JP2004298442A

JP2004298442A - Tip cap of endoscope and tip of endoscope

Info

Publication number: JP2004298442A
Application number: JP2003095864A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kazuhiko Hino; 和彦樋野; Yuichi Torii; 雄一鳥居; Shuji Komi; 修二小見
Original assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd
Current assignee: Fujinon Corp
Priority date: 2003-03-31
Filing date: 2003-03-31
Publication date: 2004-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-31
Also published as: JP4280529B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To be capable of easily mounting a tip cap to a tip of an endoscope with one hand, and not exposing a residual burr of the tip cap on the surface of the tip cap after mounting. <P>SOLUTION: The tip cap is attachable to and detachable from the tip body of the endoscope, is formed, protruding from the inner peripheral face of the base end part of the tip cap 150, and is equipped with a lock part 152 which can be fitted to a lock groove formed on the outer peripheral face of the tip body and a tip cap mounting auxiliary means 161 which is disposed on the base end part of the tip cap and extends to the outer side of the outer peripheral face of the base end part. The end part of the cap mounting auxiliary means is connected to the lock part of the tip cap via an easily breakable fragile part 164. The end part of the tip cap mounting auxiliary means is connected to the lock part of the tip cap by providing a gap 172 between the base end face of the tip cap and the tip cap mounting auxiliary means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は，内視鏡の先端キャップ及び内視鏡先端部にかかり，特に内視鏡の先端部本体に着脱自在な内視鏡の先端キャップに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
内視鏡は，一般に操作部に体腔内等へ挿入される挿入部が連接され，また操作部からコネクタ部等に接続するためのユニバーサルコードを引き出すことにより大略構成される。挿入部は，操作部への連接部から大半の長さを占める任意方向に曲がる軟性部と，軟性部の先端側に連接され，操作部からの遠隔操作により任意の方向に湾曲されるアングル部と，このアングル部の先端側に連接される先端部とを備える。
【０００３】
先端部に備わる先端部本体には，観察窓，照明窓等が配設されている。また，内視鏡には，先端部の先端面を洗浄するための送気／送水機構が設けられている。挿入部内には，長手方向に沿って送気／送水管路が形成されている。また，先端部の先端面には，送気／送水管路の開口部位にノズル部が設けられている。このノズル部は，送気／送水管路の開口部を覆い，ノズル部の開口面が観察窓等の洗浄対象に向いている。
【０００４】
このような各機能の備わる先端部本体を外部からの衝撃等から保護，患者の体内壁への接触による不快感の低減等のために，先端部本体には，例えば合成樹脂製の先端キャップが装着される。
【０００５】
しかしながら，内視鏡は，挿入部先端部の外径，観察窓，照明窓，流体管路開口部，処置具チャンネル開口部等の配置は，製品毎に異なる。このような異なる先端部本体に対して，装着される先端キャップは，先端部本体の構造に応じて製品毎に構造が異なるものになる。このため，先端部本体に他の製品の先端キャップが誤って取り付けられると，例えば先端キャップが正規の先端キャップより大きい場合は，先端キャップが脱落し，先端キャップが正規の先端キャップより小さい場合は，先端キャップや先端部本体を破損してしまう等，誤組立による不具合を引き起こす虞があった。
【０００６】
このため，内視鏡本体と先端キャップとの相互の組み合わせを識別するための識別記号を内視鏡本体または先端キャップの少なくとも一方に設け，識別記号により先端キャップ装着時における内視鏡本体と先端キャップとの適正な組み合わせの確認が可能とする先端キャップが開示されている（例えば，特許文献２参照）。また，この特許文献２に記載の先端キャップには，内視鏡挿入部先端の細径化に伴い，識別記号自体の解読の難化を防止するために，先端キャップに一体形成され，かつ装着後に脱離可能な把持部に識別ラベルを設ける実施形態のものがある。
【０００７】
【特許文献１】
特開平８−２４３０７１号公報
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら，特許文献１に記載のようなものでは，先端キャップを先端部本体に装着する際に，把持部を広げるのに両手を使用しなければならなかった。また，先端キャップを先端部本体に装着後に，把持部を先端キャップから脱離させる際に，先端キャップ側に把持部のバリが先端キャップの表面側に残存してしまう。このため，このバリにより患者の体内壁を傷つける虞があった。
【０００９】
本発明は，従来の内視鏡の先端キャップが有する上記問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり，本発明の目的は，内視鏡の先端部本体に片手で容易に装着可能な，新規かつ改良された内視鏡の先端キャップを提供することである。
【００１０】
また，本発明の別の目的は，内視鏡の先端部本体に装着後に残存したバリが先端キャップ表面に露出しない，新規かつ改良された内視鏡の先端キャップ及び内視鏡先端部を提供することである。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するために，本発明の第１の観点によれば，内視鏡の先端部本体に対して着脱自在な先端キャップであって，先端キャップの基端部の内周面から内側に突出して形成され，先端部本体の外周面に形成された係止溝に嵌合可能な係止部と，先端キャップの基端部に設けられ，この基端部の外周面よりも外側へ延出する先端キャップ装着補助手段とを備え，この先端キャップ装着補助手段は，その端部を先端キャップの係止部に，破損容易な脆弱部を介して接続されていることを特徴とする，内視鏡の先端キャップが提供される。
【００１２】
このとき，先端キャップ装着補助手段の端部は，先端キャップの基端面と先端キャップ装着補助手段との間に隙間を設けて，先端キャップの係止部に接続されていることとしてもよい。
【００１３】
このような本発明にかかる先端キャップによれば，上述の構成とすることにより，先端キャップ装着補助手段を片手で摘むことにより，先端キャップの基端側の角部が支点となって先端キャップ装着補助手段の端部に力が働くので，先端キャップの内周面に形成された係止部を外側にめくり上げ，先端キャップを先端部本体に片手で容易に装着することができる。
【００１４】
また，このとき，前記先端キャップ装着補助手段には，この先端キャップ装着補助手段より強度の大きい材質から形成される補強部材が設けられ，具体的には，この補強部材は，先端キャップ装着補助手段の先端キャップ側に向いた面に設けられた補強板，または先端キャップ装着補助手段の内部の軸方向に挿入された補強芯であることとしてもよい。
【００１５】
さらに，このとき先端キャップ装着補助手段は，先端キャップの軸方向に対して斜方向に設けられ，先端キャップ装着補助手段の端部と先端キャップの係止部との接続部には，切欠部が形成されていることとしてもよい。
【００１６】
このような本発明にかかる先端キャップによれば，上述の構成とすることにより，先端キャップを先端部本体に装着後に先端キャップ装着補助手段をさらに片手で摘むことにより，先端キャップの基端側の角部が支点となって先端キャップ装着補助手段に備わる補強部材の端部に力が働くので，この補強部材の端部が先端キャップと先端キャップ装着補助部材との接続部に設けられた脆弱部を破損し，先端キャップを先端部本体に装着後に片手で容易に先端キャップ装着部材を先端キャップから脱離することができる。また，この際に係止部に残存するバリが先端キャップの内側に有するので，先端キャップの残存バリを先端キャップの表面に露出しないことが可能となる。
【００１７】
また，上記課題を解決するために，本発明の第２の観点によれば，内視鏡の先端部本体に対して着脱自在な先端キャップを装着した内視鏡先端部であって，先端キャップの基端部の内周面から内側に突出して形成された係止部と嵌合する係止溝が外周面に形成された先端部本体を備え，先端キャップを先端部本体に装着後に，先端キャップからこの先端キャップの基端部に設けられた先端キャップ装着補助手段を脱離させる際に係止部に残存するバリを収めるバリ収容部が係止溝に設けられていることを特徴とする，内視鏡先端部が提供される。
【００１８】
このような本発明にかかる内視鏡先端部によれば，先端キャップを先端部本体に装着後に，先端キャップから先端キャップ装着補助手段を脱離させる際に係止部に残存するバリがバリ収容部に収められるので，先端キャップの残存バリを先端キャップの表面に露出しないことが可能となる。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に添付図面を参照しながら，本発明にかかる装置の好適な実施の形態について詳細に説明する。なお，本明細書及び図面において，実質的に同一の機能構成を有する構成要素については，同一の符号を付することにより重複説明を省略する。
【００２０】
（第１の実施の形態）
図１は，本発明にかかる内視鏡の先端部を適用する内視鏡１００の全体構成図である。内視鏡は，本体操作部１０２を有し，この本体操作部１０２には，患者の体内に挿入される挿入部１０４が連設されている。また，本体操作部１０２からは，光源装置等と接続するためのコネクタ部（図示せず）に接続するためのユニバーサルコード１０６が引き出されている。
【００２１】
挿入部１０４は，本体操作部１０２への連設部からの大半は，挿入経路に沿って任意の方向に曲がる軟性部１０７であり，この軟性部１０７の先端には，アングル部１０８が，このアングル部１０８の先端には，先端部１１０が順次連結されている。アングル部１０８は，先端部１１０を所望の方向に向けるために設けられるものであり，本体操作部１０２における手元操作で湾曲操作可能となっている。
【００２２】
次に，本実施形態の内視鏡１００の先端キャップ１５０が装着された内視鏡１００の先端部１１０について，図面を用いて説明する。図２は，本実施形態の内視鏡１００の先端キャップ１５０が装着された先端部１１０の先端側からの正面図であり，図３は，図２におけるＡ−Ａ間の断面図，換言すると本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０が装着される先端部１１０の構成を示す長手方向の断面図である。
【００２３】
図２に示すように，先端部１１０に有する先端部本体１１２の先端側には，被検体の画像を取り込む観察系の一部である観察窓１１４，被検体に向けて照明光を発する照明系の一部である照明窓１１６，処置時に体液等を吸引する吸引機構の一部であり，かつ鉗子を始めとする処置具等を挿通させる吸引管路の開口部１１８，及び観察窓１１４等の汚れを洗浄するための送気／送水機構の一部である送気／送水管路の開口部１２０が設けられている。
【００２４】
先端部本体１１２には，上記の送気／送水管路からの洗浄／乾燥用の流体を観察窓１１４表面に向けて噴出させる開口部１２２を形成したノズル１２４を一体に設けた先端キャップ１５０が嵌着されている。
【００２５】
また，照明窓１１６には，不図示のライトガイドの出射端が臨み，このライトガイドは，挿入部１０４から本体操作部１０２を経てユニバーサルコード１０６内に挿通されている。
【００２６】
さらに，先端部本体１１２には，図３に示すように，観察窓１１４を備える対物光学系を構成する鏡胴１２８が装着され，この対物光学系の結像位置には，プリズム１３０を介して固体撮像素子１３２が設けられている。この固体撮像素子１３２の基板１３４からは，ケーブル１３６が引き出されている。
【００２７】
先端部本体１１２には，以上のように各部材が装着されると共に，複数の挿通孔が形成された複雑な形状のものであり，また固体撮像装置１３２等のように外力が加わると損傷する虞の高い部材が設けられている。このため，加工の容易性，強度等の観点から先端部本体１１２は，一般的に金属で形成されている。ただし，金属が外面に露出していると，例えば固体撮像装置１３２に漏電等が生じた場合には，患者の体内壁に接触して体内に電流が流れる虞がある。
【００２８】
このために，軟性樹脂等から形成される外皮層１３８で挿入部１０４の略全長を覆い，かつ先端部本体１１２の先端側から角縁部を覆うように，例えば合成樹脂製の先端キャップ１５０が装着され，外皮層１３８をこの先端キャップ１５０に接合させるようにしている。また外被層１３８は，先端部本体１１２及びアングル部１０８から容易に剥離しないようにするために，糸等で外部から縛り，かかる糸巻き部１４０は，糸が外れないようにするために接着剤等の封止材１４２で被覆されている。
【００２９】
この先端部本体１１２には，その軸線方向に貫通するように吸引用通路１４４が設けられる。この吸引用通路１４４には，接続パイプ１４６が挿通固着されており，この接続パイプ１４６の基端側には，軟性チューブからなる吸引通路１４８が接続される。この流体通路１４８は，上記の吸引管路（図示せず）と連通されている。
【００３０】
また，先端キャップ１５０の内周面には，内側に突出して形成された係止部１５２が設けられており，また先端部本体１１２の外周面には，この係止部１５２が係合する係止溝１５４が略円環状に形成されている。
【００３１】
さらに，本実施形態では，先端部本体１１２に設けられた係止溝１５４の一部，例えば基端側に，先端キャップ１５０を装着後に残存ずるバリ１５６を収めるバリ収容部１５８が形成されている。この先端キャップ１５０装着後に残存するバリ１５６及びこのバリ１５６を収めるバリ収容部１５８については，後述する。
【００３２】
次に，本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０の構成について，図面を使用して説明する。図４は，本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０の全体構成図であり，（ａ）は，正面図であり，（ｂ）は，側面図であり，（ｃ）は，先端キャップ１５０に接続された先端キャップ装着補助部材１６１側から見た側面図である。また，図５（ａ）は，本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０の先端キャップ装着補助部材１６１を含めた断面図であり，図５（ｂ）は，図５（ａ）におけるＢ部の拡大図，換言すると本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０に形成される脆弱部１６４の断面図である。
【００３３】
本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０は，内視鏡先端部１１０に装着する際に，先端キャップ１５０の内周面に形成された係止部１５２を外側にめくり上げるために，先端キャップ１５０の基端部の両端に，この基端部の外周面よりも外側に延出する先端キャップ装着補助部材１６１が設けられている。
【００３４】
この先端キャップ装着補助部材１６１は，先端キャップ１５０を内視鏡先端部１１０に装着する際に，手指等で摘むための把持部１６０と，この把持部１６０と先端キャップ１５０の係止部１５２との間に設けられる接続部材１６２とを備える。
【００３５】
この接続部材１６０は，図４（ｂ）に示すように略Ｌ字型であり，その先端側が先端キャップ１５０の内壁の基端側に設けられている係止部１５２の内側に接続されている。このとき，図５（ｂ）に示すように，先端キャップ１５０の基端面と接続部材１６０との間に隙間１７２を設けるようにして，先端キャップ１５０と接続部材１６０が接続される。また，本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０では，接続部材１６０の先端キャップ１５０側に向いた面に，図５（ａ）に示すように，接続部材１６０より強度の大きい材質，例えば金属製材料から形成される補強板１７０が設けられている。
【００３６】
また，把持部１６０の表面には，図４（ｃ）に示すように複数の凸状線により構成される滑止部１６８が設けられ，先端キャップ１５０を内視鏡先端部１１０に装着する際に，手指等が把持部１６０から滑るのを防止できる。さらに，図４（ａ）及び図４（ｃ）に示すように，把持部１６０及び接続部材１６２の表面には，内視鏡１００と先端キャップ１５０との相互の組み合わせを識別するための識別記号１６６が設けられている。これら識別記号１６６により先端キャップ装着時における内視鏡１００と先端キャップ１５０との適正な組み合わせの確認が可能となる。
【００３７】
本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０を上記の構造とすることにより，先端キャップ装着補助手段１６１を片手で摘むと，先端キャップ１５０の基端側の角部が支点Ｐとなって先端キャップ装着補助手段１６１の端部に力が働くので，先端キャップ１５０の内周面に形成された係止部１５２を外側にめくり上げ，先端キャップ１５０を先端部本体１１２に片手で容易に装着することができる。
【００３８】
また，図５（ｂ）に示すように，本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０に接続された接続部材１６２と係止部１５２との間には，先端キャップ１５０を装着後に，さらに係止部１５２を外側にめくり上げるのに作用させる方向，換言すると把持部１６０を先端キャップ１５０の先端面１５１側に動かす方向に，把持部１６０に接続される接続部材１６２が曲げられることにより破損する程度の脆弱性を有する破損容易な脆弱部１６４が設けられている。
【００３９】
このため，先端キャップ１５０を先端部本体１１２に装着後に把持部１６０をさらに片手で摘むことにより，先端キャップ１５０の基端側の角部が支点Ｐとなって接続部材１６２に設けられた補強板１７０の端部１７０ａに力が働くので，この補強部材１７０の端部１７０ａが脆弱部１６４を破損する。換言すると，先端キャップ１５０を先端部本体１１２に装着後に，片手で容易に先端キャップ装着部材１６１を先端キャップ１５０から脱離することができる。
【００４０】
また，本実施形態では，先端キャップ１５０から先端キャップ装着部材１６１を脱離させることにより係止部１５２に残存するバリ１５６が，図３に示すように係止部１５２の内側に位置する。これらの残存バリ１５６は，先端部本体１５２に形成された係止溝１５４に設けられたバリ収容部１５８に収められるので，先端キャップ１５０を装着後に生ずる残存バリ１５６が先端キャップ１５０の表面に露出することを未然に防止できる。
【００４１】
次に，本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０を内視鏡の先端部１１０に装着するときの作用について，図面を用いて説明する。図６は，本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０を内視鏡の先端部１１０に装着するときの動作説明図である。
【００４２】
内視鏡先端部１１０に先端キャップ１５０を装着後に，この先端キャップ１５０が先端部本体１１２から脱落するのを防止するために，先端部本体１１２の外周面には，係止溝１５４が形成され，先端キャップ１５０の内周面には，係止部１５２が形成され，これら係止部１５２と係止溝１５４とが嵌合されるように装着しなくてはならない。このため，先端キャップ１５０を内視鏡先端部１１０に装着する際に，先端キャップ１５０に備わる係止部１５２を外側にめくり上げる必要がある。
【００４３】
本実施形態の先端キャップ１５０では，上述の構成とすることにより，手指等で把持部１６０を摘み，先端キャップ１５０の先端面１５１側に把持部１６０を動かすことにより，係止部１５２を外側にめくり上げることができる。換言すると，容易に片手で先端キャップ１５０を内視鏡先端部１１０に装着することが可能となる。
【００４４】
なお，装着後は，上述したように係止部１５２を外側にめくり上げるのに作用させる方向，換言すると先端キャップ１５０の先端面１５１側に把持部１６０を動かすことにより，先端キャップ１５０の基端側の角部が支点Ｐとなって接続部材１６２に設けられた補強板１７０の端部１７０ａに力が働くので，この補強部材１７０の端部１７０ａが脆弱部１６４を破損する。このため，先端キャップ装着補助手段１６１を先端キャップ１５０から容易に脱離させることができる。
【００４５】
（第２の実施の形態）
次に，本発明の第２の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡の先端キャップ２５０について，図面を参照しながら説明する。本実施形態にかかる内視鏡の先端キャップ２５０を適用する内視鏡１００の全体構成図は，図１と同様であり，本実施形態の先端キャップ２５０が適用された先端部１５０の先端側からの正面図は，図２と同様であり，本実施形態の先端キャップ２５０を適用した内視鏡先端部１５０の長手方向の断面図は，図３と同様であり，本実施形態の先端キャップ２５０の構成を示す全体構成図は，図４と同様である。
【００４６】
本実施形態の先端キャップ２５０の係止部２５２と先端キャップ装着補助部材２６１との間に形成された脆弱部２６４の構成について，図面を用いて説明する。図７（ａ）は，本実施形態の先端キャップ２５０の先端キャップ装着補助部材２６１を含めた断面図であり，図７（ｂ）は，図７（ａ）におけるＣ部の拡大図，換言すると本実施形態の先端キャップ２５０に形成される脆弱部２６４の断面図である。
【００４７】
本実施形態の先端キャップ２５０は，第１の実施の形態の先端キャップ１５０と先端キャップ装着補助部材２６１の構造が異なる。すなわち，本実施形態では，図７（ａ）に示すように，先端キャップ装着補助部材２６１に備わる接続部材２６０の内部にこの接続部材２６０より強度の大きい材質から形成される補強芯２７０，例えば針金が挿入されている。
【００４８】
本実施形態の先端キャップ２５０を上記の構造とすることにより，第１の実施の形態の先端キャップ１５０と同様に，片手で先端キャップ装着補助部材２６１に備わる把持部２６０を摘むと，先端キャップ２５０の先端面２５１側に把持部２６０を動かすことにより，先端キャップ２５０の基端側の角部が支点Ｑとなって先端キャップ装着補助手段２６１に備わる接続部材２６２の端部に力が働くので，先端キャップ２５０の内周面に形成された係止部２５２を外側にめくり上げることができる。換言すると，容易に片手で先端キャップ２５０を内視鏡先端部１１０に装着することが可能となる。
【００４９】
また，図７（ｂ）に示すように，本実施形態の先端キャップ２５０に接続された接続部材２６２と係止部２５２との間には，係止部２５２を外側にめくり上げるのに作用させる方向に把持部２６０を動かすことにより破損する程度の脆弱性を有する破損容易な脆弱部２６４が設けられている。このため，先端キャップ２５０を先端部本体１１２に装着後に把持部２６０をさらに片手で摘むことにより，先端キャップ２５０の基端側の角部が支点Ｑとなって接続部材２６２に設けられた補強芯２７０の端部２７０ａに力が働くので，この補強芯２７０の端部２７０ａが脆弱部２６４を破損する。換言すると，先端キャップ２５０を先端部本体１１２に装着後に，片手で容易に先端キャップ装着部材２６１を先端キャップ２５０から脱離することができる。
【００５０】
また，第１の実施の形態と同様に，先端キャップ２５０からこれら把持部２６０，接続部材２６２を脱離させることに係止部２５２に残存するバリ１５６が係止部２５２の内側に位置し，これらの残存バリ１５６が図３に示すように先端部本体１５２に形成された係止溝１５４に設けられたバリ収容部１５８に収められるので，先端キャップ２５０を装着後に生ずる残存バリ１５６が先端キャップ２５０の表面に露出することを未然に防止できる。
【００５１】
（第３の実施の形態）
次に，本発明の第３の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡の先端キャップ３５０について，図面を参照しながら説明する。本実施形態にかかる内視鏡の先端キャップ３５０を適用する内視鏡１００の全体構成図は，図１と同様であり，本実施形態の先端キャップ３５０が適用された先端部１５０の先端側からの正面図は，図２と同様であり，本実施形態の先端キャップ３５０を適用した内視鏡先端部１５０の長手方向の断面図は，図３と同様であり，本実施形態の先端キャップ３５０の構成を示す全体構成図のうち，（ａ）の正面図は，図４と同様である。
【００５２】
本実施形態の先端キャップ３５０の係止部３５２と先端キャップ装着補助部材３６１との間に形成された脆弱部３６４の構成について，図面を用いて説明する。図８（ａ）は，本実施形態の先端キャップ３５０の先端キャップ装着補助部材３６１を含めた断面図であり，図８（ｂ）は，図８（ａ）におけるＤ部の拡大図，換言すると本実施形態の先端キャップ３５０に形成される脆弱部３６４の断面図である。
【００５３】
本実施形態の先端キャップ３５０は，第１及び第２の実施の形態の先端キャップ１５０，２５０と先端キャップ装着補助部材３６１の構造が異なる。すなわち，本実施形態では，図８（ａ）に示すように，先端キャップ装着補助部材３６１に備わる接続部材３６２は，先端キャップ３５０の軸方向に対して先端キャップ３５０の基端面３５３方向側の斜方向に設けられている。先端キャップ装着補助部材３６１をこのような構成とすることにより，先端キャップ３５０を内視鏡先端部１１０に装着する際に，先端キャップ装着補助部材３６１に備わる把持部３６０を先端キャップ３５０の先端面３５１側に動かす範囲，換言すると把持部３６０の可動範囲が大きくなることより，係止部３５２が外側に一層めくり上げ易くなる。
【００５４】
本実施形態の先端キャップ３５０を上記の構造とすることにより，第１及び第２の実施の形態の先端キャップ１５０，２５０と同様に，先端キャップ３５０の先端面３５１側に把持部３６０を動かすことにより，先端キャップ３５０の基端側の角部が支点Ｒとなって先端キャップ装着補助手段３６１に備わる接続部材３６２の端部に力が働くので，先端キャップ３５０の内周面に形成された係止部３５２を外側にめくり上げることができる。換言すると，容易に片手で先端キャップ３５０を内視鏡先端部１１０に装着することが可能となる。
【００５５】
また，本実施形態の先端キャップ３５０に接続された先端キャップ装着補助部材３６１と係止部３５２との間には，図８（ｂ）に示すように係止部３５２を外側にめくり上げるのに作用させる方向に把持部３６０を動かすことにより破損する程度の脆弱性を有する破損容易な脆弱部３６４として切欠部３６５が形成されている。このため，先端キャップ３５０を先端部本体１１２に装着後に把持部３６０をさらに片手で摘むことにより，先端キャップ３５０の基端側の角部が支点Ｒとなって接続部材３６２の端部に力が働くので，切欠部３６５を破損する。換言すると，先端キャップ３５０を先端部本体１１２に装着後に，片手で容易に先端キャップ装着部材３６１を先端キャップ３５０から脱離することができる。
【００５６】
また，第１及び第２の実施の形態と同様に，先端キャップ３５０から先端キャップ装着部材３６１を脱離させることにより係止部３５２に残存するバリ１５６が，係止部３５２の内側に位置し，これらの残存バリ１５６が図３に示すように先端部本体１５２に形成された係止溝１５４に設けられたバリ収容部１５８に収められるので，先端キャップ２５０を装着後に生ずる残存バリ１５６が先端キャップ３５０の表面に露出することを未然に防止できる。
【００５７】
以上，添付図面を参照しながら本発明に係る好適な実施形態について説明したが，本発明は係る例に限定されないことは言うまでもない。当業者であれば，特許請求の範囲に記載された範疇内において，各種の変更例または修正例に想到し得ることは明らかであり，それらについても当然に本発明の技術的範囲に属するものと了解される。
【００５８】
例えば，上記の各実施形態では，先端キャップの両端に接続部材を介して１対の把持部が設けられ，これら把持部，接続部材，先端キャップが略一直線上に配置されているが，把持部の形状は，上記の形状に限られない。例えば，図９に示すように，先端キャップ４５０の外周に１対の接続部材４６２を介して略環状円形型の把持部４６０とすることも可能である。このとき，接続部材４６２は，上記の各実施形態と同様に，先端キャップ４５０の両端側に相対極する位置に設けられていることが好ましい。また，この把持部４６２の表面には，上記の各実施形態と同様に，内視鏡１００と先端キャップ４５０との相互の組み合わせを識別するための識別記号４６６が設けられている。
【００５９】
また，先端キャップとしては，ノズル一体型の先端キャップに限られず，ノズル別体型の先端キャップ等に適用してもよい。
【００６０】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したように本発明によれば，片手で把持部を摘むことにより，先端キャップの係止部をめくり広げることが可能になるので，先端キャップを先端部本体に片手で容易に装着することができる。また，先端キャップを内視鏡先端部に装着後に生ずる先端キャップの残存バリを先端キャップの表面への露出することを未然に防ぐことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡の先端キャップを適用する内視鏡の全体構成図である。
【図２】同実施形態における内視鏡の先端キャップを適用する内視鏡先端部の正面図である。
【図３】同実施形態における内視鏡の先端キャップを適用する内視鏡先端部の長手方向の断面図である。
【図４】図４（ａ）は，同実施形態の内視鏡の先端キャップの正面図であり，図４（ｂ）は，同実施形態の内視鏡の先端キャップの側面図であり，図４（ｃ）は，同実施形態の内視鏡の先端キャップの先端キャップ装着補助部材側からの側面図である。
【図５】図５（ａ）は，同実施形態の先端キャップの先端キャップ装着補助部材を含めた断面図であり，図５（ｂ）は，図５（ａ）におけるＢ部の拡大図である。
【図６】図６は，同実施形態の先端キャップを，内視鏡先端部に装着するときの動作説明図である。
【図７】図７（ａ）は，第２の実施の形態の先端キャップの先端キャップ装着補助部材を含めた断面図であり，図７（ｂ）は，図７（ａ）におけるＣ部の拡大図である。
【図８】図８（ａ）は，第３の実施の形態の先端キャップの先端キャップ装着補助部材を含めた断面図であり，図８（ｂ）は，図８（ａ）におけるＤ部の拡大図である。
【図９】図９は，他の応用例の内視鏡の先端キャップの正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１００内視鏡
１０２本体操作部
１０４挿入部
１０６ユニバーサルコード部
１０７軟性部
１０８アングル部
１１０先端部
１１２先端部本体
１１４観察窓
１１６照明窓
１１８（吸引管路の）開口部
１２０（送気送水管路の）開口部
１２２ノズル開口部
１２４ノズル
１５０，２５０，３５０，４５０先端キャップ
１５２，２５２，３５２，４５２係止部
１５４係止溝
１５６バリ
１５８バリ収容部
１６０，２６０，３６０，４６０把持部
１６１，２６１，３６１先端キャップ装着補助部材
１６２，２６２，３６２，４６２接続部材
１６４，２６４，３６４脆弱部
１６６識別符号
１６８滑止部
１７０補強板
１７２，２７２，３７２隙間
２７０補強芯
３６５切欠[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a distal end cap of an endoscope and a distal end portion of the endoscope, and more particularly to a distal end cap of an endoscope detachable from a distal end body of the endoscope.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, an endoscope is generally configured by connecting an insertion section to be inserted into a body cavity or the like to an operation section, and by pulling out a universal cord for connecting the operation section to a connector section or the like. The insertion part is a flexible part that bends in an arbitrary direction that occupies most of the length from the connection part to the operation part, and an angle part that is connected to the distal end side of the flexible part and is bent in any direction by remote control from the operation part. And a tip connected to the tip of the angle portion.
[0003]
An observation window, an illumination window, and the like are provided on a tip main body provided at the tip. Further, the endoscope is provided with an air supply / water supply mechanism for cleaning the distal end surface of the distal end portion. An air supply / water supply conduit is formed in the insertion portion along the longitudinal direction. In addition, a nozzle portion is provided on an end portion of the end portion at an opening portion of the air / water supply conduit. The nozzle unit covers the opening of the air / water supply conduit, and the opening surface of the nozzle unit is directed to a cleaning target such as an observation window.
[0004]
In order to protect the distal end body with such functions from external impact, etc., and to reduce discomfort due to contact with the patient's internal wall, the distal end body is provided with, for example, a synthetic resin distal end cap. Be attached.
[0005]
However, in the endoscope, the arrangement of the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, the observation window, the illumination window, the opening of the fluid conduit, the opening of the treatment instrument channel, and the like differ for each product. The tip cap to be attached to such a different tip body has a different structure for each product depending on the structure of the tip body. Therefore, if the tip cap of another product is incorrectly attached to the tip body, for example, if the tip cap is larger than the regular tip cap, the tip cap will fall off, and if the tip cap is smaller than the regular tip cap, In addition, there is a possibility that a malfunction due to erroneous assembly may be caused, such as damage to the tip cap or the tip body.
[0006]
For this reason, an identification symbol for identifying a mutual combination of the endoscope main body and the distal end cap is provided on at least one of the endoscope main body and the distal end cap. A tip cap capable of confirming a proper combination with a cap is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2). In addition, the distal end cap described in Patent Document 2 is integrally formed with the distal end cap and attached to prevent the difficulty in deciphering the identification symbol itself as the diameter of the distal end of the endoscope insertion section is reduced. In some embodiments, an identification label is provided on a grip that can be detached later.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-243071
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the method described in Patent Literature 1, when attaching the distal end cap to the distal end main body, both hands have to be used to spread the grip portion. In addition, when the grip is detached from the tip cap after the tip cap is attached to the tip body, burrs of the grip remain on the front cap side on the tip cap side. For this reason, there is a risk that the burr may damage the body wall of the patient.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of a conventional endoscope distal end cap, and an object of the present invention is to provide a novel endoscope having a novel endoscope that can be easily attached to the distal end main body with one hand. An improved endoscope tip cap is provided.
[0010]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved endoscope distal end cap and endoscope distal end portion in which burrs remaining after being attached to the distal end body of the endoscope are not exposed on the surface of the distal end cap. It is to be.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distal end cap detachable from a distal end main body of an endoscope, wherein the distal end cap is located inside an inner peripheral surface of a base end of the distal end cap. A locking portion protruding from the front end portion and capable of being fitted into a locking groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end main body, and provided at the base end portion of the distal end cap and outward from the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion. Extension means for extending the tip cap, the tip end of which is connected to the locking portion of the tip cap via a fragile portion which is easily breakable. An endoscope tip cap is provided.
[0012]
At this time, the end of the tip cap attachment assisting means may be connected to the locking portion of the tip cap with a gap provided between the base end face of the tip cap and the tip cap attachment assisting means.
[0013]
According to such a tip cap according to the present invention, by adopting the above-described structure, the tip cap attaching auxiliary means is gripped with one hand, so that the base end corner portion of the tip cap becomes a fulcrum, and the tip cap is attached. Since a force acts on the end of the auxiliary means, the locking portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip cap is turned up outward, and the tip cap can be easily attached to the tip body with one hand.
[0014]
At this time, the tip cap attachment assisting means is provided with a reinforcing member made of a material having a higher strength than the tip cap attachment assisting means. The reinforcing plate may be a reinforcing plate provided on the surface facing the tip cap side, or a reinforcing core inserted in the axial direction inside the tip cap mounting auxiliary means.
[0015]
Further, at this time, the tip cap mounting assisting means is provided obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the tip cap, and a notch is provided at a connection portion between the end of the tip cap mounting assisting means and the locking portion of the tip cap. It may be formed.
[0016]
According to such a tip cap according to the present invention, by adopting the above configuration, the tip cap is attached to the tip body, and then the tip cap attachment assisting means is further gripped with one hand, so that the tip side of the tip cap can be closed. Since the corner acts as a fulcrum and a force acts on the end of the reinforcing member provided in the tip cap mounting assisting means, the end of the reinforcing member is provided at the connecting portion between the tip cap and the tip cap mounting assisting member. Can be easily detached from the tip cap with one hand after the tip cap is attached to the tip body. In addition, since the burrs remaining in the locking portion at this time are provided inside the tip cap, it is possible to prevent the remaining burrs of the tip cap from being exposed on the surface of the tip cap.
[0017]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope distal end having a detachable distal end cap attached to a distal end main body of the endoscope, the distal end being provided with a distal end cap. A distal end main body having an engaging groove formed on the outer peripheral surface to be engaged with an engaging portion formed inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of the base end of the distal end; A burr accommodating portion is provided in the locking groove for accommodating a burr remaining in the locking portion when the tip cap mounting auxiliary means provided at the base end portion of the tip cap is detached from the cap. , An endoscope tip is provided.
[0018]
According to such an endoscope distal end portion according to the present invention, after the distal end cap is attached to the distal end main body, the burrs remaining in the engaging portion when the distal end cap mounting assisting means is detached from the distal end cap are accommodated. Since it is housed in the portion, it is possible to prevent the remaining burrs of the tip cap from being exposed on the surface of the tip cap.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.
[0020]
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope 100 to which a distal end portion of an endoscope according to the present invention is applied. The endoscope has a main body operation unit 102, and an insertion unit 104 to be inserted into a patient's body is connected to the main body operation unit 102. Further, a universal cord 106 for connecting to a connector (not shown) for connecting to a light source device or the like is drawn out of the main body operation unit 102.
[0021]
The insertion portion 104 is a flexible portion 107 that bends in an arbitrary direction along the insertion path, mostly from a portion connected to the main body operation portion 102, and an angle portion 108 is provided at the tip of the flexible portion 107. A tip portion 110 is sequentially connected to a tip of the angle portion 108. The angle portion 108 is provided to direct the distal end portion 110 in a desired direction, and can be bent by a hand operation on the main body operation portion 102.
[0022]
Next, the distal end portion 110 of the endoscope 100 of the present embodiment, to which the distal end cap 150 of the endoscope 100 is attached, will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a front view of the distal end portion 110 of the endoscope 100 according to the present embodiment, from which the distal end portion 110 is mounted, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of a distal end portion 110 to which a distal end cap 150 according to the embodiment is mounted.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, an observation window 114, which is a part of an observation system for capturing an image of the subject, is provided on the distal end side of a tip main body 112 of the tip portion 110, and an illumination system for emitting illumination light toward the subject. Illuminating window 116, which is a part of the suction tube, an opening 118 of a suction channel, which is a part of a suction mechanism for sucking body fluids and the like during treatment, and through which a treatment tool such as a forceps is inserted, and an observation window 114. An opening 120 of an air / water supply line which is a part of an air / water supply mechanism for cleaning dirt is provided.
[0024]
The distal end body 112 is provided with a distal end cap 150 integrally provided with a nozzle 124 formed with an opening 122 for ejecting the cleaning / drying fluid from the air supply / water supply conduit toward the surface of the observation window 114. It is fitted.
[0025]
The emission end of a light guide (not shown) faces the illumination window 116, and the light guide is inserted into the universal cord 106 from the insertion section 104 via the main body operation section 102.
[0026]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a lens barrel 128 constituting an objective optical system having an observation window 114 is mounted on the distal end main body 112. A solid-state imaging device 132 is provided. A cable 136 is drawn out from a substrate 134 of the solid-state imaging device 132.
[0027]
The distal end main body 112 has a complicated shape in which the respective members are mounted and a plurality of insertion holes are formed as described above, and is damaged when an external force is applied as in the solid-state imaging device 132 or the like. A member having a high possibility of being provided is provided. For this reason, the tip portion main body 112 is generally formed of metal from the viewpoint of easiness of processing, strength and the like. However, if the metal is exposed on the outer surface, for example, when a leak or the like occurs in the solid-state imaging device 132, there is a possibility that a current may flow into the body by contacting the body wall of the patient.
[0028]
For this purpose, for example, a tip cap 150 made of, for example, a synthetic resin is provided so as to cover substantially the entire length of the insertion portion 104 with an outer skin layer 138 formed of a soft resin or the like and to cover a corner portion from the tip side of the tip portion main body 112. The outer skin layer 138 is attached to the tip cap 150 so as to be attached. Further, the outer cover layer 138 is tied from the outside with a thread or the like so as not to be easily peeled off from the tip end body 112 and the angle section 108, and the thread winding section 140 is provided with an adhesive to prevent the thread from coming off. And the like.
[0029]
The distal end body 112 is provided with a suction passage 144 so as to penetrate in the axial direction. A connection pipe 146 is inserted into and fixed to the suction passage 144, and a suction passage 148 made of a flexible tube is connected to a proximal end of the connection pipe 146. The fluid passage 148 communicates with the suction pipe (not shown).
[0030]
A locking portion 152 protruding inward is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end cap 150, and an engaging portion with which the locking portion 152 engages on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end main body 112. The stop groove 154 is formed in a substantially annular shape.
[0031]
Further, in the present embodiment, a burr accommodating portion 158 for accommodating a burr 156 remaining after the distal end cap 150 is mounted is formed in a part of the locking groove 154 provided in the distal end portion main body 112, for example, on the proximal side. . The burrs 156 remaining after the distal end cap 150 is attached and the burr receiving section 158 for accommodating the burrs 156 will be described later.
[0032]
Next, the configuration of the tip cap 150 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 4A and 4B are overall configuration diagrams of the tip cap 150 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a side view, and FIG. 4C is connected to the tip cap 150. It is the side view seen from the tip cap attachment auxiliary member 161 side. 5A is a sectional view of the tip cap 150 of the present embodiment including the tip cap attachment auxiliary member 161. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion B in FIG. In other words, it is a cross-sectional view of the fragile portion 164 formed in the tip cap 150 of the embodiment.
[0033]
The distal end cap 150 of the present embodiment is provided with a base end of the distal end cap 150 for turning up a locking portion 152 formed on an inner peripheral surface of the distal end cap 150 when the distal end cap 150 is mounted on the endoscope distal end portion 110. At both ends of the portion, a tip cap attachment auxiliary member 161 extending outside the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion is provided.
[0034]
The tip cap attachment assisting member 161 includes a grip portion 160 for picking with a finger or the like when attaching the tip cap 150 to the endoscope tip portion 110, and a locking portion 152 of the grip portion 160 and the tip cap 150. And a connection member 162 provided therebetween.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 4B, the connecting member 160 is substantially L-shaped, and its distal end is connected to the inside of a locking portion 152 provided on the base end of the inner wall of the distal end cap 150. . At this time, as shown in FIG. 5B, the distal end cap 150 and the connecting member 160 are connected such that a gap 172 is provided between the base end surface of the distal end cap 150 and the connecting member 160. In addition, in the tip cap 150 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, the surface of the connection member 160 facing the tip cap 150 is formed of a material having a higher strength than the connection member 160, for example, a metal material. A reinforcing plate 170 to be provided is provided.
[0036]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), a non-slip portion 168 composed of a plurality of convex lines is provided on the surface of the grip portion 160, and when the tip cap 150 is attached to the endoscope tip portion 110. In addition, the finger or the like can be prevented from slipping from the grip portion 160. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, identification marks for identifying the mutual combination of the endoscope 100 and the tip cap 150 are provided on the surfaces of the grip portion 160 and the connection member 162. 166 are provided. These identification symbols 166 make it possible to confirm a proper combination of the endoscope 100 and the tip cap 150 when the tip cap is attached.
[0037]
When the distal end cap 150 of the present embodiment has the above structure, the distal end cap mounting assisting unit 161 becomes a fulcrum P when the distal end cap mounting assisting unit 161 is picked with one hand. Since the force acts on the end of the end cap 150, the locking portion 152 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip cap 150 is turned up outward, and the tip cap 150 can be easily attached to the tip main body 112 with one hand.
[0038]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, between the connecting member 162 connected to the distal end cap 150 of the present embodiment and the engaging portion 152, after the distal end cap 150 is mounted, the engaging portion 152 is further inserted. The brittleness is such that the connecting member 162 connected to the gripping part 160 is damaged by being bent in the direction in which it is turned outward, in other words, in the direction in which the gripping part 160 is moved toward the distal end surface 151 of the tip cap 150. An easily breakable fragile portion 164 is provided.
[0039]
For this reason, after attaching the distal end cap 150 to the distal end main body 112, the gripper 160 is further gripped with one hand, so that the base end corner of the distal end cap 150 becomes the fulcrum P and the reinforcing plate provided on the connection member 162. Since a force acts on the end 170 a of the reinforcing member 170, the end 170 a of the reinforcing member 170 damages the fragile portion 164. In other words, the tip cap mounting member 161 can be easily detached from the tip cap 150 with one hand after the tip cap 150 is attached to the tip body 112.
[0040]
Further, in the present embodiment, the burr 156 remaining in the locking portion 152 by detaching the tip cap mounting member 161 from the tip cap 150 is located inside the locking portion 152 as shown in FIG. These residual burrs 156 are accommodated in the burrs accommodating portion 158 provided in the locking groove 154 formed in the distal end main body 152, so that the residual burrs 156 generated after mounting the distal end cap 150 are exposed on the surface of the distal end cap 150. Can be prevented beforehand.
[0041]
Next, the operation when the distal end cap 150 of the present embodiment is attached to the distal end portion 110 of the endoscope will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram when the distal end cap 150 of the present embodiment is attached to the distal end portion 110 of the endoscope.
[0042]
After the distal end cap 150 is attached to the distal end portion 110 of the endoscope, a locking groove 154 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end body 112 in order to prevent the distal end cap 150 from falling off from the distal end body 112. An engaging portion 152 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip cap 150, and the engaging portion 152 and the engaging groove 154 must be mounted so as to be fitted. Therefore, when attaching the distal end cap 150 to the endoscope distal end portion 110, it is necessary to turn the locking portion 152 provided on the distal end cap 150 outward.
[0043]
In the distal end cap 150 of the present embodiment, the gripping portion 160 is gripped with a finger or the like by the above-described configuration, and the gripping portion 160 is moved to the distal end surface 151 side of the distal end cap 150 so that the locking portion 152 is moved outward. You can flip it up. In other words, it is possible to easily attach the tip cap 150 to the endoscope tip 110 with one hand.
[0044]
After the mounting, the grip portion 160 is moved toward the distal end surface 151 of the tip cap 150 in the direction in which the locking portion 152 is turned outward as described above, in other words, the base end of the distal end cap 150 is moved. Since the corner on the side becomes the fulcrum P and a force acts on the end 170a of the reinforcing plate 170 provided on the connecting member 162, the end 170a of the reinforcing member 170 damages the fragile portion 164. For this reason, the tip cap attachment assisting means 161 can be easily detached from the tip cap 150.
[0045]
(Second embodiment)
Next, a distal end cap 250 of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The overall configuration of the endoscope 100 to which the end cap 250 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment is applied is the same as that of FIG. 1, and is viewed from the distal end side of the distal end portion 150 to which the end cap 250 of the present embodiment is applied. 2 is the same as FIG. 2, and the longitudinal sectional view of the endoscope distal end portion 150 to which the distal end cap 250 of the present embodiment is applied is the same as FIG. The overall configuration diagram showing the configuration of FIG.
[0046]
The configuration of the fragile portion 264 formed between the locking portion 252 of the tip cap 250 and the tip cap attachment assisting member 261 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap 250 of the present embodiment including the tip cap attachment auxiliary member 261. FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. 7A, in other words. It is sectional drawing of the weak part 264 formed in the front end cap 250 of this embodiment.
[0047]
The tip cap 250 of the present embodiment is different from the tip cap 150 of the first embodiment in the structure of the tip cap attachment auxiliary member 261. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, a reinforcing core 270 formed of a material having a higher strength than the connecting member 260, such as a wire, is provided inside the connecting member 260 provided in the distal end cap mounting auxiliary member 261. Is inserted.
[0048]
With the above-described structure of the distal end cap 250 of the present embodiment, similarly to the distal end cap 150 of the first embodiment, when the grip portion 260 provided on the distal end cap mounting auxiliary member 261 is picked with one hand, the distal end cap 250 By moving the grip portion 260 to the distal end surface 251 side, the corner on the proximal end side of the distal end cap 250 becomes the fulcrum Q, and a force acts on the end of the connecting member 262 provided in the distal end cap mounting auxiliary means 261. The locking portion 252 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip cap 250 can be turned outward. In other words, it is possible to easily attach the tip cap 250 to the endoscope tip 110 with one hand.
[0049]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, between the connecting member 262 connected to the distal end cap 250 of the present embodiment and the locking portion 252, the locking portion 252 is acted to turn outward. An easily breakable fragile portion 264 having a fragility such that it is broken by moving the grip portion 260 in the direction is provided. For this reason, after attaching the distal end cap 250 to the distal end main body 112, the gripper 260 is further gripped with one hand, so that the proximal end corner of the distal end cap 250 becomes the fulcrum Q and the reinforcing core provided on the connecting member 262. Since a force acts on the end 270a of the reinforcing core 270, the end 270a of the reinforcing core 270 damages the fragile portion 264. In other words, after attaching the tip cap 250 to the tip body 112, the tip cap mounting member 261 can be easily detached from the tip cap 250 with one hand.
[0050]
Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the burrs 156 remaining in the locking portion 252 are located inside the locking portion 252 when the grip portion 260 and the connecting member 262 are detached from the tip cap 250, and Since these remaining burrs 156 are housed in the burrs 158 provided in the locking grooves 154 formed in the tip main body 152 as shown in FIG. Exposure to the surface of the substrate 250 can be prevented.
[0051]
(Third embodiment)
Next, a distal end cap 350 of an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An overall configuration diagram of the endoscope 100 to which the end cap 350 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment is applied is the same as that of FIG. 1, from the distal end side of the distal end portion 150 to which the end cap 350 of the present embodiment is applied. 2 is the same as FIG. 2, and a longitudinal sectional view of the endoscope distal end portion 150 to which the distal end cap 350 of the present embodiment is applied is the same as FIG. The front view of (a) is the same as that of FIG.
[0052]
The configuration of the fragile portion 364 formed between the locking portion 352 of the tip cap 350 and the tip cap attachment auxiliary member 361 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap 350 of the present embodiment including the tip cap attachment auxiliary member 361, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. 8A, in other words. It is sectional drawing of the weak part 364 formed in the front end cap 350 of this embodiment.
[0053]
The tip cap 350 of the present embodiment differs from the tip caps 150 and 250 of the first and second embodiments in the structure of the tip cap attachment auxiliary member 361. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the connecting member 362 provided on the distal end cap mounting auxiliary member 361 is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the distal end cap 350 on the side of the proximal end surface 353 of the distal end cap 350. Direction. With the tip cap attachment assisting member 361 having such a configuration, when attaching the tip cap 350 to the endoscope tip portion 110, the grip portion 360 provided on the tip cap attachment assisting member 361 is attached to the tip end surface of the tip cap 350. Since the range of movement to the 351 side, in other words, the movable range of the grip portion 360 is increased, the locking portion 352 is more easily turned outward.
[0054]
By using the above-described structure of the distal end cap 350 of the present embodiment, the grip portion 360 can be moved to the distal end surface 351 side of the distal end cap 350 similarly to the distal end caps 150 and 250 of the first and second embodiments. As a result, the corner at the base end side of the tip cap 350 becomes a fulcrum R and a force acts on the end of the connecting member 362 provided in the tip cap attachment assisting means 361, so that the engagement formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip cap 350 The stop 352 can be flipped outward. In other words, it is possible to easily attach the distal end cap 350 to the endoscope distal end portion 110 with one hand.
[0055]
Further, between the tip cap attachment auxiliary member 361 connected to the tip cap 350 of the present embodiment and the locking portion 352, as shown in FIG. A notch 365 is formed as an easily breakable fragile portion 364 having a fragility such that the grip portion 360 is broken by moving the grip portion 360 in the acting direction. For this reason, after attaching the distal end cap 350 to the distal end portion main body 112, the grip portion 360 is further pinched with one hand, so that the base end side corner of the distal end cap 350 becomes the fulcrum R and a force is applied to the end of the connection member 362. Since it works, the notch 365 is damaged. In other words, after attaching the distal end cap 350 to the distal end main body 112, the distal end cap mounting member 361 can be easily detached from the distal end cap 350 with one hand.
[0056]
Also, as in the first and second embodiments, the burrs 156 remaining in the locking portions 352 by removing the tip cap mounting member 361 from the tip cap 350 are positioned inside the locking portions 352. Since these residual burrs 156 are housed in the burr receiving portion 158 provided in the locking groove 154 formed in the distal end main body 152 as shown in FIG. Exposure to the surface of the cap 350 can be prevented beforehand.
[0057]
As described above, the preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. I understand.
[0058]
For example, in each of the above embodiments, a pair of grips are provided at both ends of the tip cap via connection members, and the grip, the connection member, and the tip cap are arranged substantially in a straight line. Is not limited to the above shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is also possible to form a grip portion 460 having a substantially annular shape on the outer periphery of the tip cap 450 via a pair of connection members 462. At this time, the connection members 462 are preferably provided at positions opposite to both ends of the distal end cap 450 as in the above-described embodiments. An identification symbol 466 for identifying the mutual combination of the endoscope 100 and the distal end cap 450 is provided on the surface of the grip portion 462, similarly to the above embodiments.
[0059]
Further, the tip cap is not limited to a tip cap integrated with a nozzle, but may be applied to a tip cap of a separate nozzle type.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to turn the engaging portion of the tip cap by flipping the grip portion with one hand, so that the tip cap is easily attached to the tip body with one hand. be able to. Further, it is possible to prevent the remaining burrs of the tip cap, which are generated after the tip cap is attached to the distal end portion of the endoscope, from being exposed to the surface of the tip cap.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope to which a tip cap of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a front view of an endoscope distal end portion to which the end cap of the endoscope according to the embodiment is applied.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an endoscope distal end portion to which the endoscope distal end cap according to the embodiment is applied.
FIG. 4A is a front view of a distal end cap of the endoscope of the embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the distal end cap of the endoscope of the embodiment; FIG. 4C is a side view of the distal end cap of the endoscope of the same embodiment as viewed from the distal end cap mounting auxiliary member side.
FIG. 5A is a sectional view of the tip cap of the embodiment including a tip cap attachment auxiliary member, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion B in FIG. 5A. is there.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation when the distal end cap according to the embodiment is attached to the distal end portion of the endoscope.
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a tip cap according to a second embodiment including a tip cap attachment assisting member, and FIG. 7B is a sectional view of a portion C in FIG. 7A. It is an enlarged view.
8A is a cross-sectional view of a tip cap according to a third embodiment including a tip cap attachment auxiliary member, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view of a portion D in FIG. 8A. It is an enlarged view.
FIG. 9 is a front view of a distal end cap of an endoscope of another application example.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 endoscope
102 Main unit operation unit
104 insertion section
106 Universal cord
107 Soft part
108 Angle section
110 Tip
112 Tip body
114 Observation window
116 Lighting Window
118 opening (of suction line)
120 Opening (of the air / water supply line)
122 nozzle opening
124 nozzles
150, 250, 350, 450 Tip cap
152, 252, 352, 452 Locking part
154 locking groove
156 Bali
158 Bali accommodation section
160, 260, 360, 460 gripper
161, 261, 361 Tip cap mounting auxiliary member
162, 262, 362, 462 connecting member
164,264,364 Fragile part
166 identification code
168 Slipper
170 Reinforcement plate
172,272,372 gap
270 reinforcement core
365 notch

Claims

A tip cap that is detachable from the tip body of the endoscope.
A locking portion formed so as to protrude inward from an inner peripheral surface of a base end portion of the distal end cap and fittable into a locking groove formed on an outer peripheral surface of the distal end main body;
A tip cap mounting auxiliary means provided at a base end of the tip cap and extending outside the outer peripheral surface of the base end;
The distal end cap of the endoscope, wherein the distal end cap mounting assisting means is connected at its end to an engaging portion of the distal end cap through a brittle portion which is easily broken.

The end of the tip cap attachment assisting means is connected to the locking portion of the tip cap with a gap provided between the base end face of the tip cap and the tip cap attachment assisting means. The end cap of an endoscope according to claim 1.

3. The distal end of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the distal end cap mounting assisting means is provided with a reinforcing member formed of a material having a higher strength than the distal end cap mounting assisting means. cap.

4. The end cap according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcing member is a reinforcing plate provided on a surface facing the distal cap of the distal cap mounting aid. 5.

4. The end cap according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcing member is a reinforcing core inserted in the axial direction inside the tip cap mounting assisting means.

The tip cap attachment assisting means is provided obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the tip cap, and a notch is provided at a connection portion between the end of the tip cap attachment aid and the locking portion of the tip cap. 3. The end cap of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the end cap is formed.

An endoscope distal end having a detachable distal end cap attached to the distal end main body of the endoscope,
A distal end main body having an engaging groove formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof for engaging with an engaging portion formed to protrude inward from an inner peripheral surface of a base end of the distal end cap;
After the tip cap is attached to the tip body, a burr housing for holding the burr remaining in the locking portion when detaching the tip cap attachment assisting means provided at the base end of the tip cap from the tip cap. An endoscope distal end portion, wherein a portion is provided in the locking groove.