JP3607743B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

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JP3607743B2
JP3607743B2 JP09539995A JP9539995A JP3607743B2 JP 3607743 B2 JP3607743 B2 JP 3607743B2 JP 09539995 A JP09539995 A JP 09539995A JP 9539995 A JP9539995 A JP 9539995A JP 3607743 B2 JP3607743 B2 JP 3607743B2
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wire
distal end
main body
treatment instrument
endoscope
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JPH08280606A (en
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孝治 中本
達也 古川
晴彦 海谷
雅明 中沢
久雄 矢部
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Olympus Corp
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Olympus Corp
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Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は、挿入部に設けられた湾曲部や処置具起上装置等の可動部を操作部から挿通した操作ワイヤによって駆動操作する駆動操作手段を備えた内視鏡に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
内視鏡においては、観察部位へ挿入する細長の挿入部に、挿入部のチャンネル内に挿通した処置具を起上させる処置具起上装置や、湾曲可能な湾曲部などの可動部が設けられているものがある。このような可動部を駆動操作する手段としては、挿入部手元側の操作部から挿入部内に挿通され先端が可動部に接続された操作ワイヤを備え、この操作ワイヤの基端に接続されたレバー等の操作部材の操作によって可動部を手元側から遠隔的に牽引駆動操作するものが一般に用いられている。
【０００３】
この種の駆動操作手段を備えた内視鏡としては、例えば特開平６−３１９６９２号公報には、挿入部の先端側に起立自在に配設された処置具起立台と、この処置具起立台を牽引操作する操作ワイヤと、この操作ワイヤを進退操作させるワイヤ駆動手段とを有し、操作ワイヤとワイヤ駆動手段とを内視鏡の外部に導出させた状態でビス等の押圧部材により操作ワイヤを押圧固定することによって着脱自在に接続した構成の処置具起立操作装置を設けたものが開示されている。この公報の構成によれば、洗浄時等に操作ワイヤを内視鏡本体から取り外すことができ、洗浄性が良好である。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前述したような内視鏡挿入部の可動部を駆動操作する駆動操作手段において、可動部に連結された操作ワイヤとワイヤ駆動手段とを内視鏡の外部で着脱自在に接続したものでは、従来のビス等の押圧部材により操作ワイヤを押圧固定するようにした構成の場合には、操作ワイヤの接続部において固定力が低下するおそれがある。
【０００５】
一般にワイヤの素線の断面形状は円形であり、円形の断面形状のものは直径方向の押圧力に対して強固であるため、例えば、ワイヤとワイヤの押圧部材の材質が同材質かつ同硬度であれば、ワイヤよりも押圧部材の変形量の方が大きくなり、何回も着脱を繰り返していくうちに押圧部材の変形によってワイヤの固定力が低下するおそれがある。また、押圧部材の硬度をワイヤのそれよりも大きくした場合でも、押圧部材には多少の変形が生じるため、何回も着脱を繰り返していくうちに押圧部材の変形量が増大し、やはりワイヤの固定力が低下するおそれがある。
【０００６】
本発明は、これらの事情に鑑みてなされたもので、内視鏡挿入部等に設けられた可動部を駆動操作する可動部駆動操作手段を備えた内視鏡において、可動部に連結された操作ワイヤと操作部に設けられたワイヤ操作機構とを接続固定する接続部におけるワイヤの固定力が低下することなく、常に強固な固定力を維持することが可能な操作ワイヤの押圧固定構造を提供することを目的としている。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明による内視鏡は、一端が可動部に接続された操作ワイヤを有し、この操作ワイヤによって前記可動部を駆動操作する可動部駆動操作手段を備えた内視鏡において、前記操作ワイヤとワイヤ駆動手段との接続部において、前記操作ワイヤの後端部を円筒部材により外嵌してなるものとするとともに、当該後端部を押圧することによって固定する押圧部材を着脱自在に設け、前記円筒部材を、押圧部材と比較して剛性が高いものとしたことを特徴とする。
【０００９】
【実施例】
以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施例を説明する。
図１ないし図６は本発明の第１実施例に係り、図１は可動部の駆動操作手段における湾曲操作ワイヤの固定部の構成を示す一部切り欠き断面図、図２は内視鏡の全体構成を示す構成説明図、図３は把持部カバーを取り外した状態での操作部周辺の構成を示す斜視図、図４は操作部本体に設けられるスイッチ用孔部に蓋部を組み付けた場合の蓋部の取り付け構造を示す構成説明図、図５は操作部本体を成型する型構造の構成例を示す断面図、図６は製品名版部を成型する際に用いる中子と型との組み合せ構造を示す説明図である。
【００１０】
第１実施例は、可動部の駆動操作手段として、挿入部先端の湾曲部を駆動操作する湾曲部駆動操作機構を備えた内視鏡の構成例を示したものである。
【００１１】
本実施例の内視鏡１は、図２に示すように、細長の挿入部２の基端部に操作部３が連設されて構成されている。挿入部２は、先端側から対物光学系等を備えた硬性の先端部４、複数の湾曲駒が連結されて構成された所望の角度に湾曲可能な湾曲部５、可撓性を有する挿入管６、の各部が連結されて構成されている。挿入部２の手元側の操作部３には、中央部に使用者が把持する把持部７が設けられ、把持部７の手元側に湾曲操作ノブ８，送気・送水ボタン９，吸引ボタン１０等を配設した操作部本体１１が連設されている。把持部７の先端側の操作部３と挿入部２との連結部近傍には、挿入部２内に配設された処置具チャンネルと連通し外部に開口した処置具挿入口１２が設けられている。
【００１２】
把持部７には、２つの把持部カバー１３が設けられ、図３に示すように取付ビス１４によって把持部７の２つの側辺部に把持部カバー１３が着脱可能に取付固定されるようになっている。把持部カバー１３の内面側の周縁部には、ゴム等の弾性部材からなるパッキン１５が設けられており、把持部カバー１３を取り付けた際にパッキン１５によって把持部７が密閉され、操作部３内部が水密状態に保たれるようになっている。この把持部カバー１３を取り外すと、操作部３内に配設された後述の湾曲部駆動操作機構が露呈するようになっている。
【００１３】
操作部３内部には、湾曲部５に一端が接続され可動部である湾曲部５を牽引駆動する湾曲操作ワイヤ１６と、湾曲操作ワイヤ１６と連結されるローラーチェーン１７と、湾曲操作ワイヤ１６とローラーチェーン１７とを連結接続するワイヤ接続部材１８と、ワイヤ接続部材１８に着脱自在に螺合して湾曲操作ワイヤ１６を押圧固定する固定ビス１９とを含む湾曲部駆動操作機構が配設されている。ローラーチェーン１７は、湾曲操作ノブ８の回動軸に固設された操作部３内の図示しないスプロケットに係合しており、スプロケットの回転に連動して進退するようになっている。
【００１４】
湾曲操作ノブ８を回動操作すると、駆動力がローラーチェーン１７に伝達されてローラーチェーン１７が進退し、これに伴ってワイヤ接続部材１８を介して接続された湾曲操作ワイヤ１６が進退して湾曲操作ワイヤ１６先端の湾曲部５が牽引駆動される。この湾曲操作ノブ８の操作量に応じて、湾曲部５を所望の角度に湾曲できるようになっている。
【００１５】
ワイヤ接続部材１８は、図１に示すように、一端がローラーチェーン１７と回動自在に連結されており、他端より湾曲操作ワイヤ１６を挿入するワイヤ挿入穴２０が長手方向に穿設されている。一方、湾曲操作ワイヤ１６の端部にはステンレス製の円筒部材２１がロウ付によって外嵌固定されている。
【００１６】
湾曲操作ワイヤ１６をローラーチェーン１７と接続する際には、まず把持部７の把持部カバー１３を取り外して操作部３内部の可動部駆動操作機構を露呈させた状態とした後、湾曲操作ワイヤ１６の端部をワイヤ接続部材１８のワイヤ挿入穴２０に挿入し、ステンレス製の固定ビス１９を締め付けて円筒部材２１を側方から押圧することによって、湾曲操作ワイヤ１６の端部が円筒部材２１と共に固定されるようになっている。
【００１７】
操作部本体１１は、樹脂等の材料を型に流し込んで成型したもので構成されており、異なる複数種類の製品で共通に使用できる構造となっている。操作部本体１１には、レリーズ・フリーズ等のスイッチが配設される部分にスイッチ用孔部２２が設けられており、他の製品にはスイッチが配設されるが当該製品には配設されない箇所、すなわち当該製品において使用しない箇所のスイッチ用孔部２２には図４に示すように蓋部２３を組み付けて孔を塞ぐようにしている。図４中の（ａ）は蓋部２３が組み付けられた状態でのスイッチ用孔部２２の構造を示す断面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）をＡ方向から見た矢視図である。
【００１８】
蓋部２３は、スイッチ用孔部２２との間に設けられたＯリング２４によって水密にスイッチ用孔部２２へ取り付けられるようになっている。蓋部２３の内側端部には、抜け止め用の固定ピン２５を挿通する挿通孔２６が穿設された係止部材２７が略平行に２つ設けられている。操作部本体１１のスイッチ用孔部２２を蓋部２３で塞ぐ場合には、スイッチ用孔部２２に蓋部２３を嵌入し、係止部材２７の挿通孔２６に固定ピン２５を挿通した後、シリコン系の接着剤等によって固定ピン２５を接着固定する。この固定ピン２５によって蓋部２３は抜け止めが施されて操作部本体１１に固定される。
【００１９】
前記固定ピン２５は、一部に大径部２８が形成されており、固定ピン２５を装着する際につかみ易い構造となっている。また、固定ピン２５の大径部２８の側部には、ピン本体２９と同一面状の平面部３０が形成されており、蓋部２３及び操作部本体１１に対してガタツキなく当接するようになっている。さらに、固定ピン２５は挿通孔２６に挿通した状態で蓋部２３の対角上に配置されるようになっており、これらにより操作部本体１１との接触部分の面積を有効的に増やすことができ、抜け止めの効果をより向上させることができる。
【００２０】
このように使用しないスイッチ用孔部２２を蓋部２３で塞ぐような構成とすることにより、同一の操作部本体１１を異なる複数種類の製品で共通に使用可能となる。
【００２１】
なお、図５に示すような型を用いることにより、成型用の型を新規に作製することなく、スイッチ用孔部２２を有する操作部本体１１（図５の（ａ）に示す）と有しない操作部本体１１ａ（図５の（ｂ）に示す）とを成型することも可能である。本例では、固定型３１及び可動型３２を設けると共に、可動型３２に対して交換可能に組み込む中子３３ａ，３３ｂを設け、目的の成型品に対応して中子３３ａ，３３ｂを交換する方法を用いる。
【００２２】
この方法によれば、固定型３１及び可動型３２を共通に使用できるため、組立加工費を上げることなく、スイッチ用孔部２２を有する操作部本体１１と有しない操作部本体１１ａとを安価に作製できる。
【００２３】
また、図５に示した成型方法は、把持部７に取り付けられる製品名版部３５の成型においても同様に適用できる。製品名版部３５に製品名等の文字や記号を刻設する場合には、図６に示すように、可動型３２に対して交換可能に組み込む中子３４を製品名毎に用意しておき、製品名に対応させて中子３４ａ，３４ｂ，３４ｃを交換して用いることにより、同一の型で複数種類の製品名を有する製品名版部３５を製作することが可能である。
【００２４】
前述したような本実施例の可動部駆動操作手段の構成によれば、湾曲操作ワイヤ１６の伸びによって生じる湾曲角度の減少を調整したり、所望の湾曲角度の変更、あるいは用途に応じた湾曲角度の変更などを行いたい場合に、使用者は取付ビス１４を緩めて把持部カバー１３を把持部７から取り外し、固定ビス１９の円筒部材２１に対する押圧位置を変更することによって、容易に湾曲操作ワイヤ１６の長さを調整して湾曲角度を変更することができる。
【００２５】
このとき、湾曲操作ワイヤ１６の端部に嵌合固定した円筒部材２１の押圧方向の断面形状は円形であり、固定ビス１９の押圧力に対して強固で変形しにくい構造となっているため、調整を何度も繰り返すと固定ビス１９の方が変形してしまい、必要な固定力量が維持できなくなるおそれがある。しかし、本構成では固定ビス１９はワイヤ接続部材１８に対して着脱可能になっており、変形した固定ビス１９を取り外して固定ビス１９を新しいものに取り替えることが可能であるので、湾曲操作ワイヤ１６の接続部における固定力量の低下を防止することができ、常に強固な固定力を維持することが可能となる。これにより、内視鏡に設けられる湾曲操作ワイヤ等の各操作ワイヤの操作時における機能低下を防止することができる。
【００２６】
次に、第２実施例として、挿入部先端部に設けた処置具起上装置を駆動操作する処置具起上操作機構を備えた内視鏡の構成例を説明する。
【００２７】
図７ないし図２８は本発明の第２実施例に係り、図７は内視鏡の全体構成を示す構成説明図、図８は先端カバーを先端部本体から取り外した状態での挿入部先端部の構成を示す側面図、図９は挿入部先端部の径方向断面図、図１０は挿入部先端部における処置具起上台の取り付け構造を示す軸方向断面図、図１１は先端カバーを固定する固定蓋の取り付け構造を示す断面図、図１２ないし図１４は先端カバーの固定機構の変形例を示す構成説明図、図１５は先端カバーの変形例を示す斜視図、図１６は処置具起上台の起上操作機構の概略構成を示す構成説明図、図１７は処置具起上操作機構における駆動力伝達部の構成を示す断面図、図１８は処置具起上操作機構における起上ワイヤ案内管接続部の構成を示す断面図、図１９ないし図２１は起上ワイヤ案内管接続部の変形例を示す断面図、図２２は起上ワイヤ案内管接続部を上方から見た上面外観図、図２３は保護カバーを取り付けた状態での処置具起上ワイヤ接続部の構成を示す構成説明図、図２４は把持部を使用者が手で握った状態を示す説明図、図２５は処置具起上ワイヤ接続部の詳細構成を示す断面図、図２６は処置具起上ワイヤ接続部における駆動軸と接続部本体の嵌合部の構成例を示す断面図、図２７は処置具起上ワイヤ接続部を接続固定する固定口金とこの固定口金を回転させる固定用冶具の構成を示す説明図、図２８は処置具起上ワイヤの押圧状態を示す作用説明図である。
【００２８】
本実施例の内視鏡４１は、図７に示すように、細長の挿入部４２の基端部に操作部４３が連設されて構成されている。挿入部４２は、先端側から対物光学系等を備えた硬性の先端部４４、複数の湾曲駒が連結されて構成された所望の角度に湾曲可能な湾曲部５、可撓性を有する挿入管６、の各部が連結されて構成されている。先端部４４には、図８に示すように先端部本体４５に対して着脱自在に装着される先端カバー４６が設けられている。
【００２９】
挿入部４２の手元側の操作部４３には、中央部に使用者が把持する把持部４７が設けられ、把持部４７の手元側に湾曲操作ノブ８，処置具起上レバー４８，送気・送水ボタン９，吸引ボタン１０等を配設した操作部本体４９が連設されている。把持部４７の先端側の操作部４３と挿入部４２との連結部近傍には、挿入部４２内に配設された処置具チャンネルと連通し外部に開口した処置具挿入口１２が設けられている。
【００３０】
先端部本体４５には、図８に示すように、対物レンズ５０、照明レンズ５１、送気・送水用のノズル５２等が設けられている。操作部本体４９の送気・送水ボタン９に対して押し込み等の操作を行って送気・送水ボタン９を操作することにより、ノズル５２より空気や水等を噴出して体腔内に空気を送気したり、対物レンズ５０へ向かって洗浄水を送水することができるようになっている。また、先端部本体４５において、前記挿入部４２内に配設された処置具チャンネルの先端側が開口しており、この処置具チャンネル開口部を含む先端部本体４５の先端及び側周部を覆うように先端カバー４６が取り付けられるようになっている。
【００３１】
先端カバー４６には、前記処置具チャンネル開口部に対応して、処置具挿入口１２から挿入されて処置具チャンネル内を挿通し開口部より突出した鉗子等の処置具を起上・倒置させる処置具起上台５３が配設され、この処置具起上台５３を回動自在に固定する固定ブロック５４が先端カバー本体５５と一体的に形成されて設けられている。挿入部４２内には、一端が操作部４３の処置具起上レバー４８と接続され、処置具起上レバー４８による起上・倒置操作の駆動力を伝達するための処置具起上ワイヤ５６が配設されており、この処置具起上ワイヤ５６の先端側は、固定ブロック５４により先端カバー４６内部へ案内されて処置具起上台５３に接続固定されている。
【００３２】
また、図９に示すように、処置具起上台５３の端部には貫通した挿通孔５７が設けられ、処置具起上ワイヤ５６が挿通している。処置具起上台５３の内側部には挿通孔５７に連通して太径の係止溝５８が設けられており、プラズマ加工等により形成された処置具起上ワイヤ５６の先端部の球部５９が係止溝５８に収納されて係止されている。
【００３３】
処置具起上ワイヤ５６は、先端の球部５９の外径が挿通孔５７の内径よりも大きく成形されて処置具起上台５３から抜けないようになっており、先端部の球部５９と係止溝５８との係止固定のみで処置具起上台５３に対して回動自在に取り付けられている。そして、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の他方は、固定ブロック５４の案内スロープ部６０に沿って操作部４３側に延出している。
【００３４】
処置具起上台５３の基部には、図９及び図１０に示すように、一体に成形された係止腕部６１が両側に突設されており、この係止腕部６１が固定ブロック５４の係止穴６２に嵌挿することで処置具起上台５３が固定ブロック５４に対して回動自在に取り付けられている。係止腕部６１は両側に設けられているので、処置具起上ワイヤ５６を牽引して処置具起上台５３を起上・倒置させても処置具起上台５３が側方に傾かない構造になっている。
【００３５】
また、固定ブロック５４における係止穴６２の下方の外周部には係合溝６３が設けられ、先端カバー本体５５の内周部には係合溝６３に係合する保持突起６４が配設されているため、処置具起上台５３を起上・倒置させたときに処置具起上台５３の基部が保持突起６４によって保持され、図９における下方への移動を防止するようになっている。さらに、固定ブロック５４の係止穴６２近傍の角部には引掛け部６５が突設され、この引掛け部６５が先端カバー本体５５に設けられたＶ字状溝６６に係合して保持されることにより、係止穴６２の広がりを防止している。以上の構成により、起上・倒置操作時における処置具起上台５３のガタつきの増加を防止できる。
【００３６】
そして、先端カバー本体５５と固定ブロック５４とは、先端カバー４６の側部より螺合した固定ビス６７によって一体的に固定されている。また、先端部本体４５の側辺部には案内溝７９が形成され、これに対応して先端カバー本体５５にはＬ字状の係合凸部８０が設けられており、係合凸部８０と案内溝７９とが係合することによって、先端カバー４６の図９における反時計回りの回転を防止している。
【００３７】
先端カバー４６より手元側に延出した処置具起上ワイヤ５６は、先端カバー４６を先端部本体４５に組み付けた状態で、操作部４３のワイヤ接続部１０４の位置に合わせて端部が切断されるが、この処置具起上ワイヤ５６の切断を、処置具起上台５３を倒置状態で行うことにより、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の長さのバラツキを少なくすることができる。
【００３８】
先端カバー４６は、図８の矢印で示すように先端部本体４５に組み付けた後、内周部に雌ネジ部が設けられたキャップ状の固定蓋６８を先端部本体４５の端部に突設された雄ネジからなる係止ネジ部６９に螺合することによって、先端部本体４５に対して固定されるようになっている。このとき、図１１に示すように、固定蓋６８を係止ネジ部６９に螺合し、先端カバー本体５５の固定蓋収納部７０にフランジ状に突設された固定凸部７１を先端部本体４５端面と固定蓋６８とで挟み込むことによって、先端カバー４６の固定を行っている。図１１において、（ａ）は固定蓋６８と係止ネジ部６９の螺合状態での軸方向断面を、（ｂ）は（ａ）のＢ−Ｂ線断面を示したものである。固定蓋６８の先端側にはツマミ７２が突設されており、固定蓋６８を螺合する際には、ツマミ７２を指でつまんで回転させることで、固定作業を容易に行うことができる。
【００３９】
固定蓋６８の基端部内側には、係止ネジ部６９のネジ底部７３の外径よりもやや小さい内径を有する嵌合穴７４が設けられている。この嵌合穴７４は、周方向の２箇所に切り欠き部７５を設けることにより弾性を有した構造となっており、固定蓋６８を係止ネジ部６９に螺合したときに、嵌合穴７４はネジ底部７３によって外側へ付勢された状態で広げられ、ネジ底部７３に嵌合する。このように、固定蓋６８の緩みによる先端部本体４５からの脱落防止のため、固定蓋６８は係止ネジ部６９から外れ難い構造となっている。
【００４０】
また、固定蓋６８の後端部には外側にフランジ部７６が突設され、固定蓋収納部７０の開口部近傍には周方向の一部に抜け止め突起部７７が突設されているため、仮に固定蓋６８が緩んだとしても、フランジ部７６が抜け止め突起部７７に引っ掛かることで固定蓋６８の脱落を防止できる。
【００４１】
フランジ部７６には、抜け止め突起部７７と同位置に切り欠き溝７８が設けられているため、固定蓋６８を先端カバー本体５５の固定蓋収納部７０に嵌め込む際には、切り欠き溝７８と抜け止め突起部７７とを合わせることで固定蓋６８を容易に挿入可能である。この抜け止め突起部７７及び切り欠き溝７８の位置を非対称に配置することにより、３６０度回転中１箇所しか抜け止め突起部７７と切り欠き溝７８が一致する位置がないので、固定蓋６８の脱落の発生確率を更に低くすることができる。
【００４２】
さらに、固定蓋６８は、先端カバー４６の先端端面８１に配置されており、大部分が固定蓋収納部７０内に収納されて先端に突出する部分がなるべく小さくなるような構造となっているため、先端部４４を体腔内へ挿入したときに、固定蓋６８が体壁に接しないので、体壁を傷つける心配がない。
【００４３】
先端カバー４６を先端部本体４５に固定する機構の変形例を以下に示す。図１２は先端カバー固定機構の第１の変形例に係り、（ａ）は固定蓋８２の取り付け構造の軸方向断面を、（ｂ）は（ａ）のＣ−Ｃ線断面を示したものである。
【００４４】
第１の変形例に用いられる固定蓋８２は、固定蓋本体８３の基端部外周部に設けられたネジ部に受け座部８４が螺合して接着固定されて構成され、固定蓋８２の内部には圧縮コイルバネ８５が収納されている。この固定蓋８２は先端部本体４５に突設された係止部８６に係合し、圧縮コイルバネ８５の付勢力によって先端部本体４５に係止され、先端カバー本体５５に突設された固定凸部７１を先端部本体４５端面と固定蓋８２とで挟み込むことによって、先端カバー４６の固定を行っている。
【００４５】
また、図１１の構成と同様に、受け座部８４の内側に突設されたフランジ部７６が係止部８６の外周の一部に突設された抜け止め突起部７７に引っ掛かることにより、固定蓋８２の脱落を防止している。固定蓋８２を先端カバー本体５５の固定蓋収納部７０に嵌め込む際には、フランジ部７６に設けられた切り欠き溝７８を抜け止め突起部７７と一致させることで固定蓋８２を容易に挿入できる。この抜け止め突起部７７及び切り欠き溝７８の位置を非対称に配置することにより、固定蓋８２の脱落の発生確率を低くすることができる。
【００４６】
このとき、固定蓋８２の端部には円弧状の冶具係合溝８７が設けられており、図１３に示すように回転用冶具８８を冶具係合溝８７に係合させて固定蓋８２に取り付けることで、回転用冶具８８によって容易に固定蓋８２を固定蓋収納部７０に装着することができる。
【００４７】
図１４に先端カバー固定機構の第２の変形例を示す。図１４において、（ａ）は固定蓋近傍の先端カバーを前方から見た平面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）のＤ−Ｄ線断面図である。
【００４８】
先端カバー本体５５の固定蓋収納部７０底部には、先端側は係止ネジ部６９の外径よりも小さく、後端側は係止ネジ部６９の外径よりも大きく寸法設定された係止テーパ孔８９が設けられている。この係止テーパ孔８９周縁部の固定凸部７１の一部を先端部本体４５の係止ネジ部６９に係止させることによって、先端カバー４６の脱落を防止している。
【００４９】
この構成では、先端カバー４６を先端部本体４５に取り付けるときに、係止テーパ孔８９の一部が弾性変形によって係止ネジ部６９を乗り越えて係合するようになっている。
【００５０】
また、先端カバー本体５５における固定蓋６８近傍の周縁部には、固定蓋６８を取り囲むように先端カバー４６の先端端面８１より突出した凸部９２が設けられ、この凸部９２により、先端カバー本体５５に突出した固定蓋６８のツマミ７２等が体壁に直接触れないように保護している。この構造によれば、突出した固定蓋６８が体壁に接触する前に、先端カバー４６の外周と滑らかにつながっている凸部９２が接触するので、体壁を傷つける心配がない。
【００５１】
図１５に先端カバー固定機構の第３の変形例を示す。この変形例では、先端部本体４５の側部にカムピン部９０が突設され、一方先端カバー本体５５の内面にはカムピン部９０が係合するカギ状に屈折したカム溝部９１が設けられており、先端カバー４６を先端部本体４５に取り付けたときにカムピン部９０とカム溝部９１とが係合することにより、先端カバー４６が固定されるようになっている。このカムピン部９０及びカム溝部９１の係合によって、先端カバー４６の脱落を防止している。
【００５２】
次に、処置具起上操作機構の構成について説明する。図１６は操作部４３における処置具起上操作機構の概略構成を示したものである。
【００５３】
操作部４３に設けられた処置具起上レバー４８は、円環状のレバー本体９３が操作部４３内において回動自在に取り付けられ、処置具起上レバー４８端部が操作部４３より突出している。レバー本体９３には、ピン９４によってリンク部９５の一端が回動可能に連結されており、リンク部９５の他端にはピン９６によって直方体状の摺動部材９７が回動可能に連結されている。摺動部材９７は直線状の案内溝を有する案内部材９８の案内溝に係入している。処置具起上レバー４８を操作すると、レバー本体９３が回動し、この回転運動がリンク部９５を介して摺動部材９７に伝達され、案内部材９８によって摺動部材９７の往復運動に変換されて、摺動部材９７が案内部材９８に沿って摺動するようになっている。
【００５４】
摺動部材９７に設けられた係合孔９９には、図１７に示すように、伝達軸１００が係合しており、さらに伝達軸１００の他端にはネジ部が設けられ、駆動軸１０１の一端が螺合して取り付けられている。この駆動軸１０１は、操作部４３の把持部４７側部に取り付けられた摺動カバー１０３内に摺動可能に配設され、駆動軸１０１の他端には、図７に示すように、処置具起上ワイヤ５６との接続を行うワイヤ接続部１０４が設けられ、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の手元側端部が接続されている。
【００５５】
駆動軸１０１は、摺動カバー１０３に固設された保持リング１０５を挿通し、保持リング１０５に内設された保持ゴム１０６によって水密的に保持されている。この保持リング１０５には固定口金Ａ１０７が螺嵌されており、保持リング１０５及び固定口金Ａ１０７は摺動カバー１０３に対して接着によって固定されている。
【００５６】
摺動カバー１０３は、把持部本体１０２にインサート成形された締付口金１０８に螺合する固定ビス１０９によって、把持部本体１０２に対して固定されている。摺動カバー１０３と把持部本体１０２との間にはゴムシート１１０が設けられており、このゴムシート１１０によって把持部４７内部の水密が保たれている。
【００５７】
処置具起上ワイヤ５６は、前述のように先端が先端カバー４６の処置具起上台５３に接続され、後端側は図１８に示すように、挿入管６内に配設された起上ワイヤ案内管１１１，挿入管６基端部の導出カバー１１５内に配設されたＳ字状の接続パイプ１１２，導出口金１１３を挿通した後、操作部４３側に導出される。
【００５８】
導出口金１１３の端部外周には固定口金Ｂ１１４が螺合しており、導出口金１１３と固定口金Ｂ１１４とで把持部本体１０２を挟み込むことによって、導出口金１１３を把持部４７に対して固定している。また、導出口金１１３と接続パイプ１１２とはロウ付により接続固定されている。把持部本体１０２と導出口金１１３との間、及び把持部本体１０２と導出カバー１１５との間には、それぞれＯリングＡ１１６、ＯリングＢ１１７が設けられ、これらのＯリングＡ１１６，Ｂ１１７によって水密を保持している。
【００５９】
起上ワイヤ案内管１１１と接続パイプ１１２との接続部は、それぞれのパイプの端部に口金Ａ１１８，口金Ｂ１１９がハンダによって外嵌固定され、これらの端面間にゴム等の高弾性高分子材料からなる水密リング１２０が配設されて口金Ａ１１８と口金Ｂ１１９で挟み込まれた後、外周が熱収縮チューブ１２１によって被覆固定された構造となっている。このような接続部の構成によれば、起上ワイヤ案内管１１１と接続パイプ１１２の端面の間に水密手段である水密リング１２０を設けているので、水密を保ちつつ接続部の占有スペースを小さくすることができ、少ないスペースでパイプの接続を行うことが可能になる。
【００６０】
図１９ないし図２１に起上ワイヤ案内管接続部の変形例を示す。図１９に示す第１の変形例は、起上ワイヤ案内管１１１と接続パイプ１１２の肉厚が多少厚い場合における構成例である。この例では、口金Ａ１１８と口金Ｂ１１９を設けずに、起上ワイヤ案内管１１１と接続パイプ１１２の端面間に直接水密リング１２０を配設し、その外周に熱収縮チューブ１２１を被覆した構造となっている。
【００６１】
図２０に示す第２の変形例は、水密リング１２０の破損を防止した構成例である。この例では、起上ワイヤ案内管１１１と接続パイプ１１２の端部にそれぞれ固定される口金Ａ１２２，口金Ｂ１２３において、各パイプの端面を覆う保護部１２４を設け、これらの保護部１２４の間に水密リング１２０を配設した構造となっており、起上ワイヤ案内管１１１と口金Ａ１２２、及び接続パイプ１１２と口金Ｂ１２３の境目が水密リング１２０に接しないようにしている。
【００６２】
図２１に示す第３の変形例は、起上ワイヤ案内管１１１と接続パイプ１１２の着脱を容易に行えるようにした構成例である。この例では、起上ワイヤ案内管１１１の端部にネジ状凸部１２５を、接続パイプ１１２の端部に係止フランジ部１２６をそれぞれ設け、ネジ状凸部１２５と係止フランジ部１２６との間に水密リング１２０を配設し、これらの外周部に、内部にネジ部を有する係止口金１２７を装着して、係止口金１２７をネジ状凸部１２５に螺合させることにより、係止口金１２７で係止フランジ部１２６を押圧して固定する構造となっている。このように係止口金１２７を着脱自在とすることにより、起上ワイヤ案内管１１１と接続パイプ１１２の取り付け・取り外しを容易に行うことができる。
【００６３】
以上の各変形例の構成においても、接続部の水密を保ちつつ小さなスペースでパイプの接続を行うことが可能である。
【００６４】
挿入管６の手元側端部には、後端口金１２８が取り付けられており、操作部４３内に設けられた内筒１２９に連結固定されている。この後端口金１２８は端部に向かって徐々に外径が大きく形成されたテーパ部１３０を有し、一方内筒１２９にはテーパ部１３０と係合するよう端部に向かって徐々に内径が小さく形成されたテーパ凸部１３１が設けられている。後端口金１２８と内筒１２９を接続する際には、テーパ部１３０とテーパ凸部１３１とを係合し、固定リング１３２を後端口金１２８に螺合することによって、後端口金１２８のテーパ部１３０を固定リング１３２で内筒１２９のテーパ凸部１３１に締め付けて固定する。
【００６５】
ここで、後端口金１２８の起上ワイヤ案内管接続部側の一部には、図２２に示すように、楕円状の切り欠き部１３３が設けられており、この後端口金１２８の構造により開口部が大きくなり、操作部４３全長の短縮化、及び起上ワイヤ案内管１１１と接続パイプ１１２の接続作業性の向上を図ることができる。
【００６６】
操作部４３側部のワイヤ接続部１０４には、図２３に示すように、ワイヤ接続部１０４を保護するためのゴム等の高弾性高分子材料からなる保護カバー１３４が着脱自在に設けられている。図２３において、（ａ）は操作部長手方向の側面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）のＥ−Ｅ線断面図を示している。保護カバー１３４の内面には、ステンレス製の保護板１３５がインサート成形されている。また、保護カバー１３４の両端部には係止孔部１３６が設けられており、この係止孔部１３６を固定口金Ａ１０７及び固定口金Ｂ１１４にそれぞれ嵌め込むことによって、保護カバー１３４を操作部４３に対して固定できるようになっている。
【００６７】
前記保護カバー１３４の係止孔部１３６には、端部に向かって大径となるよう切り欠かれた案内テーパ部１３７と、固定口金Ａ１０７及び固定口金Ｂ１１４の外径よりも小さい小径部１３８とが設けられているため、保護カバー１３４は、案内テーパ部１３７のガイドにより装着し易く、かつ、外れ難い構造となっている。
【００６８】
また、図２４に示すように、把持部４７の側部には、使用者が指を掛けるための指掛凸部１３９が突設されており、摺動カバー１０３が突出して設けられていても把持し易くなっている。
【００６９】
ワイヤ接続部１０４の詳細構成を図２５に示す。図２５において、（ａ）は操作部径方向の断面図（（ｂ）のＦ−Ｆ線断面図）、（ｂ）は操作部長手方向の断面図である。
【００７０】
ワイヤ接続部１０４は、内面にネジ部が設けられた接続部本体１４０を有し、上部に押圧部１４１が螺合されると共に、内部に押圧部１４１と対向してワイヤ受け部１４２が収納され、底部にワイヤ受け部１４２を係止する保持部材１４３が螺合されて構成されている。接続部本体１４０の上端部には、ネジ部が中断して内側に突出形成されたあるいは不完全ネジ部からなる係止凸部１４４が設けられ、係止凸部１４４の内径が押圧部１４１のフランジ部の外径より小さく形成されており、この係止凸部１４４によって押圧部１４１の抜け止めが施されている。
【００７１】
ワイヤ受け部１４２端部の処置具起上ワイヤ５６を挿入する挿入口には、処置具起上ワイヤ５６を接続する際にワイヤ接続部１０４内に挿入し易くするための導入テーパ部１４５が設けられている。また、ワイヤ受け部１４２の他端には、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の端部が当接するワイヤ当接部１４６が設けられ、ワイヤ当接部１４６の近傍は外部に露出しており、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の接続位置を確認し易い構造となっている。
【００７２】
接続部本体１４０の側部には、ネジ部を有する接続凸部１４８が突設されており、この接続凸部１４８に螺合する固定口金１４７によって、ワイヤ接続部１０４が駆動軸１０１の端部に着脱自在に接続されるようになっている。このとき、固定口金１４７を接続凸部１４８に螺合し、接続部本体１４０と固定口金１４７で駆動軸１０１端部のフランジ部１４９を挟み込むことによって、駆動軸１０１に対してワイヤ接続部１０４を固定している。
【００７３】
接続部本体１４０の接続凸部１４８と駆動軸１０１端部のフランジ部１４９との嵌合部（図２５のＧ−Ｇ断面）の構成例を図２６に示す。図２６の（ａ）あるいは（ｂ）に示すように、接続部本体１４０と駆動軸１０１との嵌合構造を円形でない異形のものとすることにより、誤組立の防止、及びワイヤ接続部１０４と駆動軸１０１の回転防止を図ることができる。
【００７４】
固定口金１４７の駆動軸１０１側の内部には、駆動軸１０１の固定時における駆動軸１０１への傷つき防止と固定後の駆動軸１０１のゆるみ防止のために、Ｏリング１５０が配設されている。また、固定口金１４７の外周には、図２７に示すように固定用冶具１５１を取り付けるための係合溝部１５２が設けられており、固定用冶具１５１を用いることによって固定口金１４７を容易に固定することが可能となっている。
【００７５】
さらに、ワイヤ接続部１０４は、駆動軸１０１より取り外した状態でオートクレーブ，ＥＴＯ等による滅菌処理が可能になっている。
【００７６】
処置具起上ワイヤ５６を接続固定する際には、押圧部１４１を回転させて接続部本体１４０内に締め込み、処置具起上ワイヤ５６を側方から押圧部１４１の端面で押圧することによって、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の固定を行う。
【００７７】
このとき、図２８に示すように、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の押しつぶし量Ｉは、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の外径Ｊに対して、一般的に２０〜３０％が望ましいが、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の固定力を強固にしたい場合には３０〜４０％としても良く、また固定力が少し弱くても構わない場合には１０〜２０％としても良い。
【００７８】
このような構成のワイヤ接続部１０４においては、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の押圧方向の断面形状は円形であり、押圧部１４１の押圧力に対して強固で変形しにくい構造となっているため、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の着脱を何度も繰り返すと押圧部１４１の方が変形してしまい、必要な固定力量が維持できなくなるおそれがある。しかし、本実施例の可動部駆動操作手段の構成では、ワイヤ接続部１０４は駆動軸１０１に対して着脱可能になっており、固定口金１４７を緩めて変形した押圧部１４１を有するワイヤ接続部１０４を駆動軸１０１から取り外し、ワイヤ接続部１０４を新しいものに取り替えることが可能であるので、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の接続部における固定力量の低下を防止することができ、常に強固な固定力を維持することが可能となる。
【００７９】
なお、押圧部１４１の変形をなるべく小さくするためには、押圧部１４１を回動自在に取り付けると共に、ワイヤ受け部１４２に回転防止を施して、処置具起上ワイヤ５６を押圧するような構成が考えられる。
【００８０】
図２９は本発明の第３実施例に係る処置具起上ワイヤ接続部の構成を示す断面図である。
【００８１】
第３実施例は、第２実施例における処置具起上ワイヤ接続部の構成を変更した変形例である。ここでは第２実施例と異なる部分の構成のみ説明する。図２９において、（ａ）は操作部径方向の断面図（（ｂ）のＨ−Ｈ線断面図）、（ｂ）は操作部長手方向の断面図である。
【００８２】
本実施例のワイヤ接続部１６０は、円筒状で内面にネジ部が設けられた接続部本体１６１を有し、上部に押圧ビス１６２が螺合されると共に、内部に押圧ビス１６２と対向してワイヤ受け部１４２が収納され、底部にワイヤ受け部１４２を係止する保持部材１４３が螺合されて構成されている。
【００８３】
本実施例では、押圧ビス１６２として、規格品であるＡＨＵを使用している。また、押圧ビス１６２の材質は例えばＳＣＭ４３５を、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の材質は例えばＳＵＳ３０４−ＷＰＢをそれぞれ使用し、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の硬度より押圧ビス１６２の硬度を大きくすることにより、押圧ビス１６２が変形し難いようにしている。
【００８４】
このような構成のワイヤ接続部１６０においては、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の押圧方向の断面形状は円形であり、押圧ビス１６２の押圧力に対して強固で変形しにくい構造となっているため、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の着脱を何度も繰り返すと押圧ビス１６２の方が変形してしまい、必要な固定力量が維持できなくなるおそれがある。しかし、本実施例の構成では、押圧ビス１６２が着脱可能になっており、変形した押圧ビス１６２を取り外して押圧ビス１６２を新しいものに取り替えることが可能であるので、処置具起上ワイヤ５６の接続部における固定力量の低下を防止することができ、常に強固な固定力を維持することが可能となる。また、このような交換部品である押圧ビス１６２に規格品を用いることにより、市場で入手し易く、コストを低減させることができる。
【００８５】
なお、本実施例は、前述した湾曲操作ワイヤの接続部や処置具起上ワイヤの接続部に限らず、フォーカス機能を有する内視鏡に設けられるフォーカス用ワイヤの接続部において操作手段と接続するための押圧ビスを着脱自在にしたものなど、内視鏡に使用されているワイヤの固定手段であれば、いかなるものにも適用することが可能である。
【００８６】
［付記］
（１） 観察部位へ挿入する挿入部の先端部に起立自在に配設された処置具起上台と、前記処置具起上台に一端が接続された操作ワイヤと、前記操作ワイヤを進退操作するワイヤ駆動手段とを含む可動部駆動操作手段を備えた内視鏡において、
前記操作ワイヤと前記ワイヤ駆動手段とを内視鏡の外部に導出させた状態で着脱自在に接続すると共に、この操作ワイヤとワイヤ駆動手段との接続部において、前記操作ワイヤを押圧することによって固定する押圧部材を着脱自在に設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００８７】
（２） 観察部位へ挿入する挿入部に設けられた湾曲自在な湾曲部と、前記湾曲部に一端が接続され他端が操作部まで挿通された操作ワイヤと、前記操作ワイヤを進退操作するワイヤ駆動手段とを含む可動部駆動操作手段を備えた内視鏡において、
前記操作ワイヤとワイヤ駆動手段との接続部において、前記操作ワイヤを押圧することによって固定する押圧部材を着脱自在に設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００８８】
（３） 前記操作ワイヤは、単線、より線、複より線のいずれかからなるワイヤで構成される請求項１、付記１または２に記載の内視鏡。
【００８９】
（４） 前記操作ワイヤは、ワイヤの端部に円筒部材を外嵌して構成される請求項１、付記１または２に記載の内視鏡。
【００９０】
（５） 前記押圧部材は、螺合して締め付けるネジ部を有する固定部材またはビスからなる請求項１、付記１または２に記載の内視鏡。
【００９１】
（６） 前記押圧部材は、前記操作ワイヤを単に押えつけて固定する固定部材からなる請求項１、付記１または２に記載の内視鏡。
【００９２】
付記１ないし６の構成のように、押圧部材を交換可能にすることにより、操作ワイヤの固定力が低下する前に押圧部材を取り外して交換し、固定力の低下を防止でき、所望の固定力を維持させることが可能となる。
【００９３】
（７） 挿入部先端に設けられた先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーとを有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体に雄ねじを螺設し、前記先端カバーに前記雄ねじと螺合する雌ねじを螺設すると共に、前記先端カバーを滅菌可能部材で構成したことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００９４】
（８） 挿入部先端に設けられた先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーとを有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体に雄ねじを螺設し、前記先端カバーに前記雄ねじを螺合する雌ねじを螺設すると共に、前記先端カバーをディスポーザブルとしたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００９５】
（９） 挿入部先端に設けられた処置具起上台を有する先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーとを有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体に雄ねじを螺設し、前記先端カバーに前記雄ねじと螺合する雌ねじを螺設すると共に、前記先端カバーを滅菌可能部材で構成したことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００９６】
（１０） 挿入部先端に設けられた処置具起上台を有する先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーとを有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体に雄ねじを螺設し、前記先端カバーに前記雄ねじと螺合する雌ねじを螺設すると共に、前記先端カバーをディスポーザブルとしたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００９７】
（１１） 挿入部先端に設けられた先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーとを有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体に雄ねじを螺設し、前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込む係止部材に前記雄ねじと螺合する雌ねじを螺設すると共に、前記係止部材を滅菌可能部材で構成したことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００９８】
（１２） 挿入部先端に設けられた先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーとを有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体に雄ねじを螺設し、前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込む係止部材に前記雄ねじと螺合する雌ねじを螺設すると共に、前記係止部材をディスポーザブルとしたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【００９９】
（１３） 挿入部先端に設けられた処置具起上台を有する先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーとを有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体に雄ねじを螺設し、前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込む係止部材に前記雄ねじと螺合する雌ねじを螺設すると共に、前記係止部材を滅菌可能部材で構成したことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１００】
（１４） 挿入部先端に設けられた処置具起上台を有する先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーとを有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体に雄ねじを螺設し、前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込む係止部材に前記雄ねじと螺合する雌ねじを螺設すると共に、前記係止部材をディスポーザブルとしたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１０１】
（１５） 前記滅菌可能部材は、オートクレーブ、ＥＴＯを含む滅菌処理が可能な構成の部材である付記７，９，１１，１３に記載の内視鏡。
【０１０２】
（１６） 前記滅菌可能部材は、ポリスルホン、ステンレス、エポキシ系の接着剤のいずれかを含む滅菌可能材料からなる付記７，９，１１，１３に記載の内視鏡。
【０１０３】
付記７，９，１１，１３，１５，１６の構成では、先端部本体側に雄ねじ部を設けているので、ねじ部が表面に露出するため洗浄ブラシが当て易く、一方、洗浄ブラシが当て難い雌ねじを有する先端カバーや係止部材を滅菌可能部材で構成したので、洗浄・滅菌性が良好である。
【０１０４】
（１７） 前記ディスポーザブルの部材は、ポリスルホン、シリコンゴムのいずれかを含む生体に対して安全な材料からなる付記８，１０，１２，１４に記載の内視鏡。
【０１０５】
付記８，１０，１２，１４，１７の構成では、先端部本体側に雄ねじ部を設けているので、ねじ部が表面に露出するため洗浄ブラシが当て易く、一方、洗浄ブラシが当て難い雌ねじを有する先端カバーや係止部材をディスポーザブルとしたので、洗浄・滅菌性が良好である。
【０１０６】
（１８） 挿入部先端に設けられた先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーと、前記先端部本体に着脱自在に固定され前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込んで係止する係止部材と、を有する内視鏡において、
前記係止部材にフランジ部を設けると共に、前記先端カバーに少なくとも１つ以上の抜け止め突起部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１０７】
（１９） 挿入部先端に設けられた先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーと、前記先端部本体に着脱自在に固定され前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込んで係止する係止部材と、を有する内視鏡において、
前記先端カバーにフランジ部を設けると共に、前記係止部材に少なくとも１つ以上の抜け止め突起部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１０８】
（２０） 挿入部先端に設けられた先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーと、前記先端部本体に着脱自在に固定され前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込んで係止する係止部材と、を有する内視鏡において、
前記係止部材にフランジ部を設けると共に、前記先端部本体に少なくとも１つ以上の抜け止め突起部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１０９】
（２１） 挿入部先端に設けられた先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーと、前記先端部本体に着脱自在に固定され前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込んで係止する係止部材と、を有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体にフランジ部を設けると共に、前記係止部材に少なくとも１つ以上の抜け止め突起部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１１０】
（２２） 挿入部先端に設けられた処置具起上台を有する先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーと、前記先端部本体に着脱自在に固定され前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込んで係止する係止部材と、を有する内視鏡において、
前記係止部材にフランジ部を設けると共に、前記先端カバーに少なくとも１つ以上の抜け止め突起部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１１１】
付記１８、２２の構成のように、係止部材にフランジ部、先端カバーに抜け止め突起部をそれぞれ設け、フランジ部が抜け止め突起部に引掛かる構造とすることによって、係止部材の脱落を防止できる。
【０１１２】
（２３） 挿入部先端に設けられた処置具起上台を有する先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーと、前記先端部本体に着脱自在に固定され前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込んで係止する係止部材と、を有する内視鏡において、
前記先端カバーにフランジ部を設けると共に、前記係止部材に少なくとも１つ以上の抜け止め突起部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１１３】
付記１９、２３の構成のように、先端カバーにフランジ部、係止部材に抜け止め突起部をそれぞれ設け、抜け止め突起部がフランジ部に引掛かる構造とすることによって、係止部材の脱落を防止できる。
【０１１４】
（２４） 挿入部先端に設けられた処置具起上台を有する先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーと、前記先端部本体に着脱自在に固定され前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込んで係止する係止部材と、を有する内視鏡において、
前記係止部材にフランジ部を設けると共に、前記先端部本体に少なくとも１つ以上の抜け止め突起部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１１５】
付記２０、２４の構成のように、係止部材にフランジ部、先端部本体に抜け止め突起部をそれぞれ設け、フランジ部が抜け止め突起部に引掛かる構造とすることによって、係止部材の脱落を防止できる。
【０１１６】
（２５） 挿入部先端に設けられた処置具起上台を有する先端部本体と、前記先端部本体に対して着脱自在である先端カバーと、前記先端部本体に着脱自在に固定され前記先端カバーを前記先端部本体との間で挟み込んで係止する係止部材と、を有する内視鏡において、
前記先端部本体にフランジ部を設けると共に、前記係止部材に少なくとも１つ以上の抜け止め突起部を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１１７】
付記２１、２５の構成のように、先端部本体にフランジ部、係止部材に抜け止め突起部をそれぞれ設け、抜け止め突起部がフランジ部に引掛かる構造とすることによって、係止部材の脱落を防止できる。
【０１１８】
（２６） 中空の円筒部材同士を水密に接続する構造において、第１の円筒部材の端面と第２の円筒部材の端面との間に水密手段を設けたことを特徴とする医療用具。
【０１１９】
（２７） 薄肉の中空円筒部材同士を水密に接続する構造において、第１の円筒部材に第１の口金部を外嵌し、かつ、第２の円筒部材に第２の口金部を外嵌すると共に、前記第１の口金部の端面と前記第２の口金部の端面との間に水密手段を設けたことを特徴とする医療用具。
【０１２０】
（２８） 薄肉の中空円筒部材同士を水密に接続する構造において、第１の円筒部材に外嵌され前記第１の円筒部材の端面部まで突出した第１の口金部と、第２の円筒部材に外嵌され前記第２の円筒部材の端面部まで突出した第２の口金部とを設けると共に、前記第１の口金部の端面と前記第２の口金部の端面との間に水密手段を設けたことを特徴とする医療用具。
【０１２１】
（２９） 薄肉の中空円筒部材同士を水密に接続する構造において、第１の円筒部材の端面側の全周にわたり径方向に突出した第１の突出部を設け、かつ、第２の円筒部材の端面側の全周にわたり径方向に突出した第２の突出部を設けると共に、前記第１の突出部の端面と前記第２の突出部の端面との間に水密手段を設けたことを特徴とする医療用具。
【０１２２】
（３０） 中空の円筒部材同士を水密に接続する構造において、第１の円筒部材の端面と第２の円筒部材の端面との間に水密手段を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１２３】
（３１） 薄肉の中空円筒部材同士を水密に接続する構造において、第１の円筒部材に第１の口金部を外嵌し、かつ、第２の円筒部材に第２の口金部を外嵌すると共に、前記第１の口金部の端面と前記第２の口金部の端面との間に水密手段を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１２４】
（３２） 薄肉の中空円筒部材同士を水密に接続する構造において、第１の円筒部材に外嵌され前記第１の円筒部材の端面部まで突出した第１の口金部と、第２の円筒部材に外嵌され前記第２の円筒部材の端面部まで突出した第２の口金部とを設けると共に、前記第１の口金部の端面と前記第２の口金部の端面との間に水密手段を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１２５】
（３３） 薄肉の中空円筒部材同士を水密に接続する構造において、第１の円筒部材の端面側の全周にわたり径方向に突出した第１の突出部を設け、かつ、第２の円筒部材の端面側の全周にわたり径方向に突出した第２の突出部を設けると共に、前記第１の突出部の端面と前記第２の突出部の端面との間に水密手段を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡。
【０１２６】
（３４） 付記２６ないし３３において、前記中空の円筒部材は、ステンレスを含む金属材料からなる金属製パイプで構成される。
【０１２７】
（３５） 付記２６ないし３３において、前記中空の円筒部材は、ポリテトラフルオロエチレンを含む高分子材料からなる可撓管で構成される。
【０１２８】
（３６） 付記２６ないし３３において、前記水密手段は、シリコンゴムを含む高分子高弾性材料からなる、Ｏリングまたは中空円筒形のパッキンにより構成される。
【０１２９】
付記２６ないし３６の構成では、第１の中空円筒部材の端面側と第２の中空円筒部材の端面側との間に水密手段を設けているので、水密手段を中空円筒部材の外周に配設する必要がなくなり、接続部の占有スペースを小さくして中空円筒部材同士の水密を保つことが可能となる。
【０１３０】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によれば、内視鏡挿入部等に設けられた可動部を駆動操作する可動部駆動操作手段を備えた内視鏡において、可動部に連結された操作ワイヤと操作部に設けられたワイヤ駆動機構とを接続固定する接続部におけるワイヤの固定力が低下することなく、常に強固な固定力を維持することが可能な操作ワイヤの押圧固定構造を提供できる効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施例に係る内視鏡において、可動部の駆動操作手段における湾曲操作ワイヤの固定部の構成を示す一部切り欠き断面図
【図２】第１実施例に係る内視鏡の全体構成を示す構成説明図
【図３】把持部カバーを取り外した状態での操作部周辺の構成を示す斜視図
【図４】操作部本体に設けられるスイッチ用孔部に蓋部を組み付けた場合の蓋部の取り付け構造を示す構成説明図
【図５】操作部本体を成型する型構造の構成例を示す断面図
【図６】製品名版部を成型する際に用いる中子と型との組み合せ構造を示す説明図
【図７】本発明の第２実施例に係る内視鏡の全体構成を示す構成説明図
【図８】先端カバーを先端部本体から取り外した状態での挿入部先端部の構成を示す側面図
【図９】挿入部先端部の径方向断面図
【図１０】挿入部先端部における処置具起上台の取り付け構造を示す軸方向断面図
【図１１】先端カバーを固定する固定蓋の取り付け構造を示す断面図
【図１２】先端カバーの固定機構の第１の変形例を示す断面図
【図１３】固定蓋を装着する際に用いる回転用冶具を示す斜視図
【図１４】先端カバーの固定機構の第２の変形例を示す構成説明図
【図１５】先端カバーの変形例を示す斜視図
【図１６】第２実施例に係る処置具起上台の起上操作機構の概略構成を示す構成説明図
【図１７】処置具起上操作機構における駆動力伝達部の構成を示す断面図
【図１８】処置具起上操作機構における起上ワイヤ案内管接続部の構成を示す断面図
【図１９】起上ワイヤ案内管接続部の第１の変形例を示す断面図
【図２０】起上ワイヤ案内管接続部の第２の変形例を示す断面図
【図２１】起上ワイヤ案内管接続部の第３の変形例を示す断面図
【図２２】起上ワイヤ案内管接続部を上方から見た上面外観図
【図２３】保護カバーを取り付けた状態での処置具起上ワイヤ接続部の構成を示す構成説明図
【図２４】把持部を使用者が手で握った状態を示す説明図
【図２５】第２実施例に係る処置具起上ワイヤ接続部の詳細構成を示す断面図
【図２６】処置具起上ワイヤ接続部における駆動軸と接続部本体の嵌合部の構成例を示す断面図
【図２７】処置具起上ワイヤ接続部を接続固定する固定口金とこの固定口金を回転させる固定用冶具の構成を示す説明図
【図２８】処置具起上ワイヤの押圧状態を示す作用説明図
【図２９】本発明の第３実施例に係る処置具起上ワイヤ接続部の構成を示す断面図
【符号の説明】
２…挿入部
３…操作部
５…湾曲部
７…把持部
８…湾曲操作ノブ
１１…操作部本体
１３…把持部カバー
１６…湾曲操作ワイヤ
１７…ローラーチェーン
１８…ワイヤ接続部材
１９…固定ビス
２１…円筒部材[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an endoscope provided with a drive operation means for driving and operating a movable portion such as a bending portion provided in an insertion portion or a treatment instrument raising device by an operation wire inserted from the operation portion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an endoscope, a treatment tool raising device that raises a treatment tool inserted into a channel of the insertion portion and a movable portion such as a bendable bending portion are provided in an elongated insertion portion that is inserted into an observation site. There is something that is. As a means for driving and operating such a movable part, a lever connected to the proximal end of the operation wire is provided with an operation wire inserted into the insertion part from the operation part on the proximal side of the insertion part and connected to the movable part at the distal end. In general, a movable portion is remotely pulled and operated from the hand side by operating an operation member such as the above.
[0003]
As an endoscope provided with this kind of driving operation means, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-319692, a treatment instrument stand that is arranged to be able to stand upright on the distal end side of an insertion portion, and this treatment instrument stand An operation wire that pulls the operation wire, and a wire drive means that moves the operation wire forward and backward. The operation wire and the wire drive means are led out of the endoscope by a pressing member such as a screw. There is disclosed a treatment tool erecting operation device that is detachably connected by pressing and fixing. According to the configuration of this publication, the operation wire can be detached from the endoscope body at the time of cleaning or the like, and the cleaning property is good.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the drive operation means for driving the movable part of the endoscope insertion part as described above, the operation wire connected to the movable part and the wire drive means are detachably connected outside the endoscope. In the case of a configuration in which the operation wire is pressed and fixed by a pressing member such as a screw, the fixing force may be reduced at the connection portion of the operation wire.
[0005]
In general, the cross-sectional shape of the wire strand of the wire is circular, and those having a circular cross-sectional shape are strong against the pressing force in the diametrical direction. For example, the wire and the wire pressing member are made of the same material and the same hardness. If there is, the deformation amount of the pressing member becomes larger than that of the wire, and the fixing force of the wire may be reduced due to the deformation of the pressing member while being repeatedly attached and detached. Even when the hardness of the pressing member is larger than that of the wire, the pressing member is slightly deformed, so that the amount of deformation of the pressing member increases as the attachment and detachment is repeated many times. Fixing force may be reduced.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and is connected to a movable portion in an endoscope provided with a movable portion driving operation means for driving and operating a movable portion provided in an endoscope insertion portion or the like. Provided is an operation wire pressing and fixing structure capable of maintaining a strong fixing force at all times without lowering the fixing force of the wire at the connecting portion for connecting and fixing the operation wire and the wire operating mechanism provided in the operation portion. The purpose is to do.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An endoscope according to the present invention includes an operation wire having one end connected to a movable portion, and an endoscope provided with a movable portion driving operation means for driving the movable portion with the operation wire.At the connecting portion between the operation wire and the wire driving means, the rear end portion of the operation wire is externally fitted by a cylindrical member, and the pressing member fixed by pressing the rear end portion is detachable. The cylindrical member is characterized in that it has higher rigidity than the pressing member.
[0009]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing a configuration of a fixed portion of a bending operation wire in a drive operation means of a movable portion. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration around the operation unit with the gripping unit cover removed, and FIG. 4 is a case where a lid is assembled to a switch hole provided in the operation unit main body. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a configuration example of a mold structure for molding the operation unit main body, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the core and mold used when molding the product name plate part. It is explanatory drawing which shows a combination structure.
[0010]
The first embodiment shows a configuration example of an endoscope provided with a bending portion driving operation mechanism for driving and operating a bending portion at the distal end of an insertion portion as a driving operation means for a movable portion.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting an operation unit 3 to a proximal end portion of an elongated insertion unit 2. The insertion portion 2 includes a rigid distal end portion 4 having an objective optical system and the like from the distal end side, a bending portion 5 that is configured by connecting a plurality of bending pieces, and can be bent at a desired angle, and a flexible insertion tube. 6 are connected to each other. The operation part 3 on the hand side of the insertion part 2 is provided with a grip part 7 to be gripped by the user at the center, and a bending operation knob 8, an air / water feed button 9, and a suction button 10 are provided on the hand side of the grip part 7. The operation unit main body 11 is provided continuously. A treatment instrument insertion port 12 that communicates with a treatment instrument channel disposed in the insertion section 2 and opens to the outside is provided in the vicinity of the connection section between the operation section 3 on the distal end side of the gripping section 7 and the insertion section 2. Yes.
[0012]
The grip portion 7 is provided with two grip portion covers 13 so that the grip portion cover 13 is detachably attached and fixed to the two side portions of the grip portion 7 by mounting screws 14 as shown in FIG. It has become. A packing 15 made of an elastic member such as rubber is provided on the inner peripheral side of the gripping part cover 13, and when the gripping part cover 13 is attached, the gripping part 7 is sealed by the packing 15, and the operation part 3 The interior is kept watertight. When the grip portion cover 13 is removed, a later-described bending portion driving operation mechanism disposed in the operation portion 3 is exposed.
[0013]
Inside the operation unit 3, a bending operation wire 16 that is connected at one end to the bending unit 5 and pulls and drives the bending unit 5 that is a movable unit, a roller chain 17 that is coupled to the bending operation wire 16, and the bending operation wire 16 A bending portion drive operation mechanism including a wire connection member 18 that connects and connects the roller chain 17 and a fixing screw 19 that is detachably screwed to the wire connection member 18 to press and fix the bending operation wire 16 is provided. Yes. The roller chain 17 is engaged with a sprocket (not shown) in the operation unit 3 fixed to the rotation shaft of the bending operation knob 8, and is advanced and retracted in conjunction with the rotation of the sprocket.
[0014]
When the bending operation knob 8 is turned, the driving force is transmitted to the roller chain 17 so that the roller chain 17 moves forward and backward, and accordingly, the bending operation wire 16 connected via the wire connecting member 18 moves forward and backward. The bending portion 5 at the distal end of the operation wire 16 is driven to pull. The bending portion 5 can be bent at a desired angle according to the operation amount of the bending operation knob 8.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, one end of the wire connecting member 18 is rotatably connected to the roller chain 17, and a wire insertion hole 20 for inserting the bending operation wire 16 is formed in the longitudinal direction from the other end. Yes. On the other hand, a stainless steel cylindrical member 21 is externally fixed to the end of the bending operation wire 16 by brazing.
[0016]
When connecting the bending operation wire 16 to the roller chain 17, first, the grip portion cover 13 of the grip portion 7 is removed to expose the movable portion driving operation mechanism inside the operation portion 3, and then the bending operation wire 16 is exposed. Is inserted into the wire insertion hole 20 of the wire connecting member 18, the fixing screw 19 made of stainless steel is tightened, and the cylindrical member 21 is pressed from the side, whereby the end of the bending operation wire 16 is joined together with the cylindrical member 21. It is supposed to be fixed.
[0017]
The operation unit main body 11 is formed by casting a material such as a resin into a mold, and has a structure that can be used in common for a plurality of different types of products. The operation unit main body 11 is provided with a switch hole 22 in a portion where a switch such as a release / freeze is provided, and other products are provided with a switch but are not provided in the product. As shown in FIG. 4, a lid portion 23 is assembled to the switch hole portion 22 at a location that is not used in the product so as to close the hole. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the switch hole portion 22 in a state where the lid portion 23 is assembled, and FIG. 4B is an arrow view of FIG. 4A viewed from the A direction.
[0018]
The lid portion 23 is attached to the switch hole portion 22 in a watertight manner by an O-ring 24 provided between the lid portion 23 and the switch hole portion 22. Two locking members 27 each provided with an insertion hole 26 through which the fixing pin 25 for retaining is inserted are provided in the inner end portion of the lid portion 23 in a substantially parallel manner. When the switch hole 22 of the operation unit body 11 is closed with the lid 23, the lid 23 is fitted into the switch hole 22, and the fixing pin 25 is inserted into the insertion hole 26 of the locking member 27. The fixing pin 25 is bonded and fixed with a silicon-based adhesive or the like. The lid 23 is prevented from being detached by the fixing pin 25 and is fixed to the operation unit main body 11.
[0019]
The fixing pin 25 has a large-diameter portion 28 in a part thereof, and has a structure that can be easily grasped when the fixing pin 25 is attached. Further, a flat portion 30 is formed on the side of the large-diameter portion 28 of the fixed pin 25 so as to be flush with the pin main body 29 so as to come into contact with the lid portion 23 and the operation portion main body 11 without rattling. It has become. Furthermore, the fixing pin 25 is arranged on the diagonal of the lid portion 23 in a state of being inserted into the insertion hole 26, thereby effectively increasing the area of the contact portion with the operation portion main body 11. It is possible to improve the retaining effect.
[0020]
By adopting a configuration in which the unused switch hole 22 is closed with the lid 23 in this way, the same operation unit main body 11 can be used in common for a plurality of different types of products.
[0021]
In addition, by using a mold as shown in FIG. 5, it does not have the operation part main body 11 (shown in FIG. 5A) having the switch hole part 22 without newly forming a mold for molding. It is also possible to mold the operation portion main body 11a (shown in FIG. 5B). In this example, the fixed mold 31 and the movable mold 32 are provided, the cores 33a and 33b that are exchangeably installed in the movable mold 32 are provided, and the cores 33a and 33b are exchanged corresponding to the target molded product. Is used.
[0022]
According to this method, since the fixed die 31 and the movable die 32 can be used in common, the operation portion main body 11 having the switch hole 22 and the operation portion main body 11a not having the switch hole portion 22 can be made inexpensively without increasing the assembling cost. Can be made.
[0023]
Further, the molding method shown in FIG. 5 can be similarly applied to the molding of the product name plate portion 35 attached to the grip portion 7. When engraving characters and symbols such as a product name in the product name plate portion 35, as shown in FIG. 6, a core 34 to be incorporated in the movable mold 32 in an exchangeable manner is prepared for each product name. By replacing the cores 34a, 34b, and 34c in correspondence with the product names, it is possible to produce the product name plate portion 35 having a plurality of types of product names with the same mold.
[0024]
According to the configuration of the movable part driving operation means of the present embodiment as described above, the decrease of the bending angle caused by the extension of the bending operation wire 16 is adjusted, the desired bending angle is changed, or the bending angle according to the application is used. When the user wants to change the bending operation wire, the user loosens the mounting screw 14, removes the grip portion cover 13 from the grip portion 7, and changes the pressing position of the fixed screw 19 against the cylindrical member 21. The length of 16 can be adjusted to change the bending angle.
[0025]
At this time, the cylindrical member 21 fitted and fixed to the end of the bending operation wire 16 has a circular cross-sectional shape in the pressing direction, which is strong against the pressing force of the fixing screw 19 and is not easily deformed. If the adjustment is repeated many times, the fixing screw 19 is deformed, and there is a possibility that the necessary fixing force cannot be maintained. However, in this configuration, the fixing screw 19 can be attached to and detached from the wire connecting member 18, and the deformed fixing screw 19 can be removed to replace the fixing screw 19 with a new one. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the amount of fixing force at the connecting portion, and it is possible to always maintain a strong fixing force. Thereby, the function fall at the time of operation of each operation wire, such as a bending operation wire provided in an endoscope, can be prevented.
[0026]
Next, as a second embodiment, a configuration example of an endoscope provided with a treatment instrument raising operation mechanism that drives and operates a treatment instrument raising device provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion will be described.
[0027]
FIGS. 7 to 28 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the endoscope, and FIG. 8 is the distal end portion of the insertion portion with the distal end cover removed from the distal end portion body. FIG. 9 is a radial sectional view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, FIG. 10 is an axial sectional view showing the attachment structure of the treatment instrument raising base at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and FIG. 11 is for fixing the distal end cover. FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 are structural explanatory views showing modified examples of the tip cover fixing mechanism, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the tip cover, and FIG. 16 is a treatment instrument raising base. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the driving force transmission unit in the treatment instrument raising operation mechanism, and FIG. 18 is a raising wire guide tube in the treatment instrument raising operation mechanism. FIG. 19 to FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the upper wire guide tube connecting portion, FIG. 22 is a top external view of the rising wire guide tube connecting portion viewed from above, and FIG. 23 is a treatment device raising wire connection with a protective cover attached. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the user grips the gripping part, FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of the treatment instrument raising wire connecting part, and FIG. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the fitting portion between the drive shaft and the connection portion main body in the device raising wire connecting portion, and FIG. 27 is a fixing base for connecting and fixing the treatment device raising wire connecting portion, FIG. 28 is an operation explanatory diagram showing the pressing state of the treatment instrument raising wire.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 7, the endoscope 41 according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting an operation unit 43 to a proximal end portion of an elongated insertion unit 42. The insertion portion 42 includes a rigid distal end portion 44 having an objective optical system and the like from the distal end side, a bending portion 5 that is configured by connecting a plurality of bending pieces, and can be bent at a desired angle, and a flexible insertion tube. 6 are connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 8, the tip end portion 44 is provided with a tip cover 46 that is detachably attached to the tip end body 45.
[0029]
The operation part 43 on the hand side of the insertion part 42 is provided with a grip part 47 to be gripped by the user at the center part, and on the hand side of the grip part 47, the bending operation knob 8, the treatment instrument raising lever 48, the air supply / An operation unit main body 49 provided with a water supply button 9, a suction button 10, and the like is continuously provided. In the vicinity of the connecting portion between the operation portion 43 on the distal end side of the grasping portion 47 and the insertion portion 42, a treatment instrument insertion port 12 that opens to the outside communicates with the treatment instrument channel disposed in the insertion portion 42 is provided. Yes.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 8, the tip body 45 is provided with an objective lens 50, an illumination lens 51, an air / water nozzle 52, and the like. By operating the air supply / water supply button 9 by pushing the air supply / water supply button 9 of the operation unit main body 49 and operating the air supply / water supply button 9, air or water is ejected from the nozzle 52 to send air into the body cavity. The cleaning water can be sent to the objective lens 50. Further, in the distal end portion main body 45, the distal end side of the treatment instrument channel disposed in the insertion portion 42 is open, and covers the distal end and the side peripheral portion of the distal end portion main body 45 including the treatment instrument channel opening. A tip cover 46 is attached to the head.
[0031]
In the distal end cover 46, a treatment tool such as forceps that is inserted from the treatment tool insertion port 12 and protrudes through the treatment tool channel and protrudes from the opening corresponding to the treatment tool channel opening is raised and inverted. An instrument raising base 53 is provided, and a fixing block 54 for rotatably fixing the treatment instrument raising base 53 is formed integrally with the distal end cover main body 55. One end of the insertion portion 42 is connected to the treatment instrument raising lever 48 of the operation section 43, and a treatment instrument raising wire 56 for transmitting the driving force of the raising / lowering operation by the treatment instrument raising lever 48. The distal end side of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is guided and fixed to the treatment instrument raising base 53 by being guided into the distal end cover 46 by a fixing block 54.
[0032]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a penetrating insertion hole 57 is provided at the end of the treatment instrument raising base 53, and the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is inserted therethrough. A large-diameter engaging groove 58 is provided in the inner portion of the treatment instrument raising base 53 so as to communicate with the insertion hole 57, and a ball portion 59 at the distal end portion of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 formed by plasma processing or the like. Is housed in the locking groove 58 and locked.
[0033]
The treatment instrument raising wire 56 is formed such that the outer diameter of the sphere portion 59 at the distal end is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 57 so as not to come out of the treatment instrument raising base 53. It is rotatably attached to the treatment instrument raising base 53 only by locking with the stop groove 58. The other end of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 extends toward the operation portion 43 along the guide slope portion 60 of the fixed block 54.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, integrally formed locking arm portions 61 project from both sides at the base of the treatment instrument raising base 53, and the locking arm portions 61 are fixed to the fixed block 54. The treatment instrument raising base 53 is rotatably attached to the fixed block 54 by being inserted into the locking hole 62. Since the locking arm portions 61 are provided on both sides, the treatment instrument raising base 53 does not tilt to the side even when the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is pulled to raise and lower the treatment instrument raising base 53. It has become.
[0035]
An engaging groove 63 is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the fixed block 54 below the locking hole 62, and a holding projection 64 that engages with the engaging groove 63 is provided in the inner peripheral portion of the tip cover main body 55. Therefore, when the treatment instrument raising base 53 is raised and inverted, the base portion of the treatment instrument raising base 53 is held by the holding protrusion 64 to prevent downward movement in FIG. Further, a hook 65 protrudes from a corner of the fixed block 54 near the locking hole 62, and the hook 65 engages and holds a V-shaped groove 66 provided in the tip cover body 55. This prevents the locking hole 62 from spreading. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent an increase in the play of the treatment instrument raising base 53 at the time of raising / lowering operation.
[0036]
The tip cover main body 55 and the fixed block 54 are integrally fixed by a fixing screw 67 screwed from a side portion of the tip cover 46. In addition, a guide groove 79 is formed in the side portion of the distal end portion main body 45, and an L-shaped engagement convex portion 80 is provided on the distal end cover main body 55 correspondingly. 9 and the guide groove 79 are engaged to prevent the tip cover 46 from rotating counterclockwise in FIG.
[0037]
The treatment instrument raising wire 56 extending to the proximal side from the distal end cover 46 is cut at the end in accordance with the position of the wire connecting portion 104 of the operation portion 43 in a state where the distal end cover 46 is assembled to the distal end portion main body 45. However, the length of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 can be reduced by cutting the treatment instrument raising wire 56 while the treatment instrument raising base 53 is in the inverted state.
[0038]
The tip cover 46 is assembled to the tip portion main body 45 as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 8, and then a cap-shaped fixing lid 68 having a female screw portion provided on the inner peripheral portion is provided at the end of the tip portion main body 45. The front end portion main body 45 is fixed by screwing into a locking screw portion 69 made of a male screw. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the fixed lid 68 is screwed into the locking screw portion 69, and the fixed convex portion 71 protruding in a flange shape on the fixed lid storage portion 70 of the distal end cover main body 55 is used as the distal end portion main body. The tip cover 46 is fixed by being sandwiched between the 45 end face and the fixing lid 68. In FIG. 11, (a) shows the axial cross section in the screwed state of the fixing lid 68 and the locking screw portion 69, and (b) shows the cross section along the line BB of (a). A knob 72 projects from the distal end side of the fixed lid 68. When the fixed lid 68 is screwed, the knob 72 can be pinched with a finger and rotated to facilitate the fixing operation.
[0039]
A fitting hole 74 having an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the screw bottom portion 73 of the locking screw portion 69 is provided inside the base end portion of the fixed lid 68. The fitting hole 74 has a structure having elasticity by providing cutout portions 75 at two locations in the circumferential direction. When the fixing lid 68 is screwed to the locking screw portion 69, the fitting hole 74 is a fitting hole. 74 is expanded while being urged outward by the screw bottom 73, and is fitted to the screw bottom 73. As described above, in order to prevent the fixed lid 68 from falling off the distal end main body 45 due to the loosening of the fixed lid 68, the fixed lid 68 has a structure that is difficult to come off from the locking screw portion 69.
[0040]
In addition, a flange portion 76 protrudes outward from the rear end portion of the fixed lid 68, and a retaining protrusion 77 protrudes from a portion in the circumferential direction near the opening of the fixed lid storage portion 70. Even if the fixing lid 68 is loosened, the fixing portion 68 can be prevented from dropping by the flange portion 76 being caught by the retaining projection 77.
[0041]
Since the flange portion 76 is provided with a notch groove 78 at the same position as the retaining projection portion 77, when the fixed lid 68 is fitted into the fixed lid storage portion 70 of the tip cover body 55, the notch groove is provided. The fixed lid 68 can be easily inserted by combining the 78 and the retaining projection 77. By arranging the positions of the retaining protrusion 77 and the notch groove 78 asymmetrically, there is only one position where the retaining protrusion 77 and the notch groove 78 coincide with each other during the rotation of 360 degrees. The probability of dropout can be further reduced.
[0042]
Further, the fixed lid 68 is disposed on the distal end surface 81 of the distal end cover 46, and is structured so that most of the fixed lid 68 is accommodated in the fixed lid accommodating portion 70 and the portion protruding from the distal end is as small as possible. When the distal end portion 44 is inserted into the body cavity, the fixed lid 68 does not come into contact with the body wall, so there is no fear of damaging the body wall.
[0043]
A modification of the mechanism for fixing the tip cover 46 to the tip body 45 will be described below. 12A and 12B relate to a first modification of the tip cover fixing mechanism, in which FIG. 12A shows an axial section of the mounting structure of the fixing lid 82, and FIG. 12B shows a section taken along the line CC of FIG. is there.
[0044]
The fixed lid 82 used in the first modification is configured such that a receiving seat portion 84 is screwed and bonded and fixed to a screw portion provided on the outer peripheral portion of the base end portion of the fixed lid main body 83. A compression coil spring 85 is accommodated inside. The fixed lid 82 engages with a locking portion 86 projecting from the tip body 45, is locked to the tip body 45 by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 85, and is fixed to the tip cover body 55. The tip cover 46 is fixed by sandwiching the portion 71 between the end face of the tip portion main body 45 and the fixing lid 82.
[0045]
Similarly to the configuration of FIG. 11, the flange portion 76 protruding from the inside of the receiving seat portion 84 is fixed by being caught by the retaining protrusion 77 protruding from a part of the outer periphery of the locking portion 86. The lid 82 is prevented from falling off. When the fixed lid 82 is fitted into the fixed lid storage portion 70 of the tip cover main body 55, the fixed lid 82 can be easily inserted by aligning the notch groove 78 provided in the flange portion 76 with the retaining projection 77. it can. By arranging the positions of the retaining protrusion 77 and the notch groove 78 asymmetrically, the probability of the fixed lid 82 falling off can be lowered.
[0046]
At this time, an arc-shaped jig engaging groove 87 is provided at the end of the fixed lid 82, and the rotating jig 88 is engaged with the jig engaging groove 87 as shown in FIG. By attaching, the fixed lid 82 can be easily attached to the fixed lid storage portion 70 by the rotation jig 88.
[0047]
FIG. 14 shows a second modification of the tip cover fixing mechanism. 14A is a plan view of the front end cover in the vicinity of the fixed lid as viewed from the front, and FIG. 14B is a sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG.
[0048]
At the bottom of the fixed lid housing portion 70 of the front cover body 55, the front end side is smaller than the outer diameter of the locking screw portion 69, and the rear end side is larger than the outer diameter of the locking screw portion 69. A tapered hole 89 is provided. The tip cover 46 is prevented from falling off by locking a part of the fixed convex portion 71 at the peripheral edge of the locking taper hole 89 to the locking screw portion 69 of the tip body 45.
[0049]
In this configuration, when the tip cover 46 is attached to the tip portion main body 45, a part of the locking taper hole 89 gets over the locking screw portion 69 and engages by elastic deformation.
[0050]
Further, a protrusion 92 protruding from the tip end surface 81 of the tip cover 46 is provided at the peripheral edge of the tip cover main body 55 in the vicinity of the fixed lid 68 so as to surround the fixed lid 68. A knob 72 or the like of the fixed lid 68 protruding to 55 protects the body wall from being touched directly. According to this structure, the protruding portion 92 that is smoothly connected to the outer periphery of the tip cover 46 contacts before the protruding fixed lid 68 contacts the body wall, so there is no fear of damaging the body wall.
[0051]
FIG. 15 shows a third modification of the tip cover fixing mechanism. In this modification, a cam pin portion 90 projects from the side portion of the tip end main body 45, while a cam groove portion 91 refracted in a key shape that engages the cam pin portion 90 is provided on the inner surface of the tip cover main body 55. When the distal end cover 46 is attached to the distal end portion main body 45, the distal end cover 46 is fixed by engaging the cam pin portion 90 and the cam groove portion 91. The engagement of the cam pin portion 90 and the cam groove portion 91 prevents the tip cover 46 from falling off.
[0052]
Next, the configuration of the treatment instrument raising operation mechanism will be described. FIG. 16 shows a schematic configuration of the treatment instrument raising operation mechanism in the operation unit 43.
[0053]
The treatment instrument raising lever 48 provided in the operation section 43 has an annular lever body 93 rotatably attached in the operation section 43, and an end portion of the treatment instrument raising lever 48 projects from the operation section 43. . One end of a link portion 95 is rotatably connected to the lever main body 93 by a pin 94, and a rectangular parallelepiped sliding member 97 is rotatably connected to the other end of the link portion 95 by a pin 96. Yes. The sliding member 97 is engaged with the guide groove of the guide member 98 having a linear guide groove. When the treatment instrument raising lever 48 is operated, the lever main body 93 rotates, and this rotational motion is transmitted to the sliding member 97 via the link portion 95 and converted into a reciprocating motion of the sliding member 97 by the guide member 98. Thus, the sliding member 97 slides along the guide member 98.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 17, the transmission shaft 100 is engaged with the engagement hole 99 provided in the sliding member 97, and a screw portion is provided at the other end of the transmission shaft 100. One end of each is screwed and attached. The drive shaft 101 is slidably disposed in a slide cover 103 attached to the side of the grip portion 47 of the operation unit 43, and the other end of the drive shaft 101 has a treatment as shown in FIG. A wire connecting portion 104 for connecting with the instrument raising wire 56 is provided, and the proximal end of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is connected.
[0055]
The drive shaft 101 is inserted in a holding ring 105 fixed to the sliding cover 103 and is watertightly held by a holding rubber 106 provided in the holding ring 105. A fixing base A 107 is screwed onto the holding ring 105, and the holding ring 105 and the fixing base A 107 are fixed to the sliding cover 103 by adhesion.
[0056]
The sliding cover 103 is fixed to the grip portion main body 102 by a fixing screw 109 that is screwed into a fastening base 108 that is insert-molded in the grip portion main body 102. A rubber sheet 110 is provided between the sliding cover 103 and the gripping part main body 102, and the watertightness inside the gripping part 47 is maintained by the rubber sheet 110.
[0057]
As described above, the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is connected at its distal end to the treatment instrument raising base 53 of the distal end cover 46, and the rear end side is disposed within the insertion tube 6 as shown in FIG. After the guide tube 111, the S-shaped connecting pipe 112 and the outlet cap 113 provided in the outlet cover 115 at the base end portion of the insertion tube 6 are inserted, the guide tube 111 is led out to the operation portion 43 side.
[0058]
A fixed base B114 is screwed onto the outer periphery of the end of the lead-out base 113, and the gripping part main body 102 is sandwiched between the lead-out base 113 and the fixed base B114. It is fixed. The outlet base 113 and the connection pipe 112 are connected and fixed by brazing. An O-ring A116 and an O-ring B117 are provided between the grip portion main body 102 and the lead-out cap 113, and between the grip portion main body 102 and the lead-out cover 115, respectively, and these O-rings A 116 and B117 provide water tightness. keeping.
[0059]
The connection portion between the raising wire guide tube 111 and the connection pipe 112 is made of a base A118 and a base B119 that are fitted and fixed to each end of the pipe by solder, and a high elastic polymer material such as rubber is used between these end faces. A watertight ring 120 is disposed and sandwiched between a base A 118 and a base B 119, and then the outer periphery is covered and fixed by a heat shrinkable tube 121. According to such a configuration of the connecting portion, since the watertight ring 120 which is a watertight means is provided between the rising wire guide tube 111 and the end face of the connecting pipe 112, the space occupied by the connecting portion can be reduced while maintaining watertightness. This makes it possible to connect pipes in a small space.
[0060]
19 to 21 show modifications of the raising wire guide tube connecting portion. The first modification shown in FIG. 19 is a configuration example in the case where the raising wire guide tube 111 and the connection pipe 112 are somewhat thick. In this example, the base A118 and the base B119 are not provided, but the watertight ring 120 is directly disposed between the end surfaces of the rising wire guide tube 111 and the connection pipe 112, and the outer periphery thereof is covered with the heat shrinkable tube 121. ing.
[0061]
The second modification shown in FIG. 20 is a configuration example in which the watertight ring 120 is prevented from being damaged. In this example, a protective part 124 that covers the end face of each pipe is provided at the base A 122 and the base B 123 that are respectively fixed to the ends of the raising wire guide tube 111 and the connection pipe 112, and a watertight seal is provided between the protective parts 124. The ring 120 is arranged so that the boundary between the raising wire guide tube 111 and the base A122 and the connection pipe 112 and the base B123 is not in contact with the watertight ring 120.
[0062]
The third modification shown in FIG. 21 is a configuration example in which the raising wire guide tube 111 and the connection pipe 112 can be easily attached and detached. In this example, a screw-like convex portion 125 is provided at the end of the raising wire guide tube 111, and a locking flange portion 126 is provided at the end of the connection pipe 112, and the screw-like convex portion 125 and the locking flange portion 126 are provided. A watertight ring 120 is disposed between them, and a locking base 127 having a screw portion inside is attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof, and the locking base 127 is screwed onto the screw-shaped convex portion 125, thereby locking. The locking flange portion 126 is pressed and fixed by the base 127. Thus, by making the locking base 127 detachable, the raising wire guide tube 111 and the connection pipe 112 can be easily attached and detached.
[0063]
Also in the configuration of each of the above modified examples, it is possible to connect the pipes in a small space while keeping the water tightness of the connection part.
[0064]
A rear end cap 128 is attached to the proximal end of the insertion tube 6, and is connected and fixed to an inner cylinder 129 provided in the operation unit 43. The rear end cap 128 has a tapered portion 130 having an outer diameter that gradually increases toward the end, while the inner cylinder 129 has an inner diameter that gradually increases toward the end so as to engage with the tapered portion 130. A small tapered protrusion 131 is provided. When connecting the rear end cap 128 and the inner cylinder 129, the taper portion 130 and the taper convex portion 131 are engaged with each other, and the fixing ring 132 is screwed into the rear end cap 128 to thereby taper the rear end cap 128. The portion 130 is fastened and fixed to the tapered convex portion 131 of the inner cylinder 129 with the fixing ring 132.
[0065]
Here, as shown in FIG. 22, an elliptical notch 133 is provided on a part of the rear end base 128 on the raising wire guide tube connecting portion side. The opening becomes larger, and the overall length of the operation portion 43 can be shortened and the connection workability between the raising wire guide tube 111 and the connection pipe 112 can be improved.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 23, the wire connecting portion 104 on the side of the operation portion 43 is detachably provided with a protective cover 134 made of a highly elastic polymer material such as rubber for protecting the wire connecting portion 104. . 23A is a side view in the longitudinal direction of the operation unit, and FIG. 23B is a sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. A protective plate 135 made of stainless steel is insert-molded on the inner surface of the protective cover 134. Further, locking hole portions 136 are provided at both ends of the protective cover 134, and the protective cover 134 is attached to the operation portion 43 by fitting the locking hole portions 136 into the fixed base A 107 and the fixed base B 114, respectively. It can be fixed against.
[0067]
The locking hole portion 136 of the protective cover 134 has a guide taper portion 137 cut out so as to have a large diameter toward the end portion, and a small diameter portion 138 smaller than the outer diameters of the fixed base A107 and the fixed base B114. Therefore, the protective cover 134 has a structure that is easy to be attached by the guide of the guide taper portion 137 and is not easily detached.
[0068]
Further, as shown in FIG. 24, a finger hooking convex portion 139 is provided on the side portion of the gripping portion 47 so that the user can hook his / her finger, and the sliding cover 103 protrudes. It is easy to grip.
[0069]
A detailed configuration of the wire connecting portion 104 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 25, (a) is a cross-sectional view in the operation portion radial direction (cross-sectional view taken along the line FF of (b)), and (b) is a cross-sectional view in the operation portion longitudinal direction.
[0070]
The wire connecting portion 104 has a connecting portion main body 140 having a screw portion on the inner surface, and a pressing portion 141 is screwed on the upper portion thereof, and a wire receiving portion 142 is accommodated facing the pressing portion 141 inside. The holding member 143 that locks the wire receiving portion 142 is screwed to the bottom portion. The upper end portion of the connection portion main body 140 is provided with a locking convex portion 144 that is formed in an inwardly protruding or incompletely threaded portion with the screw portion interrupted, and the inner diameter of the locking convex portion 144 is that of the pressing portion 141. It is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion, and the pressing projection 141 is prevented from coming off by this locking projection 144.
[0071]
An insertion taper portion 145 is provided in the insertion port for inserting the treatment instrument raising wire 56 at the end of the wire receiving portion 142 so that the treatment instrument raising wire 56 can be easily inserted into the wire connection portion 104 when the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is connected. It has been. Further, the other end of the wire receiving portion 142 is provided with a wire abutting portion 146 with which the end of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 abuts, and the vicinity of the wire abutting portion 146 is exposed to the outside. The structure is such that the connecting position of the raising wire 56 can be easily confirmed.
[0072]
A connection convex portion 148 having a screw portion protrudes from a side portion of the connection portion main body 140, and the wire connection portion 104 is connected to the end portion of the drive shaft 101 by a fixing base 147 screwed into the connection convex portion 148. It is designed to be detachably connected to. At this time, the fixed base 147 is screwed into the connection convex portion 148, and the flange portion 149 at the end of the drive shaft 101 is sandwiched between the connection portion main body 140 and the fixed base 147, whereby the wire connection portion 104 is connected to the drive shaft 101. It is fixed.
[0073]
FIG. 26 shows a configuration example of a fitting portion (GG cross section in FIG. 25) between the connection convex portion 148 of the connection portion main body 140 and the flange portion 149 at the end of the drive shaft 101. As shown in FIG. 26 (a) or (b), the fitting structure between the connecting portion main body 140 and the drive shaft 101 is an irregular shape that is not circular, thereby preventing erroneous assembly and the wire connecting portion 104. The rotation of the drive shaft 101 can be prevented.
[0074]
Inside the fixed base 147 on the drive shaft 101 side, an O-ring 150 is disposed to prevent the drive shaft 101 from being damaged when the drive shaft 101 is fixed and to prevent the drive shaft 101 from being loosened after being fixed. . Further, as shown in FIG. 27, an engagement groove portion 152 for attaching a fixing jig 151 is provided on the outer periphery of the fixing base 147, and the fixing base 151 is easily fixed by using the fixing jig 151. It is possible.
[0075]
Further, the wire connecting portion 104 can be sterilized by autoclaving, ETO, or the like while being detached from the drive shaft 101.
[0076]
When connecting and fixing the treatment instrument raising wire 56, the pressing portion 141 is rotated and tightened in the connection portion main body 140, and the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is pressed from the side by the end surface of the pressing portion 141. Then, the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is fixed.
[0077]
At this time, as shown in FIG. 28, the crushing amount I of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is generally preferably 20 to 30% with respect to the outer diameter J of the treatment instrument raising wire 56. If the fixing force of the upper wire 56 is desired to be strengthened, it may be 30 to 40%. If the fixing force may be slightly weak, it may be 10 to 20%.
[0078]
In the wire connecting portion 104 having such a configuration, the cross-sectional shape in the pressing direction of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is circular, and has a structure that is strong against the pressing force of the pressing portion 141 and hardly deforms. If the attachment / detachment of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is repeated many times, the pressing portion 141 may be deformed and the necessary amount of fixing force may not be maintained. However, in the configuration of the movable part drive operation means of the present embodiment, the wire connection part 104 is detachable from the drive shaft 101, and the wire connection part 104 has a pressing part 141 that is deformed by loosening the fixed base 147. Can be removed from the drive shaft 101, and the wire connecting portion 104 can be replaced with a new one, so that a reduction in the amount of fixing force at the connecting portion of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 can be prevented, and a strong fixing force can always be obtained. Can be maintained.
[0079]
In order to reduce the deformation of the pressing portion 141 as much as possible, the pressing portion 141 is rotatably attached and the wire receiving portion 142 is prevented from rotating to press the treatment instrument raising wire 56. Conceivable.
[0080]
FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the treatment instrument raising wire connecting portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0081]
3rd Example is a modification which changed the structure of the treatment tool raising wire connection part in 2nd Example. Here, only the configuration of parts different from the second embodiment will be described. 29A is a cross-sectional view in the operation portion radial direction (cross-sectional view taken along the line H-H in FIG. 29B), and FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion.
[0082]
The wire connection portion 160 of the present embodiment has a connection portion main body 161 having a cylindrical shape and a screw portion provided on the inner surface, and a pressing screw 162 is screwed on the upper portion thereof, and is opposed to the pressing screw 162 inside. The wire receiving portion 142 is accommodated, and a holding member 143 that locks the wire receiving portion 142 is screwed to the bottom portion.
[0083]
In this embodiment, AHU which is a standard product is used as the pressing screw 162. Further, for example, SCM435 is used as the material of the pressing screw 162, and SUS304-WPB is used as the material of the treatment instrument raising wire 56, for example, and the hardness of the pressing screw 162 is made larger than the hardness of the treatment instrument raising wire 56. The pressing screw 162 is not easily deformed.
[0084]
In the wire connecting portion 160 having such a configuration, the cross-sectional shape in the pressing direction of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is circular, and has a structure that is strong against the pressing force of the pressing screw 162 and hardly deforms. If the attachment / detachment of the treatment instrument raising wire 56 is repeated many times, the pressing screw 162 may be deformed, and the necessary amount of fixing force may not be maintained. However, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the pressing screw 162 is detachable, and the deformed pressing screw 162 can be removed and replaced with a new pressing screw 162. A decrease in the amount of fixing force at the connecting portion can be prevented, and a strong fixing force can always be maintained. In addition, by using a standard product for the pressing screw 162 which is such a replacement part, it is easy to obtain in the market and the cost can be reduced.
[0085]
The present embodiment is not limited to the connection portion of the bending operation wire and the connection portion of the treatment instrument raising wire described above, and is connected to the operation means at the connection portion of the focus wire provided in the endoscope having the focus function. Any means can be applied as long as it is a fixing means for the wire used in the endoscope, such as a detachable pressing screw.
[0086]
[Appendix]
(1) A treatment instrument raising base that is arranged to be able to stand upright at a distal end portion of an insertion portion to be inserted into an observation site, an operation wire having one end connected to the treatment instrument raising base, and a wire that moves the operation wire forward and backward In an endoscope provided with a movable part drive operation means including a drive means,
The operation wire and the wire driving means are detachably connected in a state of being led out of the endoscope, and fixed by pressing the operation wire at a connection portion between the operation wire and the wire driving means. An endoscope characterized in that a pressing member is provided detachably.
[0087]
(2) A bendable bending portion provided in an insertion portion to be inserted into an observation site, an operation wire having one end connected to the bending portion and the other end inserted to the operation portion, and a wire for advancing and retracting the operation wire In an endoscope provided with a movable part drive operation means including a drive means,
An endoscope characterized in that a pressing member that is fixed by pressing the operation wire is detachably provided at a connection portion between the operation wire and the wire driving means.
[0088]
(3) The endoscope according to claim 1, appendix 1 or 2, wherein the operation wire is configured by a wire composed of any one of a single wire, a stranded wire, and a double stranded wire.
[0089]
(4) The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the operation wire is configured by externally fitting a cylindrical member to an end portion of the wire.
[0090]
(5) The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member includes a fixing member or a screw having a screw portion to be screwed and tightened.
[0091]
(6) The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is a fixing member that simply presses and fixes the operation wire.
[0092]
By making the pressing member exchangeable as in the configurations of appendixes 1 to 6, the pressing member can be removed and replaced before the fixing force of the operation wire is reduced, so that a reduction in the fixing force can be prevented. Can be maintained.
[0093]
(7) In an endoscope having a distal end portion main body provided at the distal end of the insertion portion and a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end portion main body.
An endoscope, wherein a male screw is screwed to the tip body, a female screw to be screwed to the male screw is screwed to the tip cover, and the tip cover is made of a sterilizable member.
[0094]
(8) In an endoscope having a distal end portion main body provided at the distal end of the insertion portion and a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end portion main body.
An endoscope characterized in that a male screw is screwed to the tip body, a female screw to screw the male screw is screwed to the tip cover, and the tip cover is made disposable.
[0095]
(9) In an endoscope having a distal end portion main body having a treatment instrument raising base provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end portion main body,
An endoscope, wherein a male screw is screwed to the tip body, a female screw to be screwed to the male screw is screwed to the tip cover, and the tip cover is made of a sterilizable member.
[0096]
(10) In an endoscope having a distal end portion main body having a treatment instrument raising base provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end portion main body.
An endoscope characterized in that a male screw is screwed to the tip body, a female screw to be screwed with the male screw is screwed to the tip cover, and the tip cover is made disposable.
[0097]
(11) In an endoscope having a distal end portion main body provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end portion main body.
A male screw is screwed to the tip body, a female screw that is screwed to the male screw is screwed to a latch member that sandwiches the tip cover with the tip body, and the latch member is a sterilizable member. An endoscope characterized by comprising.
[0098]
(12) In an endoscope having a distal end portion main body provided at the distal end of an insertion portion and a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end portion main body.
A male screw is screwed to the tip body, a female screw to be screwed with the male screw is screwed to a locking member that sandwiches the tip cover with the tip body, and the locking member is made disposable. Endoscope characterized by.
[0099]
(13) In an endoscope having a distal end portion main body having a treatment instrument raising base provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and a distal end cover detachable from the distal end portion main body,
A male screw is screwed to the tip body, a female screw that is screwed to the male screw is screwed to a latch member that sandwiches the tip cover with the tip body, and the latch member is a sterilizable member. An endoscope characterized by comprising.
[0100]
(14) In an endoscope having a distal end portion main body having a treatment instrument raising base provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end portion main body.
A male screw is screwed to the tip main body, a female screw to be screwed with the male screw is screwed to a locking member that sandwiches the tip cover with the tip main body, and the locking member is made disposable. Endoscope characterized by.
[0101]
(15) The endoscope according to appendices 7, 9, 11, and 13, wherein the sterilizable member is a member having a configuration capable of sterilization including an autoclave and ETO.
[0102]
(16) The endoscope according to appendix 7, 9, 11, or 13, wherein the sterilizable member is made of a sterilizable material including any of polysulfone, stainless steel, and epoxy adhesive.
[0103]
In the structures of appendixes 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 16, since the male threaded portion is provided on the tip body side, the threaded portion is exposed on the surface, so that the cleaning brush is easy to apply, while the cleaning brush is difficult to apply. Since the tip cover and the locking member having the female screw are made of sterilizable members, the cleaning and sterilization properties are good.
[0104]
(17) The endoscope according to appendix 8, 10, 12, or 14, wherein the disposable member is made of a material that is safe for a living body, including polysulfone or silicon rubber.
[0105]
In the structures of appendices 8, 10, 12, 14, and 17, since the male threaded portion is provided on the tip body side, the threaded portion is exposed on the surface, so that the cleaning brush is easy to apply, while the female screw that is difficult to apply the cleaning brush is used. Since the tip cover and the locking member are disposable, the cleaning and sterilization properties are good.
[0106]
(18) a distal end body provided at the distal end of the insertion section, a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end body, and the distal end cover that is detachably fixed to the distal end body. In an endoscope having a locking member sandwiched between and locked,
An endoscope, wherein a flange portion is provided on the locking member, and at least one or more retaining protrusions are provided on the distal end cover.
[0107]
(19) A distal end main body provided at the distal end of the insertion section, a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end main body, and the distal end cover that is detachably fixed to the distal end main body. In an endoscope having a locking member sandwiched between and locked,
An endoscope characterized in that a flange portion is provided on the distal end cover and at least one or more retaining protrusions are provided on the locking member.
[0108]
(20) a distal end body provided at the distal end of the insertion section, a distal end cover that is detachable with respect to the distal end section main body, and the distal end cover that is detachably fixed to the distal end section body. In an endoscope having a locking member sandwiched between and locked,
An endoscope, wherein a flange portion is provided on the locking member, and at least one or more retaining protrusions are provided on the distal end portion main body.
[0109]
(21) a distal end body provided at the distal end of the insertion section, a distal end cover that is detachable with respect to the distal end section main body, and the distal end cover that is detachably fixed to the distal end section body. In an endoscope having a locking member sandwiched between and locked,
An endoscope, wherein a flange portion is provided on the distal end portion main body, and at least one or more retaining protrusions are provided on the locking member.
[0110]
(22) A distal end portion main body having a treatment instrument raising base provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end portion main body, and a detachably fixed distal end cover that is fixed to the distal end portion main body. In an endoscope having a locking member that is sandwiched and locked between the distal end main body,
An endoscope, wherein a flange portion is provided on the locking member, and at least one or more retaining protrusions are provided on the distal end cover.
[0111]
As in the configurations of Appendices 18 and 22, the locking member is provided with a flange portion and the tip cover is provided with a retaining projection portion, and the flange portion is hooked on the retaining projection portion. Can be prevented.
[0112]
(23) A distal end portion body having a treatment instrument raising base provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, a distal end cover that is detachable with respect to the distal end portion body, and a detachably fixed distal end cover that is fixed to the distal end portion body. In an endoscope having a locking member that is sandwiched and locked between the distal end main body,
An endoscope characterized in that a flange portion is provided on the distal end cover and at least one or more retaining protrusions are provided on the locking member.
[0113]
As in the configurations of Supplementary notes 19 and 23, the tip cover is provided with a flange portion and the locking member is provided with a retaining projection, and the retaining projection is hooked on the flange portion, so that the locking member can be removed. Can be prevented.
[0114]
(24) A distal end body having a treatment instrument raising base provided at the distal end of the insertion section, a distal end cover that is detachable with respect to the distal end section main body, and a distal end cover that is detachably fixed to the distal end section main body. In an endoscope having a locking member that is sandwiched and locked between the distal end main body,
An endoscope, wherein a flange portion is provided on the locking member, and at least one or more retaining protrusions are provided on the distal end portion main body.
[0115]
As in the structures of Appendices 20 and 24, the locking member is provided with a flange portion and the tip body is provided with a retaining projection, and the flange portion is hooked to the retaining projection, so that the locking member is dropped. Can be prevented.
[0116]
(25) A distal end body having a treatment instrument raising base provided at the distal end of the insertion section, a distal end cover that is detachable from the distal end section main body, and a distal end cover that is detachably fixed to the distal end section main body. In an endoscope having a locking member that is sandwiched and locked between the distal end main body,
An endoscope, wherein a flange portion is provided on the distal end portion main body, and at least one or more retaining protrusions are provided on the locking member.
[0117]
As in the structures of Appendices 21 and 25, the tip end body is provided with a flange portion and the locking member is provided with a retaining projection, and the retaining projection is hooked on the flange portion. Can be prevented.
[0118]
(26) A medical device characterized in that a watertight means is provided between an end face of a first cylindrical member and an end face of a second cylindrical member in a structure in which hollow cylindrical members are connected in a watertight manner.
[0119]
(27) In a structure in which thin hollow cylindrical members are connected to each other in a water-tight manner, the first base part is externally fitted to the first cylindrical member, and the second base part is externally fitted to the second cylindrical member. A medical device characterized in that a watertight means is provided between the end face of the first base part and the end face of the second base part.
[0120]
(28) In a structure in which thin hollow cylindrical members are connected to each other in a water-tight manner, a first base portion that is externally fitted to the first cylindrical member and protrudes to an end surface portion of the first cylindrical member, and a second cylindrical member A second base part that is externally fitted and protrudes to the end face part of the second cylindrical member, and a watertight means is provided between the end face of the first base part and the end face of the second base part. A medical device characterized by being provided.
[0121]
(29) In a structure in which thin hollow cylindrical members are connected to each other in a watertight manner, a first protruding portion protruding in a radial direction is provided over the entire circumference on the end surface side of the first cylindrical member, and the second cylindrical member A second projecting portion projecting in a radial direction is provided over the entire circumference on the end surface side, and a watertight means is provided between the end surface of the first projecting portion and the end surface of the second projecting portion. Medical tools to do.
[0122]
(30) An endoscope characterized in that a watertight means is provided between an end surface of a first cylindrical member and an end surface of a second cylindrical member in a structure in which hollow cylindrical members are connected in a watertight manner.
[0123]
(31) In a structure in which thin hollow cylindrical members are connected to each other in a water-tight manner, the first base part is externally fitted to the first cylindrical member, and the second base part is externally fitted to the second cylindrical member. In addition, the endoscope is characterized in that a watertight means is provided between the end face of the first base part and the end face of the second base part.
[0124]
(32) In a structure in which thin hollow cylindrical members are connected to each other in a water-tight manner, a first base portion that is externally fitted to the first cylindrical member and protrudes to an end surface portion of the first cylindrical member, and a second cylindrical member A second base part that is externally fitted and protrudes to the end face part of the second cylindrical member, and a watertight means is provided between the end face of the first base part and the end face of the second base part. An endoscope characterized by being provided.
[0125]
(33) In a structure in which thin hollow cylindrical members are connected in a watertight manner, a first protruding portion protruding in the radial direction is provided over the entire circumference on the end surface side of the first cylindrical member, and the second cylindrical member A second projecting portion projecting in a radial direction is provided over the entire circumference on the end surface side, and a watertight means is provided between the end surface of the first projecting portion and the end surface of the second projecting portion. Endoscope.
[0126]
(34) In Additional Notes 26 to 33, the hollow cylindrical member is formed of a metal pipe made of a metal material including stainless steel.
[0127]
(35) In Additional Notes 26 to 33, the hollow cylindrical member is formed of a flexible tube made of a polymer material containing polytetrafluoroethylene.
[0128]
(36) In Additional Notes 26 to 33, the watertight means is configured by an O-ring or a hollow cylindrical packing made of a high-molecular high-elasticity material including silicon rubber.
[0129]
In the structures of Supplementary Notes 26 to 36, since the watertight means is provided between the end face side of the first hollow cylindrical member and the end face side of the second hollow cylindrical member, the watertight means is disposed on the outer periphery of the hollow cylindrical member. Therefore, the space occupied by the connection portion can be reduced, and the watertightness between the hollow cylindrical members can be maintained.
[0130]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in an endoscope provided with a movable portion driving operation means for driving a movable portion provided in an endoscope insertion portion or the like, an operation wire and an operation connected to the movable portion are operated. There is an effect that it is possible to provide a pressing and fixing structure of an operation wire that can always maintain a strong fixing force without lowering the fixing force of the wire in the connecting portion that connects and fixes the wire driving mechanism provided in the portion. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a fixed portion of a bending operation wire in a drive operation means of a movable portion in an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the endoscope according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration around an operation unit with a grip unit cover removed.
FIG. 4 is a configuration explanatory view showing a lid mounting structure when a lid is assembled to a switch hole provided in the operation unit main body.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a mold structure for molding an operation unit main body.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a combination structure of a core and a mold used when molding a product name plate portion.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a side view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion with the distal end cover removed from the distal end portion main body.
FIG. 9 is a radial sectional view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion.
FIG. 10 is an axial sectional view showing a mounting structure of a treatment instrument raising base at a distal end portion of an insertion portion
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting structure of a fixing lid for fixing a tip cover
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the tip cover fixing mechanism;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a rotating jig used when a fixed lid is attached.
FIG. 14 is a configuration explanatory view showing a second modification of the fixing mechanism of the tip cover.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a modification of the tip cover.
FIG. 16 is a configuration explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a raising operation mechanism of the treatment instrument raising base according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a driving force transmission unit in the treatment instrument raising operation mechanism.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the raising wire guide tube connecting portion in the treatment instrument raising operation mechanism;
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the rising wire guide tube connecting portion;
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the raising wire guide tube connecting portion;
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a third modification of the raising wire guide tube connecting portion;
FIG. 22 is a top external view of the rising wire guide tube connecting portion viewed from above.
FIG. 23 is a configuration explanatory view showing the configuration of the treatment instrument raising wire connecting portion with the protective cover attached.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing a state where the user holds the grip part with his / her hand.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of the treatment instrument raising wire connecting portion according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a fitting portion between a drive shaft and a connection portion body in a treatment instrument raising wire connection portion
FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a fixing base for connecting and fixing the treatment instrument raising wire connecting portion and a fixing jig for rotating the fixing base;
FIG. 28 is an operation explanatory view showing the pressing state of the treatment instrument raising wire.
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the treatment instrument raising wire connecting portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 ... Insertion section
3. Operation unit
5 ... Curved part
7 ... gripping part
8 ... Bending operation knob
11 ... Operation unit body
13 ... Grip cover
16 ... Bending operation wire
17 ... Roller chain
18 ... Wire connection member
19 ... Fixing screw
21 ... Cylindrical member

Claims (1)

一端が可動部に接続された操作ワイヤを有し、この操作ワイヤによって前記可動部を駆動操作する可動部駆動操作手段を備えた内視鏡において、
前記操作ワイヤとワイヤ駆動手段との接続部において、前記操作ワイヤの後端部を円筒部材により外嵌してなるものとするとともに、当該後端部を押圧することによって固定する押圧部材を着脱自在に設け、前記円筒部材を、押圧部材と比較して剛性が高いものとしたことを特徴とする内視鏡。In an endoscope having an operation wire having one end connected to a movable portion, and a movable portion driving operation means for driving the movable portion with the operation wire.
At the connecting portion between the operation wire and the wire driving means, the rear end portion of the operation wire is externally fitted by a cylindrical member, and the pressing member fixed by pressing the rear end portion is detachable. An endoscope characterized in that the cylindrical member has higher rigidity than the pressing member .
JP09539995A 1995-04-20 1995-04-20 Endoscope Expired - Fee Related JP3607743B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP09539995A JP3607743B2 (en) 1995-04-20 1995-04-20 Endoscope

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Publication Number Publication Date
JPH08280606A JPH08280606A (en) 1996-10-29
JP3607743B2 true JP3607743B2 (en) 2005-01-05

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPWO2019065580A1 (en) * 2017-09-27 2020-12-24 富士フイルム株式会社 Endoscope

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003033320A (en) * 2001-07-24 2003-02-04 Pentax Corp Endscope

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPWO2019065580A1 (en) * 2017-09-27 2020-12-24 富士フイルム株式会社 Endoscope
JP7114617B2 (en) 2017-09-27 2022-08-08 富士フイルム株式会社 Endoscope
US11925316B2 (en) 2017-09-27 2024-03-12 Fujifilm Corporation Endoscope

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