requiring a time for confirming the direction of the forceps-raising member 80 by attaching the endoscope lens cap 50 to the insertion portion 30.

The user can select a more handy endoscope lens cap 50 from a plurality of endoscope lens caps 50 of different specifications to use. For example, the endoscope lens cap 50 may be provided with a stopper to restrict the rotatable range of the clip lifter 80 to a narrow range. By reducing the rotatable range, for example, when used together with expensive and precise instruments such as an ultrasonic probe and a small-diameter endoscope, damage to the instruments due to excessive bending is prevented.

When the shape of the recess 84 matches the shape of the distal end 41 of the medical instrument, the medical instrument 40 is not easily displaced in the left-right direction when lifted, and the operation is convenient. It is also possible to provide a plurality of types of endoscope lens caps 50 having the clip lifter 80 of different shapes of the recess portion 84. For example, by using the endoscope lens cap 50 having the recess 84 that easily holds the shape of the thin medical tool 40, the thin medical tool 40 such as a wire can be more accurately handled.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide the endoscope 10 in which the user can select the use of the endoscope lens cap 50 according to the use.

The endoscope 10 may be a so-called ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at its distal end. In this case, the bottom of the endoscope lens cap 50 preferably has a hole into which the ultrasonic transducer is inserted. The endoscope 10 may also be an endoscope that leads to the lower digestive tract. The endoscope 10 may be a so-called rigid endoscope including the rigid insertion portion 30. The endoscope 10 may be a so-called industrial endoscope for inspecting an engine, a pipe, or the like.

The endoscope lens cap 50 can be reused. At this time, the user visually checks the endoscope lens cap 50 detached from the insertion portion 30, and if it is not broken, it can be cleaned and reused. Since the opening of the open end portion 56 of the endoscope lens cap 50 is large, it is easier to clean than when attached to the insertion portion 30. Since the lens cap 50 for an endoscope is small, it is easy to put it into a sterilization bag for, e.g., autoclaving.

The endoscope 10 may further include a fixing mechanism for fixing the forceps-raising operation lever 21 at an arbitrary angle. After the user lifts the distal end portion 41 of the medical instrument at a desired angle, the user releases the forceps operating lever 21 to apply a force to the operation of the bending knob 23 or the like.

The positions of the 1 st engaging portion 46 and the 2 nd engaging portion 72 are not limited to the above-described positions. For example, the engagement portion between the distal end portion 31 and the endoscope lens cap 50 may be provided at the corresponding left and right positions in fig. 4. The user can pinch the operation portion side of the window portion 53 and the insertion portion 30, press the opposite side with the fingers and pull it, and remove the endoscope lens cap 50.

Embodiment 2:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which the shape of the 1 st engagement portion 46 is different from that of embodiment 1. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 1 is omitted here.

Fig. 24 is an enlarged view of the 1 st engaging portion 46 seen from the open end portion 56 side in embodiment 2. Fig. 25 is a rear view of the cover 52 in embodiment 2. In fig. 25, a part of the cylindrical portion is cut off at a portion facing the 1 st engaging portion 46 to show the 1 st engaging portion 46.

In the present embodiment, the 1 st engaging portion 46 is wedge-shaped, that is, the dimension along the circumferential direction of the tube portion becomes smaller from the distal end side of the endoscope 10 toward the operation portion side, and the distal end is a flat surface. The lower surface of the 1 st engaging portion 46 in fig. 24 is a plane perpendicular to the paper surface of fig. 24. The present embodiment can provide the endoscope 10 in which the user can easily attach the endoscope lens cap 50 to the insertion portion 30.

The 1 st engaging portion 46 is a wedge shape that intersects the left and right surfaces in fig. 25, and the opening end portion 56 side is pointed.

Embodiment 3:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which the shape of the 1 st engagement portion 46 is different from those of embodiments 1 and 2. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 2 is omitted here.

Fig. 26 is a rear view of the cover 52 in embodiment 3. In fig. 26, a part of the cylindrical portion is cut off at a portion facing the 1 st engaging portion 46 to show the 1 st engaging portion 46.

In the present embodiment, the 1 st engaging portion 46 is tapered, that is, the dimension along the circumferential direction of the tube portion becomes smaller from the operation end of the endoscope 10 toward the distal end side, and the distal end is a flat surface. The present embodiment can provide the endoscope 10 in which the user can easily remove the lens cap 50 for the endoscope from the insertion portion 30 after use.

Embodiment 4:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which the shape of the 1 st engagement portion 46 is different from any of embodiments 1 to 3. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 1 is omitted here.

Fig. 27 is an enlarged view of the 1 st engaging portion 46 seen from the open end portion 56 side in embodiment 4. The 1 st engaging portion 46 has a 1 st wedge surface 461 on the bottom side and a 2 nd wedge surface 462 on the open end 56 side. Wedge-face 1 461 is a plane extending along the edge of window 53 continuing to the bottom side of boss 49.

The 2 nd wedge surface 462 has an inner side as a bottom side and an outer side as an opening end side, and is a plane inclined with respect to the axial direction of the tube portion. When the 1 st engagement portion 46 is cut off on a surface parallel to the axis of the cylindrical portion, the 1 st wedge surface 461 and the 2 nd wedge surface 462 have a tapered shape with a slightly narrower head.

The 1 st engaging portion 46 is wedge-shaped, i.e., the dimension in the circumferential direction of the tube portion becomes smaller from the distal end side of the endoscope 10 toward the operation end. The present embodiment can provide the endoscope 10 in which the user can easily attach the endoscope lens cap 50 to the insertion portion 30.

Embodiment 5:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 including the 1 st engaging portion 46 which allows the cap 52 to be easily detached from the distal end portion 31 when deformed by pressing. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 1 is omitted here.

Fig. 28 is a sectional view of an insertion portion 30 according to embodiment 5. Fig. 28 is a sectional view of insert 30 at the same position along XXI-XXI in fig. 4.

The 1 st engaging portion 46 protrudes from a part of the boss portion 49, and engages with the 3 rd engaging portion 29 having a groove shape. In fig. 28, the tip of the 1 st engaging portion 46 is inclined downward to the right with respect to the edge of the 3 rd engaging portion 29.

As indicated by white arrows in fig. 28, the user presses the concave portion 48 and the opposite sides thereof with fingers. Fig. 29 is a sectional view of the insertion portion 30 in which the cover 52 is press-deformed in embodiment 5. The cross-section shown in fig. 29 is the same as that of fig. 28. The cap 52 is deformed mainly at the thin portion, and the 1 st engaging portion 46 and the 2 nd engaging portion 72 move outward, respectively. The deformation of the cover 52 causes the lower edge of the 1 st engaging portion 46 to be parallel to the edge of the 3 rd engaging portion 29.

The present embodiment can also provide an endoscope 10 in which the engagement between the 1 st engaging portion 46 and the 3 rd engaging portion 29 is released with a minimum amount of deformation required, and the lens cap 50 for an endoscope is detached from the distal end of the insertion portion 30.

The shape of the lower edge of the 1 st engaging portion 46 depends on the deformation of the entire cover 52 at the time of pressing.

Embodiment 6:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 having a forceps-raising instrument connecting portion 61 whose distal end side is thinner than an operation portion side in an insertion direction. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 1 is omitted here.

Fig. 30 is a sectional view of an insertion portion 30 according to embodiment 6. Fig. 30 is a cross section cut along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 30 at the position of the forceps holder attaching portion 61, as in fig. 20. As shown in fig. 30, the forceps holder connecting portion 61 has a wedge shape whose tip end side is thinner than the operation portion side. The lever connecting portion 81 has a V-shape with a wide operating end.

In the present embodiment, since the entrance of the lever link 81 is wide and the tip of the forceps holder link 61 is thin, the tip of the forceps holder link 61 can easily enter the lever link 81 even if the forceps holder 80 is slightly rotated. As the user pushes the endoscope lens cap 50 into the distal end of the insertion portion 30, the forceps-raising member connecting portion 61 enters the back surface of the lever connecting portion 81, and the forceps-raising member 80 is guided in the correct direction.

Any form of engaging both the caliper holder connecting portion 61 and the lever connecting portion 81 may be used.

Embodiment 7:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which the 1 st engagement portion 46 has a plate shape. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 1 is omitted here.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the endoscope lens cap 50 as viewed from the attachment side of the endoscope 10 according to embodiment 7. The cover 52 has a plate-like boss portion 49 projecting inward along the edge of the window portion 53 on the opening end portion 56 side. The plate-like 1 st engaging portion 46 further protrudes from a part of the front end of the boss portion 49. The projection 49 and the 1 st engaging portion 46 are flush with the edge of the window portion 53.

Fig. 32 is a sectional view of an insertion portion according to embodiment 7. Fig. 32 is a cross section cut along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 30 at the position of the forceps holder attaching portion 61, as in fig. 20.

Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along line XXXIII-XXXIII in fig. 32. The XXXIII-XXXIII cross section is a cross section passing through the edge of the 4 th engaging portion 28 on the operation portion side and the 3 rd engaging portion 29 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 30. The structure in which the endoscope lens cap 50 is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion 30 will be described with reference to fig. 19 and 20.

Since the 1 st engaging portion 46 has a plate shape, it is difficult to deform even if an external force is applied to the endoscope lens cap 50 during use of the endoscope 10. Therefore, when the user does not want to remove the endoscope lens cap 50, the endoscope lens cap 50 is hardly detached from the endoscope 10.

As indicated by white arrows in fig. 33, the user presses the concave portion 48 and the opposite sides thereof with fingers. Since the 1 st hollow portion 93 and the 2 nd hollow portion 94 are provided on the back side of the pressure receiving portion, the cover 52 can be formed into an approximately elliptical shape having a pressing direction as a short axis and a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction as a long axis.

The 1 st engaging portion 46 and the 2 nd engaging portion 72 are provided near the long axis portion of the deformed cover 52. Due to the deformation of the endoscope lens cap 50, the 1 st engaging portion 46 and the 2 nd engaging portion 72 move outward, respectively, and the engagement of the 3 rd engaging portion 29 and the 4 th engaging portion 28 is released. As described above, the recessed portion 48 is a flexible portion that is thinner than other portions of the cover 52 in the circumferential direction and can be easily bent by finger pressure or the like. Therefore, the user can easily deform the endoscope lens cap 50.

The user presses the endoscope lens cap 50 and pulls the distal end side thereof, and releases the engagement between the lever connecting portion 81 and the clip lifter connecting portion 61, so that the endoscope lens cap 50 can be detached from the distal end of the insertion portion 30. As shown in fig. 4, the recess 48 has a side that intersects perpendicularly with the insertion direction. Therefore, the user can easily remove the endoscope lens cap 50 by hooking the edge of the recess 48 with his or her fingers.

Further, the user can attach the endoscope lens cap 50 to the insertion portion 30 by pressing the endoscope lens cap 50 into the distal end of the insertion portion 30 while confirming that the lever connection portion 81 and the clip lifter connection portion 61 face each other. As shown in fig. 32, since the end portion of the 1 st engaging portion 46 on the opening end portion 56 side is chamfered, the 1 st engaging portion 46 is difficult to catch the distal end portion 31, and the mounting is easy.

Embodiment 8:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which the 3 rd engagement portion 29 protrudes. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 7 will be omitted.

Fig. 35 is a sectional view of insertion portion 30 according to embodiment 8. Fig. 35 is a cross section cut along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 30 at the position of the forceps holder attaching portion 61, as in fig. 20.

Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of insert 30 taken along line XXXVI-XXXVI in fig. 35.

The 3 rd engaging portion 29 is a projection projecting from the 1 st plane portion 321. The 1 st engaging portion 46 is a recess provided on the window portion 53 side of the boss portion 49. The 1 st engaging portion 46 engages with the 3 rd engaging portion 29 of the distal end portion 31. Further, the 2 nd engaging portion 72 is engaged with the 4 th engaging portion 28 as in embodiment 1. Since the distal end portion 31 is engaged with 2 positions facing the inner surface of the endoscope lens cap 50, the endoscope lens cap 50 can be fixed to the distal end of the insertion portion 30.

Any form of engaging both the 1 st engaging portion 46 and the 3 rd engaging portion 29 may be used. Any form of engaging both the 2 nd engaging portion 72 and the 4 th engaging portion 28 may be used.

Embodiment 9:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 having a forceps-raising instrument connecting portion 61 whose distal end side is thinner than an operation end in an insertion direction. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 7 will be omitted.

Fig. 37 is a sectional view of an insertion portion 30 according to embodiment 9. Fig. 37 is a cross section cut along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 30 at the position of the forceps holder attaching portion 61, as in fig. 20. As shown in fig. 37, the forceps holder connecting portion 61 has a wedge shape whose tip end side is thinner than the operation portion side. The lever connecting portion 81 has a V-shape with a wide operation portion.

The present embodiment can also provide an endoscope 10 in which the lever connecting portion 81 and the forceps-raising device connecting portion 61 can be engaged even when the forceps-raising device 80 is slightly rotated because the entrance of the lever connecting portion 81 is wide and the tip of the forceps-raising device connecting portion 61 is thin.

Embodiment 10:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 having an indicator in the vicinity of the distal end of an insertion portion 30 and an endoscope lens cap 50. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 1 is omitted here.

Fig. 38 is a front view of the tip of the insertion portion 30 according to embodiment 10. The insertion portion 30 has a 1 st indicator 261. The 1 st indicator 261 is formed on the surface of the hose covering the surface of the bent portion 13 by printing, laser processing, or the like.

The cover 52 has a 2 nd indicator 262 near the open end 56. The 2 nd indicator 262 is a depression or protrusion integrally formed on the surface of the cover 52. The 2 nd indicator 262 may be formed on the surface of the cover 52 by printing, laser machining, or the like. The 2 nd indicator 262 may also be formed at or near the open end 56 by cutting or the like.

In the present embodiment, the user of the endoscope 10 can accurately and quickly attach the endoscope lens cap 50 by pressing the endoscope lens cap 50 into the distal end of the insertion portion 30 by aligning the 1 st indicator 261 and the 2 nd indicator 262 in the circumferential direction. Then, the user visually confirms that the 1 st indicator 261 and the 2 nd indicator 262 are closely attached as shown in fig. 38, and confirms that the endoscope lens cap 50 has been pushed into the predetermined position.

The 1 st indicator 261 and the 2 nd indicator 262 may have any shape, size, etc.

Embodiment 11:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which the shape of the endoscope lens cap 50 itself is used in place of the 2 nd indicator 262. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 10 is omitted here.

Fig. 39 is a front view of the tip of the insertion portion 30 according to embodiment 11. The insertion portion 30 has a 1 st indicator 261 thereon.

In the present embodiment, the 2 nd indicator 262 in embodiment 10 is replaced with the recess 48 provided on the surface of the cover 52. That is, the recess 48 may function as the 2 nd indicator 262.

In the present embodiment, the user of the endoscope 10 can accurately and quickly attach the lens cap 50 for the endoscope by pressing the lens cap 50 for the endoscope into the distal end of the insertion portion 30 with the 1 st indicator 261 and the recessed portion 48 aligned in the circumferential direction. Further, the user visually confirms that the open end portion 56 and the 1 st indicator 261 are in close contact as shown in fig. 39, and can confirm that the endoscope lens cap 50 has been pushed into the predetermined position.

The shape, size, and the like of the 1 st indicator 261 are arbitrary. Any portion of the cover 52, such as the edge of the window 53, may be used in place of the 2 nd indicator 262.

Embodiment 12:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 having a planar pressing portion 841 on the distal end side of a recessed portion 84. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 1 is omitted here.

Fig. 40 is a sectional view of the insertion portion of embodiment 12 before lifting the caliper. Fig. 41 is a sectional view of the insertion portion after lifting the clip lifter according to embodiment 12. Fig. 40 and 41 show cross sections of the insertion portion 30 cut at the same positions as in fig. 20.

The forceps 80 has a planar pressing portion 841 smoothly continuous with the recessed portion 84 on the tip end side of the recessed portion 84. The pressing portion 841 is a substantially cylindrical surface gently curved in the thickness direction of the paper surface in fig. 40. As shown in fig. 40, the pressing portion 841 does not interfere with the protrusion of the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool. When the forceps are lifted, the pressing portion 841 lifts the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool as shown in fig. 41. The endoscope 10 is provided in which the entire pressing portion 841 presses the treatment tool tip portion 41, so that the pressure is dispersed and the treatment tool 40 is not easily damaged.

In fig. 40 and 41, the surfaces of the bent portion 27 and the recessed portion 84 which are in contact with the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool are made smoother, whereby the distal end portion 41 of the medical tool can be smoothly advanced and retracted.

Embodiment 13:

the present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 having a large protruding amount of the bending portion 27. The description of the same parts as those in embodiment 1 is omitted here.

Fig. 42 is a sectional view of the insertion portion 30 after lifting the clip lifter according to embodiment 13. Fig. 42 shows a cross section of the insertion portion 30 cut at the same position as fig. 23. The bent portion 27 has an approximately semicircular shape. The medical tool distal end portion 41 is pressed against the bent portion 27 and the recessed portion 84, and can be bent at a larger angle than that in embodiment 1.

The technical features (constituent elements) described in the respective embodiments may be combined with each other, and a new technical feature may be formed by combining the technical features.

The present invention is not limited to all embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of the present invention includes not only the above-described contents but also the same contents as the scope shown in the claims and their modifications.

The present invention relates to embodiments 1 to 13 described above, and discloses the following appendix.

Appendix 1:

a lens cap for an endoscope, which is detachable from the endoscope and comprises a lever rotatably provided at the distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope and a rotating portion for rotating the lever, comprises a bottom cylindrical cover having an open end portion from which the cap is detachable to the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope, a first engaging portion 1, and a clip lifting device; the 1 st clamping part is a wedge shape protruding inwards from the inner surface of the cover; the forceps lifting device is provided with a lever connecting part connected with the lever and is rotatably arranged on the inner side of the cover.

Appendix 2:

the endoscope lens cap according to appendix 1, wherein the 1 st engaging portion is a wedge shape having a 1 st wedge surface disposed on a bottom side of the cap and a 2 nd wedge surface disposed on the open end portion side, and the 2 nd wedge surface is inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the tube portion of the cap.

Appendix 3:

the lens cap for an endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the 1 st wedge surface is a plane parallel to a bottom of the cover.

Appendix 4:

the endoscope lens cap according to any one of appendixes 1 to 3, wherein said cap has a window portion opened in said cylindrical portion, and said 1 st wedge surface is a surface continuing to an edge of said window portion on said opening end portion side.

Appendix 5:

the endoscope lens cap according to any one of appendixes 1 to 4, wherein said 1 st engaging portion has a tapered shape which becomes narrower from a bottom side of said cover toward an opening end portion side.

Appendix 6:

the endoscope lens cap according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, comprising a 2 nd engaging portion facing the 1 st engaging portion.

Appendix 7:

an endoscope comprising a rotatable clip-lifting connector portion exposed on the surface of the distal end of an insertion portion, an endoscope lens cap, a 3 rd engaging portion, and a cavity portion; the endoscope lens cap comprises a closed-end cylindrical cover having an opening end part and detachably mounted on the front end of the insertion part from the opening end part, a wedge-shaped first clamping part 1 protruding inwards from the inner surface of the cylindrical part of the cover, and a forceps lifter having a lever connecting part connected with the forceps lifter connecting part and rotatably arranged on the inner side of the cover; the 3 rd clamping part is arranged on the inserting part and clamped with the 1 st clamping part; the hollow portion is formed between the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the cap and the insertion portion.

Appendix 8:

a method of removing a lens cap for an endoscope, wherein an insertion portion of an endoscope having a rotatable forceps raising device connecting portion exposed on a surface of the insertion portion is grasped, the lens cap for the endoscope is pinched at 2 positions facing each other outside a tube portion of a cap, and the lens cap for the endoscope is pulled to a distal end side in an insertion direction. The lens cap for the endoscope comprises a bottomed cylindrical cover having an opening end portion from which an insertion portion distal end of the endoscope can be attached and detached, and having a hollow portion between the lens cap and the insertion portion distal end of the endoscope when attached; a wedge-shaped 1 st engaging part protruding inward from an inner surface of the cylinder part of the cap; and the forceps lifting device is provided with a lever connecting part connected with the forceps lifting device connecting part and is rotatably arranged on the inner side of the cover.

Appendix 9:

a lens cap for an endoscope, which is detachable from the endoscope and comprises a lever rotatably provided at the distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope and a rotating portion for rotating the lever, comprises a bottom cylindrical cover having an open end portion through which the cover is detachable from the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope, a first engaging portion 1, and a clip lifting device; the 1 st clamping part is arranged on the inner surface of the cover; the forceps lifting device is provided with a lever connecting part connected with the lever and is rotatably arranged on the inner side of the cover.

Appendix 10:

the endoscope lens cap according to appendix 9, wherein the 1 st engaging portion is a projection projecting from an inner side of the cover.

Appendix 11:

the endoscope lens cap according to appendix 10, wherein the cap has a window portion opened to the tube portion, and the projection is provided closer to the opening end portion than the window portion.

Appendix 12:

the endoscope lens cap according to appendix 11, wherein the projection is provided on an edge of the window portion on the opening end portion side.

Appendix 13:

the lens cap for an endoscope according to any one of appendixes 10 to 12, wherein a distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope has a 3 rd engaging portion of a concave shape, and the 1 st engaging portion is engaged with the 3 rd engaging portion.

Appendix 14:

the endoscope lens cap according to any one of appendixes 10 to 13, comprising a 2 nd engaging portion facing the 1 st engaging portion.

Appendix 15:

the endoscope lens cap according to appendix 14, which has a base fixed to an inner side of the cover and including a clip lifter mounting hole for rotatably supporting the clip lifter, wherein the 2 nd engaging portion is a projection provided on the base.

Appendix 16:

the endoscope lens cap according to appendix 15, wherein a projecting amount of the 1 st engaging portion is larger than that of the 2 nd engaging portion.

Appendix 17:

the endoscope lens cap according to any one of appendices 14 to 16, wherein the 1 st engaging portion is provided closer to the open end portion side than the 2 nd engaging portion.

Appendix 18:

the lens cap for an endoscope according to any one of appendices 15 to 17, wherein a 4 th engaging portion having a concave shape is provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope, and the 2 nd engaging portion is engaged with the 4 th engaging portion.

Appendix 19:

the endoscope lens cap according to any one of appendices 13 to 18, comprising a hollow portion formed between an inner surface of a cylinder portion of the cover and the insertion portion when the insertion portion is inserted into the cover, wherein the engagement between the 1 st engagement portion and the 3 rd engagement portion is released by pressing the cover from an outer side of the hollow portion.

Appendix 20:

the endoscope lens cap according to appendix 9, wherein the 1 st engaging portion is a recessed portion provided on an inner surface of the cover.

Appendix 21:

an endoscope comprising a rotatable clip-lifting connector portion exposed on the surface of the distal end of an insertion portion, an endoscope lens cap, a 3 rd engaging portion, and a cavity portion; the endoscope lens cap comprises a bottomed cylindrical cap having an opening end portion, a first engaging portion 1 provided on an inner surface of a cylindrical portion of the cap, and a forceps raising member provided rotatably inside the cap and having a lever connecting portion connected to the forceps raising member connecting portion; the 3 rd clamping part is arranged on the inserting part and clamped with the 1 st clamping part; the hollow portion is formed between the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the cap and the insertion portion.

Appendix 22:

the endoscope according to appendix 21, wherein the engagement between the 1 st engagement portion and the 3 rd engagement portion is released by pressing the cover from outside the cavity.

Appendix 23:

the endoscope according to

appendix

21 or 22, wherein the forceps-raising device connecting portion protrudes from a hollow lever box that protrudes from a part of a front end of the insertion portion in the insertion direction, a plate-shaped lever box cover covers the lever box, and the hollow portion is provided between the lever box and the cover.

Appendix 24:

the endoscope according to appendix 23, comprising a fixing member that fixes the lever cover, the fixing member comprising a head portion that protrudes from a surface of the lever cover, the head portion being disposed in the hollow portion.

Appendix 25:

the endoscope according to any one of appendices 21 to 24, wherein said hollow portion is provided at 2 positions facing each other with respect to said insertion direction.

Appendix 26:

the endoscope according to any one of appendixes 21 to 25, wherein said forceps-raising instrument connecting portion has a tip end side thinner than an operation portion side in an insertion direction.

Appendix 27:

the endoscope according to any one of appendices 21 to 26, wherein a 1 st indicator is provided at a distal end of the insertion portion, and the endoscope lens cap has a 2 nd indicator corresponding to the 1 st indicator.

Appendix 28:

a method of detaching a lens cap for an endoscope, which comprises holding an insertion portion of an endoscope having a rotatable forceps raising device connecting portion exposed on the surface of the insertion portion, pinching the lens cap for the endoscope at 2 positions facing each other outside a tube portion of a cap, and pulling the lens cap for the endoscope to a distal end side in an insertion direction, wherein the lens cap for the endoscope comprises a bottomed tubular cap having an opening end portion from which an insertion portion distal end of the endoscope is detachable and having a hollow portion between the cap and the insertion portion distal end of the endoscope when attached; a 1 st engaging part provided on the inner surface of the cylinder part of the cap; and the forceps lifting device is provided with a lever connecting part connected with the forceps lifting device connecting part and is rotatably arranged on the inner side of the cover.

Description of the symbols:

10 endoscope 12 Flexible portion

13 bending part 20 operation part

21 channel entrance of lifting clamp operating lever 22

23 bending knob 24 lifting clamp wire (rotating part)

261 st indicator 262 nd indicator

27 bent portion 28 4 th engaging portion

29 insertion part of 3 rd engagement part 30

31 front end 321 No. 1 plane part

322 nd

planar portion

323 and 3 rd planar portion

33 optical receptacle 34 channel

35 channel outlet 36 observation window

37 lighting window 38 nozzle

40 medical tool 41 medical tool tip

45 base groove 461 st engaging part

461 1 st wedge-facet 462 2 nd wedge-facet

48 concave portion (flexible portion) 49 convex portion

Lens cap 52 cover for 50 endoscope

53 Window portion 531 stop portion

56 open end 57 base fixing hole

58 nd 2 nd fixed lug 60 lever

61 lifting clamp device connecting part 62O-shaped ring

63 lever shaft 64 rotation connection

65 wire fixing part 66 cover screw (fixing component)

67 lever box cover 68 support wall

69 lever box 70 base

72 nd 2 nd engaging part 73 1 st fixing projection

74 thick wall part 76 lifting clamp mounting hole

77 1 st wall 78 2 nd wall

781 No. 2 wall end 79 No. 3 wall

80 lift pincers 81 lever junction

82 lift pincers ware axle 83 and lift pincers portion

831 1 st lifting clamp part 832 2 nd lifting clamp part

84 depressed part 841 pressing part

85 flange 851 cylindrical surface

86 1 st flank surface 87 2 nd flank surface

88 stop surface 881 rotational clearance face

93 1 st hollow part 94 2 nd hollow part

95 base portion.

Claims

1. An endoscope is provided with:

a passage outlet opening on the front end side of the insertion portion;

a lever rotatably provided at a front end of the insertion portion;

a cover detachably attached to a front end of the insertion portion;

a forceps-lifting device which rotates in a manner of being integrated with the lever and lifts the diagnosis and treatment tool protruding out of the passage outlet, wherein the forceps-lifting device is provided with a lever connecting part detachably connected with the lever and is rotatably arranged on the inner side of the cover;

a bent portion which is protruded from an edge portion of the passage outlet toward a distal end side of the insertion portion and which is contactable with the medical tool raised by the forceps raising device,

the forceps holder is pressed to a position on the tip side of the contact portion with the bent portion of the medical tool.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a window portion through which a part of the forceps holder protrudes when the forceps holder is lifted, and the bent portion is located inside the window portion.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, comprising:

a boss portion protruding from an edge of the window portion on the operation portion side toward an inner surface of the cover;

locate the 1 st clamping part of the front end of the lobe:

a 3 rd engaging portion provided on the insertion portion and engaged with the 1 st engaging portion,

the 3 rd engaging portion is disposed at a root of the bent portion.

4. The endoscope according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the forceps lifter includes a pressing portion that presses the medical tool to bend toward the operation portion side on the outer side of the window portion when the forceps lifter is lifted.

5. An endoscope as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said forceps raising means presses said medical tool at the edge of the scoop-like depression.

6. An endoscope lens cap detachably mountable to an endoscope including a lever rotatably provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope, a channel outlet provided at a distal end side of the insertion portion, and a bent portion protruding from an edge portion of the channel outlet toward the distal end side of the insertion portion, the endoscope lens cap comprising:

a bottomed cylindrical cover having an opening end portion and detachably attached to a front end of the insertion portion from the opening end portion;

a lever connecting part detachably connected with the lever, a clamp lifting device rotatably arranged on the inner side of the cover,

when the lever is rotated by being attached to the endoscope, the forceps raising device is rotated integrally with the lever, and presses the medical tool protruding from the channel outlet to a position on the tip side of the contact portion with the bent portion.