JPH08228995A - Cover type endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent the disengagement of an endoscope cover against casual external force by providing the front end of an endoscope and the elastic deforming part of a front end cover member with engaging parts having slopes and regulating the deformation of this elastic deforming part. CONSTITUTION: The elastic deforming part 12 of the front end cover member 10 is provided with the engaging part 13 and the endoscope for the cover is provided with a detaining part 14. The outer side of the elastic deforming part 12 is provided with a cylindrical member 15 having a function as a regulating means to regulate the deformation thereof. Further, this cylindrical member 15 is so formed that the member is deformable when force is applied thereon in a manner as to hold the member with fingertips. The engaging part 13 and the detaining part 14 are detainable or fixable by contact with the slope parts 13a, 14a. The regulation is released by deforming the cylindrical member 15.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cover type endoscope in which a cover endoscope is covered with an endoscope cover.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the like. For endoscopy in the medical field, it is necessary to use a clean endoscope that has been thoroughly washed and disinfected before the examination. For this reason, when using an endoscope, it is washed or sterilized after trial in order to reliably prevent infections, etc., but it takes time to completely sterilize the endoscope. There is a problem that the use efficiency of the mirror is reduced.

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

In a cover type endoscope, generally, by inserting the insertion portion of the cover endoscope main body into the flexible insertion portion cover, the insertion portion cover covers the outer surface of the endoscope insertion portion,
The endoscope body is always kept clean. Therefore,
Even if the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope covered with a sterilized cover is contaminated during use, the isolation effect of the cover does not contaminate the endoscope insertion portion itself, and the cover should be replaced with a clean one. Can prevent the infection of patients.

In such a cover-type endoscope, it is necessary to prevent the cover endoscope from being displaced within the endoscope cover when the endoscope cover is in use. For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H3-193023, in order to insert the insertion portion of the cover endoscope into the endoscope cover and fix the both, the front end portion of the cover is locked to the front end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope. Locking means is provided, and the inspection is performed in a state where the cover tip and the insertion portion tip are fixed by the locking means, and after the inspection is finished, the locking means is released by sandwiching the cover tip with a fingertip, Disclosed is a cover-type endoscope having a configuration in which a cover distal end portion and an insertion portion distal end portion are removed and an endoscope cover is detached from a cover endoscope.

Similarly, in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-101901, a locking projection provided on the tip of the insertion section and the tip of the cover that fixes the tip of the cover is provided on the tip of the insertion section only by pushing the tip of the cover. It is disclosed that the engagement of the locking groove can be released and the endoscope cover can be removed from the cover endoscope.

[0007]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In the conventional example of Japanese Patent Publication No. 3, a locking means is provided in a distal end cover provided on a distal end portion of a sheath covering the insertion portion so that the distal end body of an endoscope provided at the distal end of the insertion portion is locked. But
This locking means is released only by pushing the tip cover. Therefore, when the endoscope of the present disclosure is used in a body cavity, for example, when it is used in the lower digestive tract, when the endoscope is inserted, the endoscope tip is abutted against the intestinal wall in such a manner as to pinch the endoscope tip. , When the force of the endoscope tip is pressed by the movement of the intestine and an unexpected force is applied to the tip of the endoscope, or when force is applied to the tip of the endoscope by forceful insertion, the tip part There is a risk that the locking means will be released, the insert cover covering the insert will come off, and in the worst case, it will become impossible to observe.

Also, in the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-101701, the relationship between the rigid cover at the tip of the endoscope cover and the rigid portion at the distal end of the endoscope is similarly pushed by pushing the tip of the endoscope cover. Since it is out of alignment, JP-A-3-1930
There is a possibility of falling into the same danger as that of Japanese Patent No. 23.

Further, in the above-mentioned cover type endoscope,
In general, it is difficult to securely fix the tip of the cover and the tip of the endoscope without rattling because there are variations in dimensions such as component tolerances. Since it is necessary to manufacture the assembly with high precision and accuracy, the cost of the device increases. In particular, increasing the cost of the endoscope cover, which is disposable or used only a few times, leads to a large increase in the endoscopic examination cost.

When a space is generated between the endoscope optical system and the tip of the cover due to variations in the dimensions of the endoscope cover and the like,
The endoscope optical system and the cover cannot be held sufficiently close or in close contact with each other, and optical defects such as ghost and flare may occur between the observation optical system of the endoscope and the illumination optical system and the cover. was there.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is easy to perform the operation of fixing and releasing the tip end portion of the cover endoscope and the tip end cover of the endoscope cover, and even when an unexpected external force is applied. A first object of the present invention is to provide a cover-type endoscope in which the endoscope cover does not come off.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a cover-type endoscope capable of reliably holding the tip of the cover endoscope and the tip of the endoscope cover so as not to cause an optical defect. Is the second purpose.

[0013]

[MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] An endoscope having an elongated insertion portion and an endoscope cover covering at least the insertion portion are provided, and the endoscope cover is a tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope. In a cover-type endoscope having a distal end cover member that fits a portion, the distal end portion of the endoscope includes a locking portion having a slope portion inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope,
One end of the distal end cover member is fixed to the body of the distal end cover member, and the other end side extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope has an elastically deformable portion that is elastically deformable. An engaging portion having an inclined surface portion that engages with the inclined surface portion of the locking portion in the vicinity of the other end of the locking portion, and regulating means for regulating the deformation of the elastically deforming portion in the vicinity of the elastically deforming portion; A regulation releasing mechanism for releasing the regulation of the regulating means is provided in the vicinity.

[0014]

The distal end portion of the endoscope for cover and the distal end cover member of the endoscope cover are deformed by the restriction releasing mechanism to deform the elastically deformable portion so that the both are engaged with each other at the slope portion. It can be fixed (installed) and released from the fixed state, and even if an unexpected external force is applied to the tip of the cover-type endoscope, both are in the engaged state, and thus they have the effect of not coming off.

Further, in the mounted state, the engaging portion of the tip forming portion and the engaging portion of the end portion of the elastically deforming portion formed by extending to the tip cover member abut on and engage with each other on the inclined surface portion, and are regulated. The deformation of the elastically deformable portion is regulated by the member, the engagement state between the distal end cover member and the distal end constituent portion is maintained, and the insertion portion is not rattled and the flare is prevented from occurring. is there.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 10 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall construction of a cover-type endoscope, and FIG. 2 is a distal end of an insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 3, and FIGS. It is explanatory drawing explaining the state at the time of inserting in or removing from a front end cover member.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cover-type endoscope 1 of this embodiment includes a cover endoscope 2 and an endoscope cover 4 that covers at least the insertion portion 3 of the cover endoscope 2. Composed of combinations.

In the cover endoscope 2, an operation portion 5 also serving as a grip portion is continuously provided on the proximal end side of the elongated insertion portion 3, and a distal end forming portion 6 is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 3. There is. On the other hand, the endoscope cover 4 has an insertion section cover 7 that covers the insertion section 3 and an operation section cover 8 that covers the operation section 5. The insertion section cover 7 is a tip cover member 1 which is mounted on the tip forming section 6 on the tip side of a flexible tubular outer cover 9.
0 is continuously provided, and a mouth body portion 11 for engaging and fixing the operation portion 5 is continuously provided on the base end side of the outer cover 9. The operation portion cover 8 is formed of a thin and flexible member, for example, a film member made of a polymer material such as vinyl chloride. All of these covers are sterilized before use.

Next, the detailed structure of the distal end portions of the insertion portion 3 and the insertion portion cover 7 of the cover endoscope 2 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 2 shows a state in which the insertion portion cover 7 is completely attached to the insertion portion 3, FIG. 3 shows a radial cross section of the distal end portion (a cross section taken along the line AA of FIG. 2), and FIG. A sectional view is shown.

The insert cover 7 has a main body (cover body) composed of an outer cover 9 made of a thin tube made of cylindrical urethane, vinyl chloride or the like, and the front cover member 10 is provided at the front end of the outer cover 9. Are hermetically joined. An elastically deformable portion 12 having an arm extending toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 3 is provided at, for example, one location on the side peripheral portion of the distal end cover member 10, and this elastically deformable portion 12 is The one end is fixed to the tip cover member 10, and the other end side (that is, the rear end side) is elastically deformable or movable in the radial direction of the insertion section 3 with this one end as a fulcrum (elastically deformable section). 12 may be the same member as the tip cover member 10, or another member different from the tip cover member 10 may be provided on the tip cover member 10 by adhesion or the like).

The other end of the elastically deformable portion 12 is provided with an engaging portion 13 protruding inward in the radial direction, while the outer peripheral side portion of the tip forming portion 6 of the cover endoscope 2 is radially outward. 2 is provided with a locking portion 14 protruding toward the front side of the endoscope cover 4 so that the engagement portion 13 and the locking portion 14 are engaged with each other so that the distal end side of the cover endoscope 2 is positioned at the distal end side of the endoscope cover 4. It can be positioned and fixed. For example, the amount of protrusion of the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 14 in the radial direction is preferably about 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The outer surface of the elastically deformable portion 12 has an arcuate shape having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the tip cover member 10 around it.

The engaging portion 14 of the tip forming portion 6 is formed like a protruding portion which is formed by cutting out the outer peripheral surface of the tip forming portion 6 around and engaging with the engaging portion 13 of the tip cover member 10. Is formed like a convex portion protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the tip cover member 10, and is provided so as to be convex inside the outermost circle of the tip cover member 10.

Outside the elastically deforming portion 12, a part of the elastically deforming portion 12 and the outer side of the tip cover member 10 are covered and function as regulating means (or regulating member) for regulating the deformation of the elastically deforming portion 12. Is provided with a cylindrical member 15. Between the outer side of the elastic deformation portion 12 and the outer skin 9,
A space corresponding to the thickness of the cylindrical member 15 is formed. That is, the proximal end side of the tip cover member 10 is made thinner than the tip side by the thickness of the cylindrical member 15, and the cylindrical member 15 is housed in this space formed between the outer cover 9 and the outer cover 9. I have to.

The cylindrical member 15 is made of a thin metal pipe material or the like, and has an outer diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the outermost circle of the tip cover member 10. The cylindrical member 15 is made of a material and has such a thickness that it can be deformed when a force is applied such that it is sandwiched by fingers. In this case, the thickness of the cylindrical member 15 is, for example, 0.15 to 0.25.
mm is good. The cylindrical member 15 is formed of an elastic member having elasticity that deforms when a force is applied from the outside and returns to a cylindrical shape when the application is stopped (not applied).

The engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 14 are engaged with each other so that the engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 14 can easily contact and engage with each other even if a dimensional difference such as a component tolerance occurs. The surfaces form slopes 13a and 14a that are slopes, and even if there is a dimensional difference, the error is displaced in the direction in which the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 14 overlap.

That is, the locking portion 1 protruding outward in the radial direction
4 is formed with an inclined surface 14a or a tapered surface on the proximal end side of the insertion portion so that the protruding amount becomes smaller toward the proximal end, and engages with the locking portion 14 of the engaging portion 13 protruding inward in the radial direction. An inclined surface 13a or a tapered surface is formed on the distal end side of the inserting portion to be fitted so that the protruding amount of the tip cover member 10 becomes smaller toward the distal end.

A concave portion for accommodating the engaging portion 13 is formed at the proximal end side of the inclined surface 14a of the engaging portion 14 with respect to the engaging portion 13. Also, the engaging portion 13
On the distal end side of the inclined surface 13a, a recess for accommodating the engaging portion 14 is formed with respect to the engaging portion 14, so that the inclined surfaces 13a and 14a are brought into contact with each other as shown in FIG. The engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 14 can be locked or fixed. The angle of inclination of the slopes 13a and 14a is, for example, 3
0 ° to 45 ° is good.

An inclined surface 14b is formed on the distal end side of the insertion portion of the locking portion 14 so that the outer diameter of the tip forming portion 6 becomes smaller toward the distal end. In addition, the elastic deformation portion 12
On the outer peripheral surface on the proximal end side, an inclined surface 12a is formed such that the outer diameter of the elastically deformable portion 12 becomes smaller toward the proximal end.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the tip cover member 10
The inner peripheral surface on the distal end side of the cover is fitted with the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the distal end of the distal end forming portion 6 of the cover endoscope 2, and has a thick wall that supports the distal end side and a part of which protrudes radially inward. The part 16 is formed. When the tip cover member 10 and the tip component 6 are engaged with each other as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, inside the tip forming section 6, an objective optical system (or an observation optical system) 18 for forming an observation subject image from the tip side (the first lens at the tip is designated by reference numeral 17). (Shown), an image pickup unit 28 having a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD (not shown) for converting the subject image into an electric signal is transmitted to an image control unit (not shown) for image processing the image signal from the image pickup unit 28. A signal cable 29 is provided and the objective optical system 18
A light guide 52 that transmits illumination light from a light source device (not shown) and an illumination optical system 53 that illuminates the subject with the transmitted illumination light are provided substantially parallel to the optical axis of the. A lens cover 19 is provided on the front end surface of the front end cover member 10 so as to cover the first lens 17 and the illumination optical system 53 of the objective optical system 18 so as to face these optical systems.

The lens cover 19 includes an objective optical system 18
Is provided with a light-shielding portion 54 that shields the first lens 17 and the illumination optical system 53 from each other.
The light-shielding portion 54 blocks the leakage of the illumination light emitted from the objective optical system 18 side to prevent flare from occurring. As shown in FIG. 3, the tip cover member 10 has an air supply tube 25 forming an air supply conduit, a water supply tube 26 forming a water supply conduit, and a forceps insertion channel tube 27 forming a forceps insertion passage. Is provided.

Further, in this embodiment, a regulation releasing mechanism for releasing the regulation by deforming the cylindrical member 15 as the regulation member for regulating the deformation of the elastically deforming portion 12 is formed as follows.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the distal end cover member 10 is provided with two notches 50 for forming a first space for deforming the cylindrical member 15 inward, for example, in an arc shape. There is. The notches 50 are provided at two positions facing the central axis of the tip cover member 10 at a position where the position of the elastically deforming portion 12 is rotated by about 90 °.

The notch 50 is formed by shaving the outer peripheral surface of the tip cover member 10 so that the cross section has an elliptical shape as shown in FIG. The notch 50 is provided so as to form an arcuate space with the outer peripheral surface of the tip cover member 10.

Then, for example, in the mounted state of FIG.
A force for flattening the cylindrical member 15 inward is applied toward the notch 50 by pinching the outer skin 9 with a finger from the direction BB, so that the cylindrical member 15 (to eliminate the space by the notch 50). 15, the inner peripheral surface of which is the tip cover member 10
When it is deformed so as to come into contact with the elliptical outer peripheral surface of the elastic deformable portion 12, at least the outer peripheral surface side of the elastic deformable portion 12 can be deformed radially outward in the space 51 as shown in FIG. And the space 51 allows the elastically deforming portion 12 to elastically deform (that is, a restriction releasing mechanism for releasing the restriction).

In other words, for example, when the cylindrical member 15 is deformed into an inwardly flat elliptical shape by applying a finger gripping force to the outer skin 9 from the direction of BB in FIG. 3, for example, A part of the ellipse 15 in the major axis direction, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the elastically deforming portion 12 as shown in FIG. Is configured so that it can be generated.

Then, by pulling the cover endoscope 2 side with respect to the endoscope cover 4, the engaging portion 13 of the elastically deformable portion 12 locked by the locking portion 14 is radially outwardly moved. The space is deformed to the side of the space 51 and the locking is released so that the endoscope cover 4 and the cover endoscope 2 can be removed. Although the function of the restriction release mechanism has been described in the case of removing from the mounted state of FIG. 3, it is also applied to the case of mounting as described later.

As can be seen from this description, at least the size of the space 51 is such that the elastic deformation portion 12 is deformed and the engagement portion 13 is deformed.
It is sufficient that the engagement portion 14 and the locking portion 14 are disengaged from each other. The notch portion 50 has a size such that a space corresponding to that portion is generated when the cylindrical member 15 is deformed, and the notch portion 50 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. Cylindrical member 15 when the member 15 is deformed into an elliptical shape
It is preferable that the shape is the same as the elliptical shape of the inner peripheral surface, or a flat elliptical shape having a shorter minor axis length than the shape when the cylindrical member 15 is deformed into an elliptical shape. For example, the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 1
When the radial projection amount of 4 is 0.3 to 0.5 mm, the largest radial width portion of the notch 50 is at least 0.3.
mm or more is required.

As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end cover member 10 is positioned on the proximal end side of the cylindrical member 15 by, for example, a retaining portion 55 formed by a protrusion protruding outward in the radial direction.
Is provided on the proximal end side of the cylindrical member 15, and as a positioning on the distal end side, a stopper portion 56 having a substantially stepped diameter is provided on the distal end side. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a space is provided between the cover tip member 10 and the outer skin 10 adjacent to the cylindrical member 15 so that the elastic deformation portion 12 can be smoothly deformed.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to 0 and the like. FIG. 5 shows a state immediately before inserting the tip forming part 6 into the tip cover member, and FIG. 7 shows a state in which the tip forming part 6 is being inserted into the tip cover member 10 and the tip forming part 6 is removed from the tip cover member 10. FIG. 9 shows a state in the middle of the process. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the tip forming portion 6 is inserted into the tip cover member 10 and the engagement of the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 4 is completed, and the tip cover member 10 is moved to the tip. FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cylindrical member 15 is deformed so that the elastic deformation portion 12 can be deformed when the constituent portion 6 is removed.
6, FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 are CC of FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG.
3 shows cross sections D-D and E-E, respectively.

In the structure of this embodiment, when the insertion section 3 is inserted into the insertion section cover 7 in order to mount the insertion section 3 of the cover endoscope 2 on the insertion section cover 7, the tip of the tip of the insertion section 3 is inserted. The constituent portion 6 advances inside the insertion portion cover 7, and eventually reaches the vicinity of the distal end cover member 10, and the distal end constituent portion 6 as it is.
The tip cover member 10 is fitted halfway. At this time, the locking portion 14 comes into contact with the engaging portion 13, but since the deformation of the elastically deforming portion 12 is restricted by the cylindrical member 15, the tip forming portion 6 cannot proceed any further.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6, when the cylindrical member 15 is deformed inward toward the cutout portion 50 (pressed with a finger so as to be deformed), the cylindrical member 15 is deformed into an elliptical shape, and FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 7, a space 51 in which the elastic deformation portion 12 can be deformed is formed outside the elastic deformation portion 12, and when the tip forming portion 6 is inserted as it is, the inclined surface 14b of the locking portion 14 becomes the engagement portion as shown in FIG. 13 is pushed radially outward to push up while elastically deforming the elastically deforming portion 12 (in this case, since the outer surface of the rear end of the elastically deforming portion 12 is a notched inclined surface 12a, the outer cylindrical member The rear end side of the elastically deformable portion 12 can be deformed outward without hitting 15). When the tip forming portion 6 is continuously inserted, the engaging portion 13 passes over the engaging portion 14 by the elastic restoring force of the elastically deforming portion 12 and the engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 14 engage with each other as shown in FIG. To meet.

Here, even if there is a dimensional difference such as a component size between the portions where the engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 14 are located, the inclined surface 13a of the engaging portion 13 and the inclined surface 14a of the engaging portion 14 are Since the dimensional difference is set in the overlapping direction, the inclined surface 13a and the inclined surface 14a can be engaged with the elastically deforming portion 12 in a deformed state, and the tip cover member 10 and the tip forming portion 6 are in a locked state. .

Next, the deformation of the cylindrical member 15 into the cutout portion 50 is stopped, and the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical member 15 is returned to a circular shape, so that the cylindrical member 15 is covered with the elastic deformation portion 12 as shown in FIG. In this state, the elastically deformable portion 12 is in a state in which deformation is restricted by the cylindrical member 15. That is, the engaging portion 13 is brought into contact with the locking portion 14 or the elastic force of the elastically deforming portion 12 reliably holds the engaged state in a state in which the engaging portion 13 is biased inward in the radial direction, and the tip portion is prevented from rattling. The side is fixed. Then, the endoscope inspection can be performed in a state in which the distal end forming portion 6 and the distal end cover member 10 are securely fixed.

When the insert cover 7 is removed, the cylindrical member 15 is again deformed inward toward the notch 50 to elastically deform the elastic deformation part 12 to the outside of the elastic deformation part 12 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. A possible space 51 is created. However, even if the cylindrical member 15 is deformed in this way, the engagement between the engaging portion 14 and the engaging portion 13 is not disengaged, and the tip forming portion 6 is still held by the tip covering member 10, and the tip forming portion 6 is retained. The tip cover member 10 cannot be removed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when the distal end forming portion 6 is pulled out toward the proximal end side of the insertion portion 3 with respect to the endoscope cover 4 side, the locking portion 14 pushes up the engaging portion 13 and elastically deforms. Part 12
Deforms in the space 51, the engaging portion 14 and the engaging portion 13 are disengaged, the fixation at the tip portion is released, and the tip forming portion 6 can be removed from the tip cover member 10 as shown in FIG. Insertion part 3
The insertion-portion cover 7 can be removed.

This embodiment has the following effects. In the configuration of the present embodiment, the slopes 13a and 14a are provided on the surfaces where the engaging portions 13 and the engaging portions 14 engage with each other even if the tip cover member 10 and the tip forming portion 6 have a dimensional difference of about component tolerance. Therefore, it is possible to absorb these errors and make them easily contact and engage with each other. At this time, the tip portion 6 is urged toward the tip side of the cover by the engaging portion 13 pressing the locking portion 14 by the elastic restoring force of the elastically deforming portion 12, and in this state,
Since the cylindrical member 15 is externally mounted, the elastic deformation portion 12
Also, the cylindrical member 15 is closely adhered to the tip cover member 10 (at a position facing the elastically deforming portion 12) to cover the exterior, so that the engaged state can be more firmly held.

Even when there is no difference in size, the engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 14 are securely engaged with each other to cover the cylindrical member 15 so that they can be securely retained in the engaged state. Further, by restricting the deformation of the elastically deformable portion 12 by the cylindrical member 15, the movement of the engaging portion 13 is regulated, and the engaging portion 13 inadvertently crosses over the locking portion 14 and is disengaged. It prevents that. When the tip forming portion 6 is in contact with and biased against the inner surface of the tip of the tip cover member 10, it can be securely fixed without rattling. Therefore, even if the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope 1 is curved or looped with the cover attached, both tip members (tip component 6 and tip cover member 10) are securely fixed and held. it can.

The distance from the abutting surface between the tip cover member 10 and the tip forming portion 6 to the engagement portion 14 on the endoscope side and the engagement portion 13 on the endoscope cover side from the abutting surface. By appropriately setting the distance, the clearance is set so that the lens cover 19 and the first lens 17 of the objective optical system 18 are sufficiently close to or in close contact with each other in a state in which the tip cover member 10 and the tip component 6 are engaged. Is maintained at a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 mm or less), it is possible to prevent the occurrence of flares, ghosts, and the like that hinder observation.

By providing the engaging portion 14 by cutting out the outer peripheral surface of the tip forming portion 6, and by providing the engaging portion 13 inside the outer peripheral circle of the tip cover member 10 so as to engage with the engaging portion 14. This has the effect of reducing the diameter of the insertion portion without newly requiring a space for the locking portion 14 and the engagement portion 13.

The cylindrical member 1 in the tip cover member 10
Since the portion where 5 is located is made thin by the thickness of the cylindrical member 15, there is no fear that the outer diameter of the insertion portion cover will become thicker by the thickness of the cylindrical member 15. Further, since the cylindrical member 15 does not project to the outside, the outer member 9 can be prevented from being damaged by the cylindrical member 15, and the resistance of the outer member 9 can be reduced, so that the outer member 9 can be easily attached and detached.

Further, the cylindrical member 15 and the tip cover member 1
A notch portion that is deformed inward with the cylindrical member 15 between 0 and 0, and that can deform the elastic deformation portion 12 in the vicinity of the elastic deformation portion 12 and creates a space 51 enough to disengage the engagement portion 13 and the locking portion 14. By providing 50, the endoscope cover 4 can be easily removed with a light force only by pulling out the insertion portion 3 while pressing the tip end portion of the endoscope cover 4 in such a manner as to be sandwiched between the fingertips, Further, the cylindrical member 15 is deformed by an unexpected external force applied to the tip of the insertion portion cover 7, and the elastic deformation portion 12
Even if there is a space 51 outside the elastically deformable portion 12 that can be deformed, the engagement between the engagement portion 14 and the locking portion 13 is maintained, and therefore the fixation on the tip end side is released. However, since the worst case in which the endoscope cover 2 comes off during the examination and becomes unobservable cannot occur, a safe examination can be performed.

Further, in this embodiment, the portion where the tip surface of the tip forming portion 6 abuts on the inner surface of the tip cover member 10 in the distal end direction is a lens cover 19 as shown in, for example, FIG. The tip cover member having the portion 12 and the engaging portion 13 may be the same as the transparent member of the lens cover 19, and may be integrally provided on the tip cover member 10 together with the elastically deforming portion 12 and the engaging portion 13.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the abutting portion may be a light shielding portion 54 provided integrally with the tip cover member having the elastically deforming portion 12 and the engaging portion 13, and the lens cover 19
Is a separate body, and the lens cover 19 is provided on the distal end cover member 10 by adhesion, welding, etc.
In comparison with the case where the tip forming portion 6 or the objective lens 17 is abutted with, the strength is improved, and even if the tip forming portion 6 is biased toward the distal end side by the elastic force of the elastic deformation portion 12,
It has the effect of making it difficult to break.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, an index 57 such as a white circle may be provided on the outer surface of the outer skin 9 at the portion where the cylindrical member 15 is deformed inward toward the notch 50. This has the effect of making it easier to attach and detach. In addition, in FIG. 13, a display portion of a numeral indicating the length from the tip is provided on the outer side of the insertion portion cover 7 so that the insertion amount when inserted into the body cavity can be known.

The notch 50 is not formed between the tip cover member 10 and the cylindrical member 15, but as shown in FIG.
It may be provided between the inner surface of and the tip cover member 10 and the tip forming portion 6 on the inside. In this case, the notch 5 of FIG.
Since it is not necessary to provide a wall portion of the tip cover member 10 between 0 and the tip forming portion 6, there is an advantage that the diameter can be reduced accordingly.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 15 to 17 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a radial cross-sectional view showing the detailed structure of the tip of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope, and FIG. It is the same cross section diagram which explains the action in execution example. Since the second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the notch 50 is replaced by the elastically deformable portion 1.
2 and the tip cover member 10 with respect to the central axis of the tip cover member 10 and the cylindrical member 15 other than the outer peripheral surface that connects the vicinity of the outer side of the elastically deformable portion 12 and the cutout portion 50 at a short distance, and the tip cover member 10 are joined Regarding the portion 58, the cylindrical member 15 and the tip cover member 10 are joined by means such as adhesion.

The notch 50 is elastically deformable when the cylindrical member 15 is deformed inwardly toward the notch 50.
It is configured to create a new space 51 on the outside of 2.
The size of the space 51 may be at least such that the elastically deformable portion 12 is deformed and the engagement between the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 14 is disengaged, and the cutout portion 50 is equivalent to the cylindrical member 15. It has a size that creates a space.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG.
When the cylindrical member 15 is deformed inward toward the notch 50, the cylindrical member 15 of the joint portion 58 to which the cylindrical member 15 and the tip cover member 10 are fixed as shown in FIG.
Does not deform, and the cylindrical member 15 on the outer peripheral portion of the elastically deforming portion 12
Elastically deforms outward so as to have a non-circular shape,
A space 51 is formed which can be deformed by the disengagement between the locking portion 14 and the engaging portion 13.

At this time, the tip forming portion 6 is attached to the tip cover member 1
As it is inserted into 0, the inclined surface of the locking portion 14 deforms the elastically deforming portion 12 to push up the engaging portion 13, and when the operation proceeds as it is, the engaging portion 13 is engaged by the elastic restoring force of the elastically deforming portion 12. Overcoming the stop 14, the locking portion 14 and the slopes 13a, 14
engaged at a. Then, by stopping the deformation of the cylindrical member 15, the elastic deformation portion 12 and the elastic deformation portion 1 are stopped.
The cylindrical member 15 is mounted on the tip cover member 10 portion corresponding to the position 2 so that the elastically deformable portion 12 is restricted from being deformed in the radially outward direction, and the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 14 are provided. Is surely engaged.

Similarly, when the distal end cover member 10 is removed with the cylindrical member 15 deformed, the engaging portion 14 pushes up the engaging portion 13, and when it is removed as it is, the engaging portion is completely removed. The engagement between the engagement portion 14 and the engagement portion 13 is released, and the insertion portion cover 7 can be removed from the insertion portion 3.

This embodiment has the following effects. Similar to the first embodiment, except that the cylindrical member 15 and the tip cover member 10 are fixed to the outside of the elastically deformable portion 12 and the vicinity thereof and the portion other than the cutout portion 50, so that the cutout portion 50 is formed. Cylindrical member 1 deformed inward toward
Since all the deformation amounts of No. 5 are deformed to the outside in the vicinity of the elastic deformation portion 12, the space 51 can be created outside the elastic deformation portion 12 with a small amount of deformation. That is, it is easy to attach and detach with a small amount of pushing and only by pushing one place.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, even if it is fixed at the joint portion 58 at a position facing the elastically deformable portion 12, the cylindrical member 1
All of the deformation amounts of 5 deformed toward the cutout portion 50 are deformed outward in the elastic deformation amount 12 and in the vicinity thereof, so that the attaching / detaching operation can be performed with a small pressing amount. Further, the cylindrical member 15 may be made of a resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic, or may be integrally molded at the joined portion, and the same effect can be obtained.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 18 to 21 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed structure of the distal end of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope, FIG. 19
18 is a sectional view taken along the line GG of FIG. 18, FIG. 20 is an explanatory view for explaining the action in the embodiment, and FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line HH of FIG. The parts having the same configurations as those of the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The tip cover member 1 as shown in FIGS.
0 sets of two engaging portions 14 and engaging portions 1
3, the elastically deformable portion 12 is provided, which is the tip cover member 1
Notches 50 are provided at two positions which are rotated by about 90 ° about the center axis of 0.

When the cylindrical member 15 is deformed toward the notch 50, the notch 50 is flattened with the notch 50 in a direction rotated about 90 ° about the central axis of the tip cover member 10. It is configured to be deformed into an elliptical shape so that a new space 51 is formed outside the elastically deforming portion 12, and each space 5
The size of 1 is sufficient if at least the elastically deformable portion 12 is deformed and the engagement portion 13 and the locking portion 14 are disengaged, and each notch portion 50 allows the cylindrical member 15 to generate a space corresponding to that. It is large.

Next, the operation will be described. In the state of FIGS. 18 and 19, when a force that deforms the cylindrical member 15 inward is applied toward the cutout portion 50, the cutout portion 50 is located at the center of the tip cover member 5 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Almost 9
The space 51 is deformed in an elliptical flat shape in the direction rotated by 0 °, and each elastically deformable portion 12 is deformed by the disengagement of the engaging portion 14 and the engaging portion 13 to generate a space 51.

At this time, the tip forming portion 6 is attached to the tip cover member 1
As it is inserted into 0, the inclined surface of the locking portion 14 becomes
Is pushed up while deforming the elastically deforming portion 12, and when the engaging portion 13 proceeds as it is, the engaging portion 14 engages the engaging portion 14 and the slope portions 13a, 14a by the elastic restoring force of the elastically deforming portion 12. Are combined. Then, by stopping the deformation of the cylindrical member 15 into the cutout portion 50, the cylindrical member 15 is exteriorly mounted on each elastically deforming portion 12 as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, and the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 14 are separated. Engagement becomes reliable.

Similarly, when the tip cover member 10 is removed while the cylindrical member 15 is deformed, the locking portion 14
When pushes up the engaging portion 13 and removes it as it is, the engagement between the locking portion 14 and the engaging portion 13 is completely released, and the insertion portion cover 7 can be removed from the insertion portion 3.

This embodiment has the following effects. Similar to the first embodiment, except that, in the first embodiment, when the cylindrical member 15 is deformed into an elliptical shape, the vicinity of the outer side of the elastic deformation portion 12 and the elastic deformation portion 12 are on the tip cover member 10. A space 51 formed by the tip cover member 10 and the cylindrical member 15 is formed at a position on the opposite side to the central axis, but since only one space 51 formed outside the elastically deforming portion 12 is used as a function, the opposite side is formed. The space 51 generated in 1 was wasted.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the tip cover member 10 and the tip forming portion 6 are provided corresponding to the two spaces 51.
In addition, since two sets of the engaging portion 13, the engaging portion 14, and the elastically deforming portion 12 are provided, there are two engaging portions,
Although the operation itself is the same as that of the first embodiment, there is an effect that the tip cover member 10 and the tip forming portion 6 can be more firmly engaged and rattling can be suppressed.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 22 and 23 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a radial cross section showing the structure of the distal end of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope, and FIG. It is the same cross section diagram which explains the action in this execution example. The parts having the same configurations as those of the first to third embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 22, the elastically deforming portion 12 and the engaging portion 1
3, the engaging portion 14 and the cutout portion 50 in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.
Is provided so as to rotate within a range of 90 ° about the central axis of the tip cover member 10, and one notch portion 50
Air supply tube 2 made of elastic material such as Irax
5, a water supply tube 26, and a forceps insertion channel 27 are arranged.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG.
FIG. 23 shows the state in which the cylindrical member 15 is elastically deformed together with the air supply tube 25 and the forceps insertion channel 27 toward the cutout portion 50 in the state of (without attaching the tip forming portion 6). The notch 50 is almost 90
° The direction in which the tip cover member 10 is rotated about the central axis,
That is, the space 51 is generated outside the elastically deforming portion 12 and at a position symmetrical with respect to the point.

At this time, the tip forming portion 6 is attached to the tip cover member 1
When it is inserted into 0, the engaging portion 14 pushes up the engaging portion 13 while deforming the elastically deforming portion 12, and when the engaging portion 13 is advanced as it is, the engaging portion 13 is engaged by the elastic restoring force of the elastically deforming portion 12. The locking portion 14 and the slope portions 13a, 14a are engaged so as to come into contact with each other. Then, by stopping the deformation of the cylindrical member 18 into the notch 50, the elastically deforming portion 12 is covered with the cylindrical member 15, and the engagement between the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 14 is ensured. At this time, the air supply tube 25 and the forceps insertion channel 2
7 also returns to its original shape when the deformation is stopped, and can be set to the mounted state shown in FIG.

Similarly, the cylindrical member 15 is deformed,
When the tip cover member 10 is removed while the air supply tube 25 and the forceps insertion channel 27 are deformed, the locking portion 1
When 4 pushes up the engaging portion 13 and removes it as it is, the engaging portion 14 and the engaging portion 13 are completely disengaged, and the insertion portion cover 7 can be removed from the insertion portion 3.

This embodiment has the following effects. The same as in the first embodiment, but is further provided with a notch 50 by notching the peripheral portion of the forceps insertion channel 27 and the like, and disposing the notch 50, the forceps insertion channel 27, the air supply tube 25, and the water supply tube 26. Space saving can be achieved by sharing.

Further, in this embodiment, any one or all of the forceps insertion channel 27, the air supply tube 25, and the water supply tube 26 may be deformed together with the cylindrical member 15, and the deformation is provided in the notch 50. Any one or all of the air supply tube 25, the water supply tube 26, and the forceps insertion channel 27 may be used, and air supply, water supply, suction, and forceps insertion are performed when the distal end is fixed and the fixation is released. Since there is no air supply tube 25, water supply tube 26, and forceps insertion channel 27, no problem will occur even if they are deformed. Further, since the air supply tube 25, the water supply tube 26, and the forceps insertion channel 27 can be deformed with a light force, even if the air supply tube 25, the water supply tube 26, and the forceps insertion channel 27 are deformed together, the operation feeling is not particularly deteriorated.

In the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments,
As shown in FIG. 24, the engaging portion 14 may be an engaging portion 14 as a recess provided by cutting out the tip forming portion 6, and the engaging portion 14 may be engaged with the engaging portion 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the engaging portion 13 may be engaged with the locking portion 14 protruding outward as a recess provided by cutting out the inner surface side of the elastically deforming portion 12.

By the way, as described in the above-mentioned section of the prior art, when a space is generated between the endoscope optical system and the tip of the cover due to variations in the dimensions of the endoscope cover, etc. The cover cannot be held sufficiently close to or in close contact with it, and optical defects such as ghost and flare may occur between the observation optical system of the endoscope or the illumination optical system and the cover.

In view of these circumstances, the cover type of the fifth and subsequent embodiments is focused on maintaining the fixed state between the tip of the cover endoscope and the tip of the endoscope cover. The endoscope will be described below.

26 to 29 relate to a fifth embodiment in which both the cover endoscope and the distal end portions of the endoscope cover can be reliably maintained in a fixed state. FIG. 26 shows the overall structure of the cover endoscope. 27 is a perspective view, FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed structure of the tip of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope, FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along the line A′-A ′ of FIG. 27, and FIG. 29 is the inside of the endoscope cover. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of inserting the endoscope insertion portion into the.

As shown in FIG. 26, the cover-type endoscope 1 of this embodiment includes a cover endoscope 2 and this cover endoscope 2.
Is combined with an endoscope cover 4 that covers at least the insertion portion 3.

In the cover endoscope 2, the operation portion 5 also serving as a grip portion is continuously provided on the proximal end side of the elongated insertion portion 3, and the distal end forming portion 6 is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 3. There is. On the other hand, the endoscope cover 4 has an insertion section cover 7 that covers the insertion section 3 and an operation section cover 8 that covers the operation section 5. The insertion-portion cover 7 is a tip cover member 1 that is externally inserted into the tip-constituting portion 6 on the tip side of a flexible tubular outer cover 9.
0 is continuously provided, and a mouth portion 11 that is engaged and fixed to the operation portion 5 is continuously provided on the base end side of the outer cover 9. The operation portion cover 8 is formed of a thin and flexible film member made of a polymer material such as vinyl chloride. All of these covers are sterilized before use.

Next, the detailed structure of the distal end portions of the endoscope insertion portion 3 and the insertion portion cover 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 29. FIG. 27 shows a state in which the insertion section cover 7 has been completely attached to the endoscope insertion section 3, and FIG. 29 shows a longitudinal cross-section in the state where the endoscope insertion section 3 is being inserted into the insertion section cover 7. FIG. 28 shows a radial cross section of the tip portion (see FIG. 27).
A'-A 'line cross section) of FIG.

The insert cover 7 has a cover body composed of an outer cover 9 made of a thin tube made of cylindrical urethane, vinyl chloride or the like, and a front cover member 10 is hermetically sealed at the front end of the outer cover 9. It is provided by joining. An elastically deformable portion 12 extending toward the rear end side in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion is provided on the side peripheral portion of the tip cover member 10. One end of the elastically deformable portion 12 is fixed to the tip cover member 10 and this is used as a fulcrum. The end side is movable in the radial direction of the insertion part.
The other end of the elastically deformable portion 12 has an engaging portion 13 protruding inward.
On the other hand, a locking portion 14 protruding outward is provided on the outer peripheral side portion of the distal end forming portion 6 of the endoscope, and the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 14 are engaged with each other. There is.

The engaging portion 14 of the tip forming portion 6 is formed by notching the outer peripheral surface of the tip forming portion 6 around the protruding portion, and the engaging portion 13 of the tip cover member 10 has a tip cover. A convex portion is formed so as to project from the inner peripheral surface of the member 10 and is provided inside the outermost circle of the tip cover member 10.

In the vicinity of the elastically deforming portion 12, there is provided a cylindrical member 15 which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion and is externally inserted to a part of the elastically deforming portion 12 and the outside of the tip cover member 10. Between the elastically deforming portion 12 and the outer skin 9 in the vicinity of the elastically deforming portion 12, there is a space corresponding to the thickness of the cylindrical member 15, and the rear end side of the tip cover member 10 is smaller than the tip end side by this space. It has a small diameter. The cylindrical member 15 is made of resin or a thin-walled metal pipe material, and the tip cover member 1
It has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the outermost circle of zero.

The engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 14 are designed so that they can easily contact and engage with each other even if a dimensional difference such as a component tolerance occurs between them.
The engaging surfaces of the engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 14 are inclined with respect to each other, and even if there is a dimensional difference, the error is displaced in the direction in which the engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 14 overlap. . Further, on the insertion portion distal end side of the locking portion 14, the inclined surface 1 is formed such that the outer diameter of the tip forming portion 6 becomes smaller toward the distal end.
4b is formed, and an inclined surface 13a is formed on the proximal end side of the insertion portion of the engagement portion 13 that engages with the locking portion 14 so that the inner diameter of the tip cover member 10 becomes smaller toward the proximal end. The outer peripheral surface of the elastically deforming portion 12 on the proximal end side has an inclined surface 12a whose outer diameter becomes smaller toward the proximal end.
Are formed.

On the tip side of the tip cover member 10, there is formed a thick-walled support portion 16 that fits with the tip forming portion 6 of the endoscope and supports the tip.

Inside the tip forming section 6, an objective optical system 9 or an observation optical system for forming an observation subject image from the tip side 1
8 (first lens at the tip thereof is indicated by reference numeral 17), an image pickup unit 28 for converting the subject image into an electric signal, and a signal cable 29 for transmitting an image signal from the image pickup unit 28 to an image control unit (not shown) And an illumination optical system (not shown) are provided substantially parallel to the observation optical system 18. A lens cover 19 is provided on the front end surface of the front end cover member 10 so as to cover the first lens 17 and the illumination optical system of the observation optical system 18 so as to face these optical systems.

In the structure of this embodiment, when the endoscope insertion portion 3 is inserted into the insertion portion cover 7 in order to mount the insertion portion cover 7 on the insertion portion 3 of the cover endoscope 2, the insertion portion is inserted. When the cover 7 is inserted to the bottom of the endoscope housing section, the tip forming section 6 is moved to the tip cover member 10 immediately before the insertion is completed.
Is fitted to the support portion 16 of the. At this time, as shown in FIG. 29, the locking portion 14 of the tip forming portion 6 abuts on the engaging portion 13 of the elastically deforming portion 12, and the inclined surface 14 b of the locking portion 14 engages with the engaging portion 1.
Push 3 up in the radial direction.

When the insertion is further advanced to the distal end, the engaging portion 13 gets over the locking portion 14 and the engaging portion 13 and the locking portion 14 are engaged with each other, and the distal end cover member 10 and the distal end constituting portion 6 are engaged. It is stopped and fixed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27, the elastically deformable portion 1
By externally inserting the cylindrical member 15 into a part or the whole of 2, the elastically deformable portion 12 is restricted from being deformed, and the engaging portion 13 is firmly brought into close contact with or biased to the engaging portion 14 to ensure the engaged state. Is retained. As a result, the distal end portion is fixed so that the insertion portion cover 7 is attached to the insertion portion 3 of the cover endoscope 2 and there is no rattling.

At this time, the cylindrical member 15 is elastically or plastically deformed, and is externally inserted into the elastically deforming portion 12 and the tip cover member 10. Even when the cylindrical member 15 is fitted in a state where the elastically deformable portion 12 is deformed, the inclined surface 12a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the elastically deformable portion 12, and therefore the cylindrical shape is formed along the inclined surface 12a. The member 15 can be smoothly extrapolated, and the cylindrical member 15 causes the engagement portion 13 to press the locking portion 14.

When removing the insertion portion cover 7, the elastically deformable portion 12 can be deformed by moving the cylindrical member 15 in the axial direction of the insertion portion so as to be out of the deformation area of the elastically deformable portion 12. When the endoscope insertion portion 3 is pulled out in this state, the locking portion 14 of the distal end forming portion 6 pushes up the engaging portion 13 with the fixed portion between the proximal end portion of the elastically deformable portion 12 and the distal end cover member 10 as a fulcrum to push up the elastic portion. The deformable portion 12 is deformed, and the cover can be removed.

In the configuration of this embodiment, the tip cover member 1
0, even if there is a dimensional difference of about the part tolerance in the tip forming portion 6, the engaging surface of the engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 14 is an inclined surface, so the error is absorbed and the both abut and engage with each other. It's getting easier. At this time, the tip portion 6 is urged toward the tip side of the cover by the engagement portion 13 pressing the locking portion 14 by the elastic restoring force of the elastic deformation portion 12, and in this state, the cylindrical member 15 Is elastically or plastically deformed to be pushed and expanded, so that the cylindrical member 15 is closely fitted to the elastically deformable portion 12 and the tip cover member 10 to firmly insert the cylindrical member 15 into the engaged state. Can hold Further, by restricting the deformation of the elastically deformable portion 12 by the cylindrical member 15, the movement of the engaging portion 13 is restricted, and the engaging portion 13 gets over the locking portion 14 and the engagement is released. It is preventing. Further, since the support portion 16 of the tip cover member 10 suppresses the tilting of the tip forming portion 6, the tip cover member 10 can be securely fixed without rattling when the tip forming portion 6 is in contact with and biased against the inner surface of the tip. You can do it. Therefore, even if the insertion portion is bent or looped with the cover attached, the tip portion is securely fixed and held without shifting.

The distance from the abutting surface between the tip cover member 10 and the tip forming portion 6 to the engaging portion 14 on the endoscope side and the engaging portion 13 on the endoscope cover side from the abutting surface. By appropriately setting the distance, the lens cover 19 and the first lens 17 on the front surface of the observation optical system 18 are in a state of being sufficiently close to or in close contact with each other while the tip cover member 10 and the tip forming portion 6 are engaged with each other. Since the clearance is maintained at a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 mm or less), it is possible to prevent flare, ghosts, and the like that hinder observation.

Further, since the cover-side engaging portion 13 and the endoscope-side engaging portion 14 are provided with inclined surfaces, respectively, the cylindrical member 15 serving as the restricting means is removed from the deformation area of the elastically deforming portion 12. The disengaged state can be easily released by removing the cover, and the cover can be attached and removed with a light force. Therefore, the operability is good, and the attachment / detachment work can be easily and smoothly performed.

Further, the engaging portion 14 is provided by cutting out the outer peripheral surface of the tip forming portion 6, and the engaging portion 13 is provided inside the outer circumferential circle of the tip cover member 10 so as to engage with the engaging portion 14. This has the effect of reducing the diameter of the insertion portion without requiring a new space for the locking portion 14 and the engagement portion 13.

Further, since the portion of the tip cover member 10 where the cylindrical member 15 is located is made thin by the thickness of the cylindrical member 15, the outer diameter of the insertion portion cover is large by the thickness of the cylindrical member 15. There is no danger of becoming. Further, since the cylindrical member 15 does not project to the outside, the outer member 9 can be prevented from being damaged by the cylindrical member 15, and the resistance of the outer member 9 can be reduced, so that the outer member 9 can be easily attached and detached.

Further, the inclined surface 1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastically deformable portion 12.
Instead of providing 2a, the same effect can be obtained by providing an inclined surface on the inner surface of the cylindrical member 15 on the distal end side of the insertion portion so that the wall thickness becomes thinner toward the distal end.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize reliable fixing without rattling between the tip of the cover endoscope and the tip of the cover, and it is possible to maintain this fixed state. Becomes Further, since the front end surface of the objective lens system of the endoscope front end portion can be fixed to the inner surface of the lens cover in close contact or sufficiently close to each other, optical defects such as flare can be prevented.

The cylindrical member may be constructed as shown in FIG. 30 in order to improve the operability in inserting and removing the cylindrical member from the outside of the cover through the outer cover 9.

In the configuration example of FIG. 30, in order to reduce the resistance between the cylindrical member and the outer cover, a cylindrical member 15a having a polygonal shape whose outer peripheral portion fits within the inner diameter of the outer cover 9 is provided. According to this structure, the number of contact points between the outer cover 9 and the cylindrical member 15a is reduced, so that the frictional resistance between the outer cover 9 of the cylindrical member 15a and the cylindrical member 15a is reduced smoothly. It can be inserted into and removed from the tip cover member 10, and operability is improved.

31 to 34 relate to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope, and FIG. 32 is B'of FIG. −
FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B ′, and FIG. 33 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of inserting the endoscope insertion portion into the endoscope cover.
34 is a sectional view taken along the line C′-C ′ of FIG. 33.

The sixth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the engaging portion and the engaging portion in the fifth embodiment is changed and a recess is provided as the engaging portion.

The distal end cover member 20 of the insertion section cover includes
An engaging portion having an elastically deforming portion 21 as in the fifth embodiment, but with a concave portion formed inside instead of the convex portion of the fifth embodiment at the proximal end side of this elastically deforming portion 21. 22 is provided. On the other hand, locking portions 24 protruding outward are provided on the outer peripheral side of the distal end forming portion 23 of the endoscope, and the engaging portions 22 and the locking portions 24 are engaged with each other.

Further, in this embodiment, instead of providing the support portion for supporting the endoscope distal end constituent portion on the distal end cover member side,
At the distal end of the tip forming portion 23, a holding portion 125 formed of a protruding portion for holding the tip of the endoscope insertion portion is provided.

The engaging portion 22 and the engaging portion 24 are arranged so that they easily contact and engage with each other even if there is a dimensional difference such as a component tolerance.
The surfaces on which the engaging portions 22 and the engaging portions 24 engage are formed to be slanted surfaces. Further, an inclined surface 22a is formed on the insertion portion proximal end side of the engagement portion 22 so that the thickness of the elastically deformable portion 21 becomes thinner toward the proximal end, and the insertion portion distal end side of the locking portion 24 is formed. An inclined surface 24a is formed on the holding portion 1 so that the outer diameter of the tip forming portion 23 becomes smaller toward the distal end.
On the distal end side of 25, the tip forming portion 2
3 The inclined surface 125a is formed so that the outer diameter is small.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cylindrical member 126 fitted outside the elastically deforming portion 21 and the tip cover member 20 has a cutout portion 12 formed by cutting out a part of its circumference in the axial direction of the insertion portion.
Have 7. The configuration of the other parts is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, and the description is omitted.

In the structure of the present embodiment, in order to mount the insertion section cover 7 on the insertion section 3 of the cover endoscope 2,
When the endoscope insertion portion 3 is inserted into the insertion portion cover 7, when the insertion of the distal end cover member 20 to the bottom of the endoscope storage portion is completed, the distal end constituent portion 23 is fitted to the distal end cover member 20 at the stage of completion of insertion. To meet. At this time, as shown in FIG. 33, the holding portion 125 and the locking portion 24 of the tip forming portion 23 come into contact with the inclined surface 22 a of the engaging portion 22 of the elastically deformable portion 21, and the holding portion 12 is held.
5, the inclined surface 125a and the inclined surface 24a of the locking portion 24 sequentially push up the engaging portion 22 in the radial direction.

When the insertion further proceeds to the distal end, the distal end side of the engaging portion 22 gets over the engaging portion 24 and the engaging portion 22 and the engaging portion 24 engage with each other, so that the distal end cover member 20 and the distal end constituting portion. 23
And are locked and fixed.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the cylindrical member 126 is attached to the tip cover member 20 so that the portion having the wall thickness of the cylindrical member 126 is located in a part or the whole of the elastically deformable portion 21. The elastic deformation part 21
Is restrained from being deformed, and the engagement state is surely maintained in a state where the engagement portion 22 is in close contact with or biased against the locking portion 24, and the insertion portion cover 7 is attached to the insertion portion 3 of the cover endoscope 2. Then, the tips of both are fixed.

When removing the cover, the cylindrical member 126
34 in the circumferential direction, and as shown in FIG.
33 is positioned in the deformation area of the elastic deformation portion 21,
The elastically deformable portion 21 can be deformed as shown in FIG. When the endoscope insertion portion 3 is pulled out in this state, the locking portion 24 of the distal end forming portion 23 causes the proximal end portion of the elastically deformable portion 21 and the distal end cover member 2 to move.
The elastically deformable portion 21 is deformed by pushing up the engaging portion 22 with the fixed portion of 0 as a fulcrum, and the cover can be removed.

Also in the structure of this embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment, the front end of the cover endoscope and the front end of the cover can be securely fixed without rattling. In the sixth embodiment, since the regulation of the elastically deforming portion 21 can be released by rotating the cylindrical member 126 in the circumferential direction, the cover attaching / detaching work can be facilitated.

35 to 37 relate to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed construction of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope, and FIG. 36 is D'of FIG. −
FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D ′, and FIG. 37 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of inserting the endoscope insertion portion inside the endoscope cover. The seventh embodiment is an example in which the configurations of the engaging portion and the engaging portion in the fifth embodiment are changed and a groove portion is provided as the engaging portion.

The tip cover member 30 of the insertion section cover includes
Similar to the fifth embodiment, the engaging portion 3 protruding inward on the proximal end side.
An elastically deformable portion 31 having 2 is provided. On the other hand, on the outer peripheral side of the distal end forming portion 33 of the endoscope, a locking portion 34 in which a groove is formed is provided instead of the protruding portion of the fifth embodiment, and these engaging portion 32 and locking portion 34 are provided. Are to be engaged. The surfaces on which the engaging portion 32 and the locking portion 34 engage are formed to be inclined surfaces.

Further, instead of the cylindrical member, the outer diameter is the same as the outer circumference of the tip cover member 30 in the vicinity of the elastically deforming portion 31 for restricting the movement of the elastically deforming portion 31 in the radial direction of the insertion portion. The pressing member 3 has a diameter and an inner diameter which is the same as the arc surface outside the elastically deformable portion 31 and whose cross section is formed in an arc shape as shown in FIG.
5 are provided.

The structure of the other parts is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, and the explanation is omitted.

In the structure of this embodiment, when the endoscope insertion portion 3 is inserted into the insertion portion cover 7 in order to attach the insertion portion cover 7 to the insertion portion 3 of the cover endoscope 2, the tip cover. When the insertion of the member 30 to the bottom of the endoscope housing portion is completed, the tip forming portion 33 causes the tip cover member 30
To fit. At this time, as shown in FIG. 37, the tip of the tip forming portion 33 comes into contact with the proximal end side inclined surface of the engaging portion 32 of the elastically deforming portion 31, and pushes the engaging portion 32 upward in the radial direction. When the insertion further proceeds to the distal end, the engaging portion 32 and the locking portion 34 are engaged with each other, and the distal end cover member 30 and the distal end forming portion 33 are locked and fixed.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the pressing member 35 is axially moved to a position where it can come into contact with a part or the whole of the elastically deformable portion 31, and is inserted into the space of the tip cover member 30. To do. When an axial force is applied to the distal end configuration portion toward the insertion portion proximal end side, the elastically deformable portion 31 tries to deform outward in the radial direction, but by inserting the pressing member 35, The elastic deformation portion 31 is pressed toward the center by the elastic force of the outer cover 9 and its deformation is restricted.
The engagement state is surely maintained in a state in which the locking portion 34 is biased by the insertion portion cover 7 and the insertion portion cover 7 is inserted into the insertion portion 3 of the cover endoscope 2.
Attached to.

When the cover is removed, the elastically deformable portion 31 can be deformed by moving the pressing member 35 from the deformation area of the elastically deformable portion 31. In this state, the endoscope insertion portion 3
When is pulled out, the distal end forming portion 33 pushes up the engaging portion 32 with the fixed portion between the proximal end portion of the elastically deformable portion 31 and the distal end cover member 30 as a fulcrum, so that the cover can be removed.

Also in the structure of this embodiment, the pressing member 35 is used.
And the elastic force of the outer cover 9 urges the engaging portion 32 into close contact with or urges the engaging portion 34, and the engagement between the engaging portion 32 and the engaging portion 32 enables reliable fixing without rattling, and the same effect as the fifth embodiment can be obtained. To be

In the seventh embodiment, the pressing member 35
The shape of is not limited to an arc-shaped cross section, but may be a flat shape or the like as long as the urging force due to the elasticity of the outer cover 9 is transmitted to the elastically deformable portion 31 when the elastically deformable portion 31 is deformed. good.

38 to 40 relate to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope, and FIG. 39 is the inside of the endoscope cover. FIG. 40 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of inserting the endoscope insertion portion into the endoscope, and FIG. 40 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of removing the endoscope insertion portion from the endoscope cover. . The eighth embodiment is an example in which the shape of the engaging portion in the fifth embodiment is changed.

The tip cover member 40 of the insertion section cover includes
Similar to the fifth embodiment, an elastically deforming portion 41 having an engaging portion 42 that protrudes inward is provided on the proximal end side, while an outer peripheral side portion of the distal end forming portion 43 of the endoscope is outwardly provided. A protruding locking portion 44 is provided, and the engaging portion 42 and the locking portion 44 are provided.
Are to be engaged.

The inner surface of the engagement portion 42 on the proximal end side of the insertion portion has a gentle inclination of 5 ° to 30 ° as compared with the inclination of the slope portion where the engagement portion 42 and the locking portion 44 are engaged. Gentle slope 42a
Are formed. The configuration of the other parts is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, and the description is omitted.

In the structure of the present embodiment, in order to mount the insertion section cover 7 on the insertion section 3 of the cover endoscope 2,
When the endoscope insertion portion 3 is inserted into the insertion portion cover 7, when the insertion of the distal end cover member 40 to the bottom of the endoscope storage portion is completed, the distal end constituent portion 43 is fitted into the distal end cover member 40 at the stage of completion of insertion. To meet. At this time, as shown in FIG. 39, the locking portion 44 of the distal end forming portion 43 is engaged with the engaging portion 42 of the elastically deforming portion 41.
And the distal end side inclined surface 44a of the locking portion 44 gradually pushes up the engaging portion 42 in the radial direction.

When the insertion is further advanced to the distal end, the engaging portion 42 gets over the locking portion 44 and the engaging portion 42 and the locking portion 44 are engaged with each other, so that the distal end cover member 40 and the distal end constituting portion 43 are engaged. It is stopped and fixed.

At this time, the cylindrical member 15 for restricting the deformation of the elastically deforming portion is engaged with the engaging portion 4 on the outer periphery of the tip cover member 40.
38, the slope of the engaging portion 42 on the side that abuts the locking portion 44 is gentle at the time of insertion, as shown in FIG. 39. The engaging portion 42 is pushed up by a light force to deform the elastically deforming portion 41 and engage with the locking portion 44.

In the state shown in FIG. 38 where the engagement is completed, when the elastically deforming portion 41 is elastically deformed, the engaging portion 42 presses the locking portion 44 by the elastic restoring force of the elastically deforming portion 41, and the tip forming portion. When the elastically deforming portion 41 is not elastically deformed and the engaging surfaces of the engaging portion 42 and the engaging portion 44 are in close contact with each other, the engaging portion 42 and the engaging portion 42 are urged toward the distal end side. The complete engagement of 44 ensures that the fixed state of the tip forming portion 43 and the tip cover member 40 is maintained. Further, when the engagement is completed, the engagement portion 42 on the side engaged with the locking portion 44 is
Since the slope is steep, a larger amount of force is required to push up the engaging portion 42 from this state than when the engaging portion 42 is inserted, and the difference in the amount of force allows the tip forming portion 43 and the tip cover member 40 to be reliably fixed.

When removing the cover, a large amount of force is required for removal in the state of FIG. 38. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 40, the cylindrical member 15 is moved to the distal end side of the insertion portion, and the elastic deformation portion 41 is moved. By expanding the variable range, the elastic deformation portion 41
Can be deformed with lighter force. When the endoscope insertion portion 3 is pulled out in this state, the locking portion 44 of the distal end forming portion 43 pushes up the engagement portion 42 and the elastic deformation portion 41 is deformed, and the engagement portion 4
2 can get over the locking portion 44, and the cover can be removed.

Also in the structure of this embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment, the front end of the cover endoscope and the front end of the cover can be securely fixed without rattling. In addition to this,
In this embodiment, when the cover is attached, the cylindrical member 15
Since it is sufficient to dispose it at the position shown in FIG. 13 without moving it and to move it only at the time of withdrawal, there is an effect that one labor is saved at the time of mounting and the mounting work becomes easier.

41 to 43 relate to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 41 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope, and FIG. 42 is the inside of the endoscope cover. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the endoscope insertion portion is inserted into the longitudinal direction, and FIG. The ninth embodiment is an example in which the engaging portion of the elastically deformable portion in the seventh embodiment is formed separately from the tip cover member.

The distal end cover member 150 of the insertion section cover is provided with an elastically deformable section 151 extending toward the rear end side of the insertion section. A large diameter is provided on the proximal end side of the elastically deformable portion 151.
A fixing pin hole 152 including a small-diameter two-stage hole is provided, and a fixing pin 153 is engaged with the fixing pin hole 152 and protrudes inside the elastically deforming portion 151. On the other hand, an engaging portion 155 having a groove formed at a position corresponding to the fixing pin 153 is provided on an outer peripheral side portion of the distal end forming portion 154 of the endoscope,
The fixing pin 153 and the locking portion 155 are adapted to engage with each other. A surface of the locking portion 155 that engages with the fixed pin 153 is a sloping surface, and a sloping surface is also formed at a corner portion of the outer periphery of the tip of the fixing pin 153. The configuration of the other parts is the same as that of the seventh embodiment, and the description is omitted.

In the structure of this embodiment, when the endoscope insertion portion 3 is inserted into the insertion portion cover 7 in order to mount the insertion portion cover 7 on the insertion portion 3 of the cover endoscope 2, the distal end cover is inserted. When the member 150 is inserted to the bottom of the endoscope housing portion, the tip forming portion 154 fits into the tip cover member 150 at the stage of completion of insertion. At this time, as shown in FIG. 42, the tip of the tip forming portion 154 contacts the fixing pin 153, and the fixing pin 153 is pushed up in the radial direction as the tip forming portion 154 is inserted. FIG. 43 is an enlarged view of the fixing pin 153. When the insertion further proceeds to the tip, the fixing pin 153 and the locking portion 155 are engaged, and the tip cover member 150 and the tip forming portion 154 are locked and fixed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 41, from the state of FIG. 42,
The pressing member 35 is axially moved to a position where it can come into contact with a part or the whole of the end portion of the fixing pin 153, and is inserted into the space of the tip cover member 150. When a force is applied to the distal end forming portion in the direction of withdrawing to the proximal end side of the insertion portion, the fixing pin 153 attempts to move radially outward, but by inserting the pressing member 35, the pressing member 35 and the outer cover The fixing pin 153 is pressed toward the center by the elastic force of 9 and the locking portion 155
The contact state can be surely maintained and the insertion portion cover 7 is attached to the insertion portion 3 of the cover endoscope 2.

When removing the cover, the cover can be removed by moving the pressing member 35 from the movement area of the fixing pin 153 as shown in FIG. In the configuration of the present embodiment as well, similar to the seventh embodiment, the tip of the cover endoscope and the tip of the cover can be securely fixed without rattling.

44 to 46 relate to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end forming portion and the distal end cover member of the cover type endoscope, and FIG. 45 is the distal end configuration of FIG. FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a state in which the distal end forming portion and the distal end cover member are being engaged with each other, and FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a state in which the distal end constituting portion and the distal end cover member are engaged with each other.

The tenth embodiment is an example in which the structure of the engaging portion between the distal end forming portion and the distal end cover member of the endoscope is changed. Here, only the configurations of the tip forming portion and the tip cover member are shown and described, and the other portions are almost the same as in the fifth embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

The tip cover member 60 is provided with an elastically deformable portion 61, one end of which is fixed to the tip cover member 60 and the other end of which extends to the rear end side of the insertion portion and is movable in the circumferential direction. On the proximal end side of the elastically deformable portion 61, an engaging claw 62 that protrudes to the circumferential side portion is provided. On the other hand, a locking portion 64 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the distal end forming portion 63 of the endoscope so as to project radially outward and engage with the engaging claw 62. The surfaces where the engaging claws 62 and the engaging portions 64 engage with each other are formed so as to be inclined with respect to each other so that they can easily contact and engage with each other even if there is a dimensional difference such as a component tolerance.

Further, a cylindrical member 65 for restricting the deformation of the elastic deformation portion 61 is provided, and the cylindrical member 65 can be fitted to the outside of the elastic deformation portion 61.
Place it near the. The cylindrical member 65 is formed with two gripping portions 66 protruding toward the inner peripheral side so as to sandwich the engaging claw 62 and the locking portion 64 from both sides in the engaged state.

An inclined surface 64a is formed on the distal end side of the insertion portion of the locking portion 64 so that the thickness of the protrusion in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the distal end. On the side opposite to the engaging claw 62 on the side, an inclined surface 61a is formed so that the circumferential thickness of the protrusion becomes smaller toward the proximal end, and also on the proximal side of the inserting part of the engaging claw 62. The inclined surface 62a is formed so that the thickness of the protrusion in the circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the proximal end.

In the structure of the present embodiment, when the tip forming portion 63 is inserted into the tip cover member 60, as shown in FIG. 46, the locking portion 64 of the tip forming portion 63 has the engaging surface 62a of the engaging claw 62. By pressing in the circumferential direction, the elastically deformable portion 61 having the engaging claw 62 at one end is deformed in the circumferential direction.

When the insertion further proceeds to the distal end, the engaging claw 62 gets over the locking portion 64 and the engaging claw 62 and the locking portion 64 engage with each other, and the distal end cover member 60 and the distal end configuration are formed as shown in FIG. The part 63 is locked and fixed.

In this state, the cylindrical member 65 is attached to the elastic deformation portion 6
45, and the cylindrical member 65 is fitted so that the engaging claw 62 and the locking portion 64 are sandwiched from both sides by the gripping portion 66 as shown in FIG.
The deformation can be regulated, and the engaged state can be reliably held and fixed.

Even when the cylindrical member 65 is fitted in a state where the elastically deformable portion 61 is deformed, the inclined surface 61a is provided at the proximal end of the elastically deformable portion 61, so that the elastically deformable portion 61 is locked. The grip portion 66 comes into contact with the portion 64 and the inclined surface 61a of the elastically deformable portion 61 and fits along the inclined surface 61a, and the engaging claw 62 and the locking portion 64 are clamped. At this time, the engaging claw 62 biases the engaging portion 64 by the elastic force of the elastically deforming portion 61, and the engaging claw 62 and the engaging portion 64 are securely engaged.

When removing the tip forming portion 63 from the tip cover member 60, the cylindrical member 65 is axially moved to a position where the gripping portion 66 deviates from the deformation area of the elastic deformation portion 61. 61 can be freely deformed, the engaging claw 62 can ride over the locking portion 64, and the cover can be removed. Also in the configuration of this embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment, the tip portion of the cover endoscope and the tip portion of the cover can be securely fixed without rattling.

In the fifth to tenth embodiments described above, as shown in FIG. 47 or FIG. 48, means for fixing the regulating member composed of a cylindrical member or a pressing member to the tip cover member is provided, and the regulating member It can also be prevented from falling off.

In the first example of the regulating member fixing means shown in FIG. 47, the regulating member 70 is provided with an engaging portion 71 formed of a convex portion (or a concave portion) on the inner peripheral portion thereof, and a proximal portion of the tip cover member 72. A locking portion 73 formed of a concave portion (or a convex portion) is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the end, and the engaging portion 71 and the locking portion 73 form a fixed portion. By engaging the engaging portion 71 and the locking portion 73, the regulating member 70 and the tip cover member 72 can be fixed, and the regulating member 70 can be prevented from falling off.
Further, by providing the engaging portion 73 on the tip cover member side on the outer peripheral portion of the proximal end of the tip cover member 72, the restriction member 70 is fixed and held at a position where it is not externally inserted into the elastically deformable portion when the cover is attached and detached. be able to.

The second example of the restricting member fixing means shown in FIG. 48 corresponds to the position where the restricting member 70 is externally inserted into the elastically deforming portion and restricts the deformation of the elastically deforming portion, so that the outer peripheral portion of the tip cover member 72 is provided. A locking portion 74 including a concave portion (or a convex portion) is provided. By engaging the engaging portion 71 and the locking portion 74, the regulating member 70 in a state in which the engagement between the distal end constituent portion of the endoscope and the distal end cover member is maintained when the cover is completely attached. It can be fixed to the tip cover member 72.

Furthermore, by combining the first example and the second example, the engaging portions 73, 72 are provided at both positions of the tip cover member 72.
By providing 74, the positioning of the regulation member 70 before and after the movement can be facilitated, and the regulation member 70 can be reliably moved.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, it is possible to separately provide a fall-off preventing member for preventing the regulating member from falling off. 49 is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and FIG. 50 is a sectional view taken along the line E′-E ′ of FIG. 49.

In this configuration example, a fall prevention member 82 is provided separately from the tip cover member 80 on the outer peripheral portion of the tip cover member 80 on the base end side of the portion where the regulating member 81 is located, and is fitted and fixed. There is. By providing the fall-off prevention member 82 in this way, the movement of the regulation member 81 toward the proximal end side of the insertion portion can be regulated, and the fall-off of the regulation member 81 can be prevented.

The fall-preventing member 82 is provided not on the entire circumference of the tip cover member 80 but only on a part in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. In this case, since there is no fall-out prevention member around the entire circumference of the tip cover member, there is no hindrance when performing an operation of deforming the elastically deforming portion or moving the regulating member, and good operability can be maintained. There is.

Although the lens cover 19 and the objective lens 17 are brought into close contact with each other in the above-mentioned embodiment, flare or the like can be prevented depending on the configuration of the optical system if the distance between the lens cover 19 and the objective lens 17 is about 0.2 mm or less. Therefore, in the range where flare and the like can be prevented, the lens cover 19 and the objective lens 17 are directly connected.
Alternatively, the tip cover member around the lens cover and the end face of the tip forming portion around the objective lens may be brought into contact with each other without closely contacting each other.

In this case, since the lens cover and the objective lens do not come into contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the optical parts from being damaged. Also,
Since the stress on the joint between the lens cover and the tip cover member or the joint between the objective lens and the tip component is reduced, it is possible to prevent the lens cover and the objective lens from falling off.

According to the above fifth to tenth embodiments,
An endoscope, and an endoscope cover that covers at least the insertion portion of the endoscope, wherein the endoscope cover has a tip cover member that fits the tip portion of the endoscope insertion portion. In the endoscope, the endoscope distal end portion includes a locking portion having an inclined surface portion inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion, and the distal end cover member has one end on the distal end cover member main body. The other end, which is fixed and extends in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion, has an elastically deformable portion that is elastically deformable, and engages with the slope portion of the locking portion near the other end of the elastically deformable portion. Since the regulating means is provided which is provided near the elastically deformable portion and includes the engaging portion having the inclined surface portion, and which restricts the deformation of the elastically deformable portion, the endoscope distal end portion and the distal end cover member are The fixed state between can be reliably maintained.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described first to tenth embodiments (including their modified examples), and the structure is simplified by omitting some elements and the contents of each embodiment. Naturally, the above may be recombined, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[Appendix] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained.
That is, 1. An endoscope having an elongated insertion portion and an endoscope cover that covers at least the insertion portion of the endoscope are provided, and the endoscope cover fits a tip portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope. In a cover-type endoscope having a tip cover member, a tip portion of the endoscope includes a locking portion having an inclined surface portion inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of an insertion portion of the endoscope, and the tip cover member is , One end of which is fixed to the body of the distal end cover member, and the other end of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope has an elastically deformable portion that is elastically deformable, and the vicinity of the other end of the elastically deformable portion An engaging portion having a slant surface portion that engages with the slant surface portion of the locking portion, regulating means for regulating deformation of the elastic deforming portion in the vicinity of the elastic deforming portion, and proximate to the regulating means. A cover-type endoscope provided with a restriction releasing means for releasing the restriction of the restricting means. Purpose: The appendices 1, 3, 3 ', 15, 23 to 44 are surely held so as not to cause an optical defect between the tip of the cover endoscope and the tip of the endoscope cover. To provide a cover-type endoscope capable of performing. Purpose: The appendices 1, 2, 2 ', and 4 to 22 make it easy and unintentional to perform the operation of fixing and releasing the fixing between the tip forming portion at the tip of the cover endoscope and the tip cover member at the tip of the endoscope cover. (EN) Provided is a cover-type endoscope in which the endoscope cover does not come off even under external force. According to the above configuration, the fixed state can be reliably held between the tip portion of the endoscope for cover and the tip portion of the endoscope cover, rattling does not occur, and ghost, flare, and other optical defects do not occur. An endoscope can be provided. In addition, the cover endoscope and the endoscope cover can be easily fixed and released at the tip end, and the operability is good, and unexpected force is applied to the tip end of the cover-type endoscope. Also, it is possible to provide a cover-type endoscope in which the fixing of the both does not come off.

2. As a restriction releasing means, a first space for deforming the restricting means inward is provided so that a second space in which the restricting means is deformed outward and the elastically deformable portion is freely deformable is provided. Alternatively, the cover-type endoscope according to appendix 46. 2 '. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the restricting means is provided movably near the elastically deformable portion. 3. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a space for moving the restricting means out of the deformation area of the elastically deforming portion is provided as the restricting releasing means so that the elastically deforming portion can be freely deformed. 3 '. 48. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 47, wherein the cylindrical member is an elastic member. 4. 3. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the first space is provided between the regulating means and the tip cover member. 4 '. 4. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the space is provided between an outer cover, which is a member that constitutes the endoscope cover, and the distal end cover member.

5. 3. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the first space is provided between the regulating means, the tip cover member, and the tip forming portion. Purpose: Space saving at the tip of the endoscope cover. 5 '. The cover-type endoscope according to appendices 3, 6 and 12, wherein the space has a size in which the regulating means is located. 6. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein at least one of pipes for supplying air, water, and suction is provided in the first space. Purpose: Space saving at the tip of the endoscope cover. 7. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the first space comprises one. 8. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the first space is composed of two. 9. 9. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 8, wherein the first spaces are provided at opposite positions. Purpose: To facilitate the operation of cylindrical members. 10. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the deformed shape of the restriction means is a non-circular shape.

11. The cover endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the deformed shape of the restriction means is an elliptical shape. Purpose: To facilitate the operation of cylindrical members. 12. 8. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 7, wherein the first space is provided on a side surface that does not face the elastically deformable portion. 13. 13. The cover-type endoscope according to supplementary note 9 or supplementary note 12, wherein the first space is provided in a direction rotated in a direction perpendicular to the elastically deformable portion with the center of the distal end cover member as a starting point. Purpose: To facilitate the operation of cylindrical members. 13 '. An engaging portion provided on the elastically deforming portion presses the engaging portion engaged by the elastic force of the outer skin and the slope portion by the regulating means to urge the endoscope distal end portion to the cover distal end. The cover-type endoscope described in appendix 13, which is a feature. 14. 3. The cover endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the second space has a size such that an elastically deformable portion is deformed to disengage at least the engagement portion and the engagement portion.

15. The size of the locking portion and the engaging portion in the radial direction is 0.3 to 0.5 mm. 16. Note 14 wherein the size of the second space is at least 0.3 mm or more in the radial direction at the maximum width portion.
The cover-type endoscope described. 17． 5. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 4, wherein the first space is provided by cutting out a distal end cover member in an arc shape. 18. 6. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 5, wherein the first space is provided by cutting out in a circular arc shape from the distal end cover member to the distal end constituent portion. Purpose: To facilitate the operation of cylindrical members. 19. 5. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 4, wherein the first space is provided by cutting out a distal end cover member in a linear shape.

20. 6. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 5, wherein the first space is linearly cut out from the distal end cover member to the distal end constituent portion. 21. The cover-type endoscopic view according to appendix 2, wherein the first space has a size such that when the restraint means is deformed inwardly into the first space, the restraint means satisfying appendix 14 is deformed outward. mirror. 22. 22. The cover endoscope according to appendix 21, wherein the first space has a maximum radial width of at least 0.3 mm. 23. 2. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the regulating means is a separate body from the tip cover member. 24. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the regulating means is provided integrally with the distal end cover member. Purpose: The cylindrical member is deformed outward only near the outside of the elastic deformation part.

25. The cover-type endoscope described in appendix 3, wherein the cylindrical member is a metal pipe. 26. 26. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 25, wherein the metal pipe is made of stainless steel. 27. 26. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 25, wherein the metal pipe is made of spring steel. Purpose: To more firmly cover the elastically deformable part. 28. The stainless metal pipe has a wall thickness of 0.15
The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 26, wherein the endoscope is about 0.25 mm. 29. The length of the stainless steel metal pipe is 2
The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 26, which is ˜4 mm.

30. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the cylindrical member is made of resin. 31. 31. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 30, wherein the cylindrical member is made of polycarbonate. 32. 32. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 31, wherein the cylindrical member is made of acrylic.

33. 25. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 24, wherein the regulating means and the tip cover member are partially adhered. Purpose: The cylindrical member is deformed outward only near the outside of the elastic deformation part. 34. 25. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 24, wherein the regulating means and the tip cover member are integrally formed. Purpose: The cylindrical member is deformed outward only near the outside of the elastic deformation part.

35. 25. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 24, wherein the restricting means and the tip cover member are partially welded. Purpose: The cylindrical member is deformed outward only near the outside of the elastic deformation part. 36. The engaging portion provided in the elastically deforming portion presses the locking portion engaged with the slope portion by the elastic force of the cylindrical member and biases the tip forming portion toward the tip side. 1. The cover-type endoscope described in appendix 3 '. Purpose: To more firmly fix the engaging portion and the engaging portion with each other and to prevent the rattling of the tip forming member and the tip cover member without rattling. 37. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the locking portion is formed of a convex portion, and the engaging portion is formed of a convex portion. 38. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the engaging portion is a concave portion and the engaging portion is a convex portion. 39. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the engaging portion is a convex portion and the engaging portion is a concave portion.

40. 39. The cover-type endoscope according to supplementary note 37 or supplementary note 38, characterized in that it is provided on a proximal end side of the insertion portion of the engagement portion on an inclined surface inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion. Objective: To facilitate insertion of the tip component into the tip cover member. 41. Supplementary note 37, supplementary note 39, characterized in that an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the insertion portion longitudinal direction is provided on the insertion portion proximal end side.
The cover-type endoscope described. Objective: To facilitate insertion of the tip component into the tip cover member. 42. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein one engaging portion, one engaging portion, and one elastically deforming portion are provided. Purpose: To lock the tip component to the tip cover member so that it does not rattle more firmly. 43. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a plurality of engaging portions, engaging portions, and elastically deforming portions are provided. 44. 40. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 39, wherein an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion is provided on the inner surface of the elastically deformable portion on the proximal end side of the insertion portion. Objective: To facilitate insertion of the tip component into the tip cover member.

45. The engaging portion provided on the elastically deforming portion presses the engaging portion engaged with the slope portion by the elastic force of the elastically deforming portion, and urges the endoscope distal end portion toward the cover distal end side. A cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1. With this configuration, since the both ends of the endoscope are fixed in a state where the distal end portion of the endoscope is in contact with or sufficiently close to the inner surface of the distal end cover member, flare and the like can be prevented from occurring. 46. 2. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the restricting means is a restricting member fitted to the outer surface portion of the distal end cover member including the elastically deformable portion. 47. 47. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 46, wherein the restricting means is a cylindrical member that is externally inserted into a distal end cover member including the elastically deformable portion. 48. The cylindrical member has a cutout part that is partially cut out to a size equal to or larger than the size of the deformation region of the elastic deformation part,
48. The cover endoscope according to appendix 47, wherein the cutout portion is arranged at a position including a deformation area of the elastically deformable portion when the distal end portion of the endoscope and the distal end cover member are attached and detached.

49. 48. The cover endoscope according to appendix 47, wherein the cylindrical member has an outer peripheral portion formed in a polygonal shape so as to reduce a contact surface with an outer cover, which is one member constituting the endoscope cover. 50. 47. The cover endoscope according to appendix 46, wherein an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion section is provided on the inner surface on the distal end side of the insertion section in the regulating means. 51. Note 46 in which an inclined surface inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion is provided on the outer surface of the insertion portion proximal end side of the elastically deformable portion.
The cover-type endoscope described. With the configurations of appendices 49 to 51, the movement operation of the regulating means becomes easy. 52. 2. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the restricting means includes a restricting member that is inserted into a deformation area of the elastically deformable portion, and a biasing member that biases the restricting member toward the elastically deformable portion. 53. 53. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 52, wherein the urging member is an outer cover that constitutes the endoscope cover.

54. 53. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 52, wherein the restriction member is a flat plate member. 55. 53. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 52, wherein the restricting member is a member having an arc-shaped cross section. 56. The engaging portion is provided so as to be movable separately from the elastically deforming portion, and when the endoscope distal end portion and the distal end cover member are attached / detached, the engaging portion does not engage the locking portion. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, which is arranged. 57. The cover type endoscope according to Appendix 1, wherein the elastically deformable portion is deformable so as to move the engaging portion in a radial direction of the endoscope insertion portion. 58. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the elastically deformable portion is deformable so as to move the engaging portion in a circumferential direction of the endoscope insertion portion.

59. The restriction means has a fitting convex portion provided in the vicinity of the elastic deformation portion and the engagement portion so as to fit in the deformation area of the elastic deformation portion and hold the elastic deformation portion.
59. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 58, which comprises a restriction member externally inserted into the distal end cover member. 60. The restriction means is externally inserted into the tip cover member having a fitting recess provided near the elastic deformation portion and the engagement portion so as to fit into the elastic deformation portion and hold the elastic deformation portion. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 58, which includes a restriction member. 61. 53. The cover endoscope according to appendix 46 or 52, wherein an engaging convex portion is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the tip cover member, and an engaging concave portion that engages with the convex portion is provided on an inner surface of the regulating member.

62. 53. The cover endoscope according to appendix 46 or 52, wherein an engaging concave portion is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the distal end cover member, and an engaging convex portion that engages with the concave portion is provided on an inner surface of the regulating member. With the configuration of appendix 61 or 62, it is possible to prevent the regulating member from falling off and to position the regulating member, which improves operability. 63. 53. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 46 or 52, wherein the restriction member is movable in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion. 64. 56. The cover endoscope according to appendix 48 or 55, wherein the restriction member is movable in the circumferential direction of the endoscope insertion portion. 65. The cover endoscope according to Appendix 1, wherein the elastically deformable portion is formed in an arc shape having an outer diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the tip cover member on the periphery. 66. The restriction means is always disposed in at least a part of the deformation area of the elastically deformable portion, restricts the deformation of a part or the whole of the elastically deformable portion, and removes the endoscope distal end portion from the distal end cover member. 66. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 65, which comprises a restricting member that moves from the deformation area of the elastically deforming portion only at the time. With the configuration of appendix 65 or 66, the operation of mounting / removing the endoscope cover can be performed with a light force, and the work of mounting / removing the cover becomes easy. 67. 45. The cover-type endoscope according to any one of appendices 40 to 44, wherein an inclination angle of another inclined surface is smaller than an angle of an inclined surface portion provided on a surface where the engaging portion and the locking portion engage with each other. .

68. The distal end of the endoscope is supported so that the outer peripheral portion of the distal end of the endoscope and the inner peripheral surface of the distal end cover member are in contact with each other while the distal end cover member is engaged with the distal end cover member. 2. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a protrusion for doing so is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the distal end cover member. With the configuration of appendix 67 or 68, it is possible to eliminate rattling between the distal end portion of the endoscope and the distal end cover member, and securely fix the both.

69. The distal end of the endoscope is supported so that the outer peripheral portion of the distal end of the endoscope and the inner peripheral surface of the distal end cover member are in contact with each other while the distal end cover member is engaged with the distal end cover member. 2. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a projection portion for doing so is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the endoscope distal end portion. 70. An endoscope having an elongated insertion portion and an endoscope cover that covers at least the insertion portion of the endoscope are provided, and the endoscope cover fits a tip portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope. In a cover-type endoscope having a tip cover member, one end of the locking portion formed at the tip portion of the endoscope and the tip cover member is fixed to the main body of the tip cover member, The other end extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion has an elastically deformable portion that is elastically deformable, and an engaging portion that engages with the locking portion is provided near the other end of the elastically deformable portion, and the elastically deformable portion is provided. A cover-type endoscope characterized in that a regulating means for regulating the deformation of the elastically deformable portion is provided in the vicinity of the portion, and a regulation releasing means for releasing the regulation of the regulating means in the vicinity of the regulating means. . Purpose: It is easy to perform the operation of fixing and releasing the fixing between the tip component of the tip of the cover endoscope and the tip cover member at the tip of the endoscope cover, and the endoscope cover does not come off due to unexpected external force. Providing an endoscope. According to the above configuration, fixing between the distal end portion of the cover endoscope and the endoscope cover distal end portion, and the fixation release can be easily performed,
It is possible to provide a cover-type endoscope that has good operability and that the fixation of the both ends does not come off even if an unexpected force is applied to the tip of the cover-type endoscope.

[0180]

As described above, according to the present invention, the endoscope having the elongated insertion portion and the endoscope cover that covers at least the insertion portion of the endoscope are provided. In the cover-type endoscope, the cover has a distal end cover member that fits the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, wherein the distal end portion of the endoscope is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The tip cover member includes a locking portion having a slanted surface portion,
One end is fixed to the body of the distal end cover member, the other end extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope has an elastic deformable portion that is elastically deformable, and near the other end of the elastic deformable portion. An engaging portion having an inclined surface portion that engages with the inclined surface portion of the locking portion,
Since the regulating means for regulating the deformation of the elastically deforming portion and the regulating releasing means for releasing the regulation of the regulating means are provided in the vicinity of the elastically deforming portion, the cover endoscope is provided. It is possible to provide a cover-type endoscope that can reliably maintain a fixed state between the distal end portion of and the distal end portion of the endoscope cover, does not rattle, and does not cause optical defects such as ghost and flare. In addition, the cover endoscope and the endoscope cover can be easily fixed and released at the tip end, and the operability is good, and unexpected force is applied to the tip end of the cover-type endoscope. Also, it is possible to provide a cover-type endoscope in which the fixing of the both does not come off.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a cover-type endoscope.

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

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an intermediate state when the insertion portion of the cover endoscope is inserted inside the endoscope cover.

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in the middle of inserting the insertion portion of the cover endoscope into the endoscope cover further than FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG.

9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state in which the insertion portion of the cover endoscope is further inserted into the endoscope cover and the engagement portion and the locking portion are engaged with each other as compared with FIG. 7.

10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end side of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope of the first modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration on the distal end side of an insertion portion of a cover-type endoscope of a second modified example of the first embodiment and a cross section taken along line FF.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an insertion portion of a cover-type endoscope according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a radial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end side of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope of the fourth modified example of the first embodiment.

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

16 is a sectional view for explaining the operation of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation in a modified example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end side of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope of the third embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cover type endoscope of the third embodiment in a state in which a notch on the distal end side of the insertion portion is pressed.

21 is a sectional view taken along line HH of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a radial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end side of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a radial cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape of the distal end side of the insertion part when the notch is pressed in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a part of the distal end side of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope of a modified example such as the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the structure of a part of the distal end side of the insertion portion of a cover type endoscope of a modified example such as the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a cover-type endoscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope according to the fifth embodiment.

28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A′-A ′ of FIG.

FIG. 29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state halfway when the endoscope insertion portion is inserted into the endoscope cover according to the fifth embodiment.

30 is a radial cross-sectional view of an insertion portion showing a modified example of the configuration of the cylindrical member shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the detailed configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover-type endoscope according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

32 is a sectional view taken along the line B′-B ′ of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state halfway when the endoscope insertion portion is inserted into the endoscope cover according to the sixth embodiment.

34 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C′-C ′ of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

36 is a sectional view taken along the line D′-D ′ of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state halfway when the endoscope insertion portion is inserted inside the endoscope cover according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state halfway when the endoscope insertion portion is inserted into the endoscope cover according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in the middle of removing the endoscope insertion portion from the endoscope cover according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the detailed structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the cover type endoscope according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state when the endoscope insertion portion is inserted into the endoscope cover according to the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 43 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fixing pin portion of the elastically deformable portion shown in FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the configurations of a distal end configuration portion and a distal end cover member of the cover-type endoscope according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

45 is a radial cross-sectional view of the insertion portion in a state where the distal end constituent portion and the distal end cover member of FIG. 44 are engaged with each other.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a state in which the distal end forming portion and the distal end cover member according to the tenth embodiment are being engaged.

FIG. 47 is a longitudinal sectional view of an insertion portion showing a first example of the regulation member fixing means.

FIG. 48 is a longitudinal sectional view of an insertion portion showing a second example of the regulation member fixing means.

FIG. 49 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an insertion portion showing an example in which a stopper member for preventing the restriction member is provided separately.

50 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E′-E ′ of FIG. 49.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 ... Cover endoscope 2 ... Cover endoscope 3 ... Insertion part (endoscope insertion part) 4 ... Endoscope cover 6 ... Tip configuration part 7 ... Insertion part cover 9 ... Outer skin 10 ... Tip cover member 12 ... Elastically deformable portion 13 ... Engaging portions 13a, 14a ... Slope portion 14 ... Locking portion 15 ... Cylindrical member 16 ... Supporting portion 18 ... Objective optical system 19 ... Lens cover 50 ... Notch portion 51 ... Space

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, and an endoscope cover that covers at least the insertion portion of the endoscope, wherein the endoscope cover is a tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope. In a cover-type endoscope having a distal end cover member that fits a portion, the distal end portion of the endoscope includes a locking portion having a slope portion inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope, One end of the distal end cover member is fixed to the body of the distal end cover member, and the other end side extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope has an elastically deformable portion that is elastically deformable. An engaging portion having an inclined surface portion that engages with the inclined surface portion of the locking portion in the vicinity of the other end of the locking portion, and a restriction means for restricting deformation of the elastic deformation portion in the vicinity of the elastic deformation portion; A regulation releasing means for releasing the regulation of the regulating means is provided in the vicinity of the means. Cover type endoscope.