JP2013132389A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope which can be easily assembled and equipped with a fitting structure having an inexpensive branching member.SOLUTION: In the endoscope, a cylindrical member opening part 30 is provided on the sidewall of a cylindrical member 29 extended on the proximal end side of an inserting part, and a branching member 31 arranged in the cylindrical member 29 has a communicating part 31c between a first path 31a open in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29 and a second path 31b open in the direction other than the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29. A butting part 35 for regulating the movement of the branching member 31 along the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29 is formed on the front edge of the cylindrical member opening part 30. The endoscope includes a receiving part extended in the direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29 from the side face of the cylindrical member opening part 30 and having a pair of pinching pieces for pinching the branching member 31, and an engaging part provided on a contacting part between the receiving part and the branching member 31 and for engaging releasably between the receiving part and the branching member 31.

Description

  The present invention includes a cylindrical member disposed in the casing of the operation unit, and a branch member for connection that connects the treatment instrument insertion channel, the treatment instrument insertion port of the operation unit, and the suction passage. It relates to an endoscope.

  Patent Document 1 shows an endoscope having a configuration in which a metal branch member that branches into a treatment instrument insertion hole and a suction passage is provided on the proximal end side of a channel of the endoscope. In addition, a cylindrical member formed of metal is disposed in the casing of the operation unit from the viewpoint of protection of the insertion member inside the operation unit and shape retention. And the conventional branch member is being fixed to this cylindrical member with the screw member.

JP 11-47083 A

  In a conventional endoscope such as Patent Document 1, a pipe is formed by cutting a metal branch member, and a screw hole is formed in the branch member in order to fix the metal branch member to the cylindrical member. Since it is necessary to perform additional machining, the unit cost of the parts becomes high. Furthermore, since an operation of screwing the branching member to the cylindrical member with a screw member is necessary at the time of manufacturing the endoscope, the assembling operation takes time and the assembling cost is high.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that is easy to assemble and has an inexpensive mounting structure for a branch member.

An aspect of one aspect of the present invention includes a cylindrical member extending on the proximal end side of the insertion portion, an opening provided in a side wall of the cylindrical member, and an inside of the cylindrical member, A branch member having a communicating portion with a first passage opened in the axial direction of the tubular member and a second passage opened in a direction other than the axial direction of the tubular member, and formed at the front edge of the opening The abutting portion that contacts the branching member and restricts the movement of the branching member along the axial direction of the cylindrical member, and extends from the side surface of the opening in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical member. And a receiving portion having a pair of holding pieces for holding the branch member, and a contact portion between the receiving portion and the branch member, wherein the receiving portion and the branch member are detachably engaged. And an engaging portion.
And in the said structure, a branch member is attached to the abutting part of the front edge of the opening part provided in the side wall of a cylindrical member at the time of the operation | work which attaches a branched member to the cylindrical member extended in the base end side of an insertion part. By abutting, the movement of the branching member along the axial direction of the tubular member is restricted, and the branching member is sandwiched between a pair of sandwiching pieces of the receiving portion disposed on the side surface of the opening. The movement of the branching member along the circumferential direction is restricted. When the branching member is sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching pieces, the receiving portion and the branching member are detachably engaged and fixed by the engaging portion. This eliminates the need for additional work such as machining a screw hole in the branch member, facilitates assembly, and reduces the cost of the branch member.

Preferably, the engaging portion is either a first concave portion or a first convex portion provided on a side surface of the branch member, and a second convex provided on the receiving portion and engaged with the first concave portion. Or a second concave portion that engages with the first convex portion.
And in the said structure, when a branch member is clamped between a pair of clamping pieces, it is between the 1st recessed part provided in the side surface of the branch member, and the 2nd convex part of a receiving part, or the side surface of a branch member. The provided first convex part and the second concave part of the receiving part are detachably engaged.

Preferably, the 1st recessed part of the said branch member is formed of the both ends of the through-hole of the said branch member.
And in the said structure, when a branch member is clamped between a pair of clamping pieces, between the 1st recessed part formed of the both ends of the through-hole of a branch member, and the 2nd convex part of a receiving part is engaged. Removably engaged.

Preferably, the receiving portion includes a spring pin that is locked in a state in which the second convex portion is inserted through the through hole of the branch member.
And in the said structure, when a branch member is clamped between a pair of clamping pieces, the spring pin of a receiving part is latched in the through-hole of a branch member, and it fixes to the side surface of a branch member. The provided first concave portion and the second convex portion of the receiving portion are detachably engaged.

Preferably, the receiving portion is formed by a leaf spring-like member in which at least one of the pair of holding pieces is elastically deformable, and the second convex portion of the receiving portion protrudes inward from the holding piece. It is formed by the molded protruding molded part.
And in the said structure, when a branch member is clamped between a pair of clamping pieces, the 2nd convex part of the receiving part formed of the protrusion shaping | molding part contact | abuts a branch member, and a pair of clamping piece of While the at least one leaf spring-like member is elastically deformed and the second convex portion of the receiving portion gets over the side wall of the branching member and is inserted into the first concave portion, the first concave portion of the branching member and the second of the receiving portion are The protrusions are engaged with each other in a detachable manner.

Preferably, the receiving part is formed by a leaf spring-like member in which at least one of the pair of sandwiching pieces is elastically deformable, and the second recessed part of the receiving part is formed so as to project outward from the sandwiching piece. It is formed by one of the concave portion or the hole on the inner surface side of the protruding molded portion.
And in the said structure, when a branch member is clamped between a pair of clamping pieces, the 1st convex part of a branching member contact | abuts a pair of clamping pieces, and at least one leaf | plate spring shape of a pair of clamping pieces The first convex portion of the branch member is inserted into the second concave portion of the receiving portion formed by one of the concave portion or the hole on the inner surface side of the protruding molded portion of the sandwiching piece while the member of the branch member is elastically deformed, thereby The first convex portion and the second concave portion of the receiving portion are detachably engaged.

Preferably, the engaging portion includes: a rail extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical member on the pair of sandwiching pieces of the receiving portion; and a groove portion provided on the branch member and engaged with the rail. Comprising.
And in the said structure, a branch member is attached to the abutting part of the front edge of the opening part provided in the side wall of a cylindrical member at the time of the operation | work which attaches a branched member to the cylindrical member extended in the base end side of an insertion part. By abutting, the movement of the branch member along the axial direction of the tubular member is restricted, and the branch member is sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching pieces of the receiving portion disposed on the side surface of the opening. When the branching member is sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching pieces, the rails of the pair of sandwiching pieces are inserted into the groove portions of the branching member so that the receiving portion and the branching member are detachably engaged. Is done.

Preferably, the receiving portion includes a third convex portion extending in a direction intersecting with an axial direction of the cylindrical member at a terminal portion of the rail, and the branch member is provided in the groove portion with the rail of the rail. A fourth concave portion that engages with the third convex portion is formed.
In the above configuration, when the branch member is sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching pieces, the rails of the pair of sandwiching pieces are inserted into the groove portions of the branching member, whereby the receiving portion and the branch member are engaged. Removably engaged. At this time, the third convex portion of the terminal end portion of the rail and the fourth concave portion of the branching member are detachably engaged.

Preferably, the cylindrical member is formed by a cylindrical member provided in a casing of the operation unit, and the branching member has a branching member main body formed of a metal material, and the distal end side of the first passage And a suction passage is connected to the proximal end side of the first passage, and the second passage is inserted from a treatment instrument insertion port provided in the operation portion. A treatment instrument insertion port for introducing a treatment instrument to be performed is connected.
And in the said structure, the branch member main body of the branch member formed with the metal material is assembled | attached to the cylindrical member formed of the cylindrical member provided in the casing of the operation part. At this time, the proximal end portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel is connected to the distal end side of the first passage of the branch member body, and the suction passage is connected to the proximal end side of the first passage, and the second passage A treatment instrument insertion port for introducing a treatment instrument to be inserted from a treatment instrument insertion port provided in the operation unit is connected to the operation unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus that is easy to assemble and has an inexpensive mounting structure for a branch member.

1 is a perspective view showing an overall schematic configuration of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part which shows the connection part of the cylindrical member and branch member in the operation part of the endoscope of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the cylindrical member of the endoscope of 1st Embodiment. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part which shows the engaging part of the abutting part of the cylindrical member of the endoscope of 1st Embodiment, and the engaging groove of the front edge of a branch member. VV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. The perspective view which shows the cylindrical member of the endoscope of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The transverse cross section of the important section showing the connection part of the cylindrical member and branching member in the operation part of the endoscope of a 2nd embodiment. The transverse cross section of the important section showing the 1st modification of a 2nd embodiment. The transverse cross section of the important section showing the 2nd modification of a 2nd embodiment. The perspective view which shows the cylindrical member of the endoscope of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The transverse cross section of the important section showing the connection part of the rail of the cylindrical member in the operation part of the endoscope of a 3rd embodiment, and the groove part of a branching member. The transverse cross section of the important section showing the connection part of the claw part of the cylindrical member rail of the endoscope of a 3rd embodiment, and the engagement crevice of the groove part of a branching member.

[First Embodiment]
(Constitution)
1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall schematic configuration of an endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the endoscope 1 includes an insertion portion 2, an operation portion 3, and a universal cord 4. The insertion portion 2 is provided with an elongated flexible tube portion 5, a bending portion 6, and a distal end hard portion 7. The insertion portion 2 is covered with a resin such as polyurethane, the rear end portion is connected to the operation portion 3, and the connection portion is protected by a bend preventing member 8.

The bending portion 6 is covered with a soft elastic body. A distal end hard portion 7 is provided at the distal end of the curved portion 6, and an observation optical system, an imaging device, an illumination optical system, an air / water feeding nozzle, a forceps port outlet, and the like (not shown) are provided on the distal end surface. .
The operation unit 3 includes a suction control device 9 used when performing suction, an air / water supply valve 10 operated when performing air / water supply, and a remote switch 11 for processing a video signal output from the image sensor. Is attached. Further, a resin-made vertical angle knob 12 a and left and right angle knob 12 b are attached to the operation unit 3. The bending portion 6 can be bent in the vertical direction by operating the vertical angle knob 12a, and the bending portion 6 can be bent in the horizontal direction by operating the left and right angle knob 12b. Resin-made FE levers 13a and 13b that are used when the bending portion 6 is kept in the curved fixed state or when the curved fixed state is released are also attached.

  The universal cord 4 connected to the operation unit 3 is covered with a resin such as polyurethane, and a connector 14 is attached to the tip thereof. The connector 14 includes an S cuttet 15 for returning high-frequency leakage current to the ablation power source, a metal water supply base 16 for connecting to a water supply tank (not shown) and supplying water, and a suction pump (not shown). A metal suction cap 17 to be connected, a plurality of electrical contacts 18, an end portion 19 of the light guide, a metal air pipe 20 for supplying air, and the like are provided. By connecting the end portion 19 of the light guide of the connector 14 to a connector receiver of a light source device (not shown), illumination light is emitted from the illumination optical system at the distal end hard portion. Furthermore, an electrical connector portion 21 is provided on the side surface of the connector 14. A connection cord (not shown) is connected to this portion and connected to a video processor (not shown), so that an electrical signal output from the image sensor is not shown. Can be displayed as a video on the monitor.

  A grip 22 formed of a hard resin such as polysulfone for gripping the endoscope 1 is provided at a lower portion of the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 1. Further, a connecting portion 22 a shown in FIG. 2 is provided between the grip 22 and the anti-bending member 8 of the insertion portion 2. The connection portion 22a is provided with a forceps port 23 for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps. A forceps plug 24 made of an elastic material such as silicon rubber is attached to the forceps port 23.

  The connecting portion 22a is provided with a main tube portion 22a1 and a branch tube portion 22a2 protruding from the main tube portion 22a1 obliquely rearward with respect to the axial direction of the insertion portion 2. A substantially cylindrical channel base (treatment instrument insertion port) 25 for introducing a treatment instrument is disposed in the branch cylinder portion 22a2. The forceps port 23 is formed at the outer end of the channel cap 25. O-rings 26 and 27 are fitted on the outer periphery of the channel base 25, and the O-rings 26 and 27 seal between the branch tube portion 22 a 2 and the channel base 25. The assembly position of the channel cap 25 is determined by a key-shaped pin member 28.

  Inside the grip 22 and the connecting portion 22a of the endoscope 1, interiors such as an angle operation wire (not shown), an air supply channel, a water supply channel, and an electric cable for transmitting an output signal from the image sensor are incorporated. ing. A cylindrical member (cylindrical member) 29 made of an aluminum alloy is provided inside the grip 22 and the connecting portion 22a for the purpose of protecting these interior items and holding other members. As shown in FIG. 3, the cylindrical member 29 is provided with a cylindrical member opening 30 which is a rectangular opening. The cylindrical member 29 is fixed to a metal fixing frame (not shown) provided inside the grip 22 with a metal joint plate and screws.

  A branch member 31 is disposed inside the cylindrical member 29. The branch member 31 includes a first passage 31a opened in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29, a second passage 31b opened in a direction other than the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29, and the first passage 31a and the second passage 31b. And a communication portion 31c with the passage 31b. The branch member 31 has three substantially Y-shaped branch passages that are branched into three forks by the first passage 31a, the second passage 31b, and the communication portion 31c. Here, a channel hole 31a1 that is a first connection hole is formed on the distal end side of the first passage 31a, and a suction hole 31a2 that is a second connection hole is formed on the proximal end side of the first passage 31a. Has been. Furthermore, an introduction hole 31a3 that is a third connection hole is formed at the tip of the second passage 31b.

  The proximal end portion of the channel tube of the treatment instrument insertion channel 32 disposed in the insertion portion 2 is connected to the channel hole 31a1 on the distal end side of the first passage 31a. The tip of the suction pipe of the suction passage 33 is connected to the suction hole 31a2 on the proximal end side of the first passage 31a. The suction pipe extends to the connector 14 side through the operation unit 3 and the universal cord 4 and is connected to the suction cap 17. Further, the proximal end portion of the channel base 25 is connected to the introduction hole 31a3 at the distal end of the second passage 31b.

The branch member 31 has an integral block member (branch member main body) 34 formed of a metal material. The block member 34 is integrally formed by, for example, MIM (metal injection molding: metal powder injection molding).
The cylindrical member 29 is formed with an abutting portion 35 bent in a substantially L shape at the front edge of the cylindrical member opening 30. Further, the cylindrical member 29 has a receiving portion 36 having a pair of clamping pieces 36 a and 36 b extending from the side surface of the cylindrical member opening 30 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29 and sandwiching the branch member 31. Is formed.

  Further, an engaging groove 37 that can engage with the abutting portion 35 of the cylindrical member 29 is formed on the distal end surface of the branching member 31. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the abutting portion 35 of the cylindrical member 29 is inserted into and engaged with the engaging groove 37, so that the branch member 31 comes into contact with the abutting portion 35 of the cylindrical member 29 and is cylindrical. The movement of the branch member 31 along the axial direction of the member 29 is restricted.

Further, a through hole 38 is formed in a side surface of the branch member 31 at a contact portion with the sandwiching pieces 36 a and 36 b of the cylindrical member 29. A first recess of the branch member 31 is formed on the side surface of the branch member 31 by both end portions of the through hole 38.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the receiving portion 36 of the cylindrical member 29 has an engagement hole 40 for the spring pin 39 formed in a portion corresponding to the through hole 38 of the branching member 31 in the two clamping pieces 36a and 36b. Yes. And the both ends of the spring pin 39 which is the 2nd convex part of the receiving part 36 are fitted between the engagement holes 40 of the clamping pieces 36a and 36b. As a result, the spring pin 39 is fixed in a state where it is installed between the two sandwiching pieces 36a, 36b. As shown in FIG. 5, the spring pin 39 is locked in a state where the spring pin 39 is inserted into the through hole 38 of the branching member 31, so that the through hole is a first recess provided on the side surface of the branching member 31. 38 and the spring pin 39 between the holding pieces 36a and 36b, which are the second convex portions of the receiving portion 36, are engaged with each other in a detachable manner. An engaging portion 41 that removably engages between the receiving portion 36 and the branching member 31 is formed by the through hole 38 of the branching member 31 and the spring pin 39 between the holding pieces 36a and 36b of the receiving portion 36. ing.

(Function)
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. At the time of manufacturing the endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment, when the branch member 31 is assembled to the cylindrical member 29 extending to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2, the front edge of the cylindrical member opening 30 of the cylindrical member 29 is By causing the engaging groove 37 on the front end surface of the branch member 31 to abut on the abutting portion 35, the forward movement of the branch member 31 along the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29 is restricted. Further, the branch member 31 is sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching pieces 36 a and 36 b of the receiving portion 36 disposed on the side surface of the cylindrical member opening 30. When the branch member 31 is sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b, both end portions of the spring pin 39, which is the second convex portion of the receiving portion 36, are fitted between the engagement holes 40 of the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b. As a result, the spring pin 39 is fixed in a state of being spanned between the two sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b. The spring pin 39 is locked in a state where the spring pin 39 is inserted into the through hole 38 of the branch member 31, so that the through hole 38 that is the first recess provided on the side surface of the branch member 31 and the first portion of the receiving portion 36. The spring pins 39 between the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b, which are two convex portions, are detachably engaged.

(effect)
Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the branch member 31 can be assembled to the cylindrical member 29 by the spring pin 39 using the through hole 38 that is the first recess provided in the side surface of the branch member 31. . Accordingly, since the screw hole is machined in the branch member 31 as in the prior art and the additional work such as screwing the branch member 31 to the cylindrical member 29 with the screw member is not required, the cylindrical member 29 is compared with the conventional case. The assembling work for assembling the branching member 31 to the top becomes easy. Furthermore, since the branch member 31 can integrally mold the block member 34 by, for example, MIM (metal injection: injection molding powder metallurgy), the cost of the branch member 31 can be reduced. Thereby, the endoscope 1 which is easy to assemble and has an inexpensive mounting structure for the branch member 31 can be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
(Constitution)
6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a modification in which the connection structure between the cylindrical member 29 and the branch member 31 of the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5) is changed as follows. 6 and 7, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b of the cylindrical member 29 are formed by a plate spring-like member that can be elastically deformed. As shown in FIG. 6, projecting portions 51 are projectingly formed on these sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b inward. And the 2nd convex part of the receiving part 36 which comprises a snap fit nail | claw part is formed by the protrusion shaping | molding part 51 of each clamping piece 36a, 36b.

  Further, the branching member 31 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. A first recess of the branch member 31 is formed by both end portions of the through hole 38 of the branch member 31. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the protruding molded portions 51 of the sandwiching pieces 36 a and 36 b are locked in a state of being inserted into both end portions of the through holes 38 of the branch member 31, thereby The through hole 38 which is the first recess provided and the projecting molding portion 51 of each of the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b of the receiving portion 36 are engaged with each other in a detachable manner. An engaging portion 52 that removably engages between the receiving portion 36 and the branching member 31 is formed by the through hole 38 of the branching member 31 and the projecting molding portion 51 of each sandwiching piece 36a, 36b of the receiving portion 36. Has been.

(Function)
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. In the present embodiment, at the time of assembling the branch member 31 to the cylindrical member 29 extending to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2, the branch member is placed on the abutting portion 35 on the front edge of the cylindrical member opening 30 of the cylindrical member 29. By causing the engagement groove 37 on the front end surface of 31 to abut, the movement of the branch member 31 in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29 is restricted. Further, the branch member 31 is sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching pieces 36 a and 36 b of the receiving portion 36 disposed on the side surface of the cylindrical member opening 30. At this time, when the branching member 31 is sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b, the protruding molded portion 51 that forms the second convex portion of the receiving portion 36 comes into contact with the branching member 31 so that the pair of sandwiching While the leaf spring members of the pieces 36 a and 36 b are elastically deformed, the protruding molded portion 51 of the receiving portion 36 gets over the side wall of the branch member 31 and is inserted into the through hole 38. Thereby, between the through-hole 38 of the branch member 31 and the protrusion molding part 51 of the receiving part 36 is engaged so that engagement / disengagement is possible.

(effect)
Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment, the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a is inserted into the through hole 38 that is the first recess provided on the side surface of the branching member 31 by using the elastic deformation of the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b. 36b, the branch member 31 can be assembled to the cylindrical member 29. For this reason, in this embodiment as well as the first embodiment, an additional operation such as machining a screw hole in the branch member 31 and screwing the branch member 31 to the cylindrical member 29 with a screw member as in the prior art is performed. Since it becomes unnecessary, the assembling work for assembling the branching member 31 to the cylindrical member 29 becomes easier than in the prior art. Furthermore, since the branch member 31 can integrally mold the block member 34 by, for example, MIM (metal injection: injection molding powder metallurgy), the cost of the branch member 31 can be reduced. Thereby, the endoscope 1 which is easy to assemble and has an inexpensive mounting structure for the branch member 31 can be provided.

In the present embodiment, the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b is configured by the leaf spring member. However, only one of the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b is formed by the leaf spring member. You may make it the structure which is.
[First Modification of Second Embodiment]
(Constitution)
FIG. 8 shows a first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. This modification is a modification in which the connection structure between the cylindrical member 29 and the branching member 31 of the endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5) is changed as follows. In FIG. 8, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  That is, in this modification, the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b of the cylindrical member 29 are formed by a plate spring-like member that can be elastically deformed. As shown in FIG. 8, one hole 61 is formed in each of the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b. And the 2nd recessed part of the receiving part 36 is formed of the hole part 61 of each clamping piece 36a, 36b.

  Moreover, the 1st convex part 62 which protrudes outward is formed in the contact part with the clamping pieces 36a and 36b of the cylindrical member 29 in the both sides | surfaces of the branch member 31 of this Embodiment, respectively. And the snap fitting nail | claw part is comprised by the 1st convex part 62 of the both sides | surfaces of the branch member 31. FIG.

  In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 8, the branching member 31 is locked by the first protrusions 62 on both side surfaces of the branching member 31 being inserted into the holes 61 of the sandwiching pieces 36 a and 36 b. The first protrusions 62 on both side surfaces of the receiving portion 36 and the hole portions 61 of the holding pieces 36a and 36b of the receiving portion 36 are detachably engaged. Engagement in which the receiving portion 36 and the branching member 31 are detachably engaged by the first convex portions 62 on both side surfaces of the branching member 31 and the hole portions 61 of the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b of the receiving portion 36. A portion 63 is formed.

(Action / Effect)
In the present modification, the first convex portion 62 of the branching member 31 comes into contact with the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b, so that the first convex portion 62 of the branching member 31 is elastically deformed while the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b are elastically deformed. It is inserted into the hole 61 of the sandwiching pieces 36a, 36b. Thus, the cylindrical member 29 is inserted into the cylindrical member 29 by inserting the first convex portions 62 on both side surfaces of the branching member 31 into the hole portions 61 of the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b by using the elastic deformation of the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b. The branch member 31 can be assembled. Therefore, in this modification as well as the first embodiment, an additional operation such as machining a screw hole in the branch member 31 and screwing the branch member 31 to the cylindrical member 29 with a screw member as in the prior art is unnecessary. Therefore, the assembling work for assembling the branch member 31 to the cylindrical member 29 is facilitated as compared with the conventional case. Further, in the present modification as well, the first protrusions 62 on both side surfaces of the branch member 31 can be integrally formed on the block member 34 of the branch member 31 by, for example, MIM (metal injection: injection molding powder metallurgy). The cost of the member 31 can be reduced. Thereby, the endoscope 1 which is easy to assemble and has an inexpensive mounting structure for the branch member 31 can be provided.

[Second Modification of Second Embodiment]
(Constitution)
FIG. 9 shows a second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, instead of the hole 61 of each sandwiching piece 36a, 36b of the first modification, a projecting molding part 71 is formed by projecting outward from each sandwiching piece 36a, 36b. is there. Then, the first projecting portions 62 on both side surfaces of the branching member 31 are engaged with the recesses 72 on the inner surface side of the projecting molding portions 71 of the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b in a state where the first projecting portions 62 are inserted through the both sides of the branching member 31. The first convex portion 62 on the surface and the concave portion 72 on the inner surface side of the projecting molding portion 71 of each of the holding pieces 36a and 36b of the receiving portion 36 are detachably engaged. The first projecting portion 62 on both side surfaces of the branching member 31 and the recess 72 on the inner surface side of the protruding molded portion 71 of each clamping piece 36a, 36b of the receiving portion 36 are engaged and disengaged between the receiving portion 36 and the branching member 31. An engaging portion 73 that engages with each other is formed.

(Action / Effect)
In the present modification, the first convex portion 62 of the branching member 31 comes into contact with the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b, so that the first convex portion 62 of the branching member 31 is elastically deformed while the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b are elastically deformed. The sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b are inserted into the recesses 72 on the inner surface side of the projecting molding portion 71. Also in this modified example, the cylindrical member 29 is inserted by inserting the first convex portions 62 on both side surfaces of the branching member 31 into the hole portions 61 of the sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b by using the elastic deformation of the pair of sandwiching pieces 36a and 36b. The branching member 31 can be assembled to. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained in this modification.

[Third Embodiment]
(Constitution)
10 to 12 show a third embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a modification in which the connection structure between the cylindrical member 29 and the branch member 31 of the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5) is changed as follows. 10 to 12, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  The endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pair of sandwiching pieces 81a and 81b protruding from both side surfaces of the cylindrical member opening 30 of the cylindrical member 29 to the inside of the cylindrical member 29 as shown in FIG. A receiving portion 81 is formed. As shown in FIG. 11, each sandwiching piece 81a, 81b is formed with a bent portion bent in an approximately L shape, and a rail (third protruding portion) extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29 by the bent portion. ) 82 is formed. At the base end of each rail 82, a locking projection (snap fit) 83 projects inwardly.

  Further, groove portions (fourth concave portions) 84 that engage with the rails 82 of the pair of sandwiching pieces 81 a and 81 b are formed on both side surfaces of the branch member 31. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, a recess 85 is formed in the base end portion (terminal position) of the groove portion 84 on both side surfaces of the branch member 31 and is formed one step deeper inward of the branch member 31.

  In this embodiment, the rails 82 of the sandwiching pieces 81 a and 81 b are inserted into the groove 84 of the branching member 31, and the locking projection 83 of the base end of each rail 82 is the recess of the groove 84 at the terminal position. By being fitted and engaged with 85, the groove portions 84 on both side surfaces of the branching member 31 and the rails 82 of the sandwiching pieces 81a and 81b of the receiving portion 81 are detachably engaged. The receiving portion 81 and the branching member 31 are detachably engaged with each other by the concave portions 85 of the groove portions 84 on both side surfaces of the branching member 31 and the projections 83 of the rails 82 of the holding pieces 81a and 81b of the receiving portion 81. An engaging portion 86 is formed.

(Function)
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. At the time of assembling the branch member 31 to the cylindrical member 29 extending to the base end side of the insertion portion 2 of the present embodiment, the engaging groove of the branch member 31 is formed in the abutting portion 35 on the front edge of the cylindrical member opening 30. 37 is abutted to restrict the forward movement of the branching member 31 along the axial direction of the cylindrical member 29, and the pair of sandwiching pieces 81 a and 81 b of the receiving portion 81 disposed on the side surface of the opening 30. The branch member 31 is sandwiched therebetween. When the branching member 31 is sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching pieces 81a and 81b, the rails 82 of the pair of sandwiching pieces 81a and 81b are inserted into the groove portions 84 of the branching member 31, and the base ends of the rails 82 at the terminal positions. By engaging and engaging the projection 83 for locking the portion with the recess 85 of the groove 84, the receiving portion 81 and the branch member 31 are engaged with each other in a detachable manner.

(effect)
In the present embodiment, the rails 82 of the pair of sandwiching pieces 81a and 81b are inserted into the groove portions 84 on both side surfaces of the branching member 31 using the elastic deformation of the pair of sandwiching pieces 81a and 81b of the cylindrical member 29, and the terminal ends. The branching member 31 can be assembled to the cylindrical member 29 by engaging and engaging the projection 83 for locking the base end of each rail 82 with the recess 85 of the groove 84 at the position. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, an additional operation such as machining a screw hole in the branching member 31 and screwing the branching member 31 to the cylindrical member 29 with a screw member is performed. Since it becomes unnecessary, the assembling work for assembling the branching member 31 to the cylindrical member 29 becomes easier than in the prior art. Furthermore, since the branch member 31 can integrally mold the block member 34 by, for example, MIM (metal injection: injection molding powder metallurgy), the cost of the branch member 31 can be reduced. Thereby, the endoscope 1 which is easy to assemble and has an inexpensive mounting structure for the branch member 31 can be provided.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application are appended as follows.
Record
(Additional Item 1) A cylindrical member extending to the proximal end side of the insertion portion, an opening provided in a side wall of the cylindrical member, and attached to the inside of the cylindrical member, the axial direction of the cylindrical member and the A branching member that opens in the direction of the opening, a butting part that is formed on a front edge of the opening and that contacts the branching member, and extends from a side surface of the opening to the short side of the cylindrical member, An endoscope comprising: a receiving part that holds a branching member; and an engaging part that engages the receiving part and the branching member.

(Additional Item 2) The internal portion according to Additional Item 1, wherein the engaging portion includes a concave portion provided on a side surface of the branch member and a convex portion provided on the receiving portion that engages with the concave portion. Endoscope.
(Additional Item 3) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, comprising a rail provided in the axial direction of the receiving portion and a groove portion provided in the branching member to engage with the rail.

  The present invention includes a cylindrical member disposed in the casing of the operation unit, and a branch member for connection that connects the treatment instrument insertion channel, the treatment instrument insertion port of the operation unit, and the suction passage. The endoscope can be easily assembled and is effective in a technical field using an endoscope having an inexpensive mounting structure for a branching member and a technical field for manufacturing the endoscope.

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Insertion part, 29 ... Cylindrical member (tubular member), 30 ... Cylindrical member opening part, 31a ... 1st channel | path, 31b ... 2nd channel | path, 31c ... Communication part, 31 ... Branch member, 35 ... Butting 36a, 36b ... clamping piece, 36 ... receiving part, 38 ... through hole, 39 ... spring pin, 41 ... engaging part.

Claims (9)

A tubular member extending to the proximal end side of the insertion portion;
An opening provided in a side wall of the tubular member;
A branching member that is disposed inside the tubular member and has a communicating portion with a first passage that opens in the axial direction of the tubular member and a second passage that opens in a direction other than the axial direction of the tubular member When,
An abutting portion that is formed at a front edge of the opening, and that abuts the branching member to restrict movement of the branching member along the axial direction of the tubular member;
A receiving portion having a pair of clamping pieces extending from a side surface of the opening portion in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical member, and sandwiching the branch member;
An engaging portion that is provided at a contact portion between the receiving portion and the branch member, and engages and disengages between the receiving portion and the branch member;
Endoscope equipped with. The engaging portion is
Either one of the first concave portion or the first convex portion provided on the side surface of the branch member;
A second convex portion provided in the receiving portion and engaged with the first concave portion or a second concave portion engaged with the first convex portion;
The endoscope according to claim 1, comprising:   The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the first concave portion of the branch member is formed by both end portions of the through hole of the branch member.   The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the receiving portion includes a spring pin that is locked in a state in which the second convex portion is inserted into the through hole of the branch member. The receiving portion is formed by a leaf spring-like member in which at least one of the pair of sandwiching pieces can be elastically deformed,
The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the second convex part of the receiving part is formed by a projecting molding part that is projecting inwardly from the clamping piece. The receiving portion is formed by a leaf spring-like member in which at least one of the pair of sandwiching pieces can be elastically deformed,
The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the second recessed portion of the receiving portion is formed by one of a recessed portion or a hole on an inner surface side of a protruding molded portion that is protruded and formed outward from the clamping piece. The engaging portion is
Rails extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical member on the pair of sandwiching pieces of the receiving portion;
A groove provided on the branch member and engaged with the rail;
The endoscope according to claim 1, comprising: The receiving portion has a third convex portion extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical member at the end portion of the rail,
The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein the branch member is formed with a fourth concave portion that engages with the third convex portion of the rail in the groove portion. The cylindrical member is formed by a cylindrical member provided in the casing of the operation unit,
The branch member has a branch member body formed of a metal material, and a proximal end portion of a treatment instrument insertion channel is connected to a distal end side of the first passage, and a proximal end side of the first passage. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a suction passage is connected to the second passage, and a treatment instrument insertion port body for introducing a treatment instrument to be inserted from a treatment instrument insertion port provided in the operation unit is connected to the second passage. mirror.

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