Front end cover dismounting clamp

Abstract

The present invention provides a front end cover detachment jig capable of safely detaching a front end cover from a front end portion of a main body. A front end cover detachment jig is attached to a front end of a side mirror and used to detach a front end cover having an internal space communicating with a cover opening allowing a disposal tool to pass through, the front end cover detachment jig having at least a main body portion having an inclined surface that is tapered in shape in a direction in which the main body portion is inserted into the internal space of the front end cover, the inclined surface deforming the front end cover in a direction in which the internal space of the front end cover is expanded when the main body portion is inserted into the internal space of the front end cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a front cover removal clamp. Background Technology

[0002] In endoscopes, various instruments are inserted through an instrument inlet located in the operating section and then exited through an instrument outlet located at the front end of the insertion section for use in treatment. Examples include guidewires or contrast tubing used in duodenoscopes. Puncture needles are used in ultimatumoscopes. Forceps or snares are used in other direct-viewing and oblique-viewing endoscopes. To treat the desired location within the patient, the instrument's exit direction needs to be changed at its front end. Therefore, a stage is provided at the front end of the main body to change the exit direction of the instrument. The endoscope is equipped with an instrument erecting mechanism that shifts the position of the stage between an erected and a collapsed position.

[0003] The endoscope needs to be cleaned after treatment. Patent documents 1 to 4 disclose that, in order to improve cleanability, a front end cover is detachably installed on the front part of the main body with a standing platform, and the front end cover is removed using a clamp after treatment.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-184838

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-075295

[0006] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2017 / 122692

[0007] Patent Document 4: International Publication No. 2018 / 051626

[0008] However, there are concerns about damage to the endoscope or the application of load when using clamps to remove the front cover mounted on the front body. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention was made in view of this situation, and therefore its object is to provide a front cover removal jig that can safely remove the front cover from the front end body.

[0010] The front cover removal jig involved in the first method is installed at the front end of the side mirror and is used to remove a front cover having an internal space communicating with a cover opening that allows a handling device to pass through. The front cover removal jig has at least a main body portion with an inclined surface. The inclined surface has a front-tapered shape in the direction of insertion into the internal space of the front cover. When the main body portion is inserted into the internal space of the front cover, the inclined surface deforms the front cover in the direction of expanding the internal space of the front cover.

[0011] In the front cover removal fixture involved in the second method, there is a connecting part that is connected to the main body. The connecting part is connected at a position opposite to the insertion direction of the main body and forms a finger hole extending in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0012] In the front cover removal fixture involved in Method 3, the finger hole is a through hole that penetrates the connecting part.

[0013] In the front cover removal fixture involved in the fourth method, there is a connecting part that is connected to the main body. The connecting part has a fixed arm and a sliding arm that is connected to one end of the fixed arm through a fulcrum. The main body and the end of the sliding arm on the side opposite to the fulcrum are connected, so that the main body can be inserted into the internal space of the front cover with the fulcrum as the fulcrum.

[0014] In the front cover removal fixture involved in the fifth method, the side of the fixing arm opposite to the fulcrum side is formed with a curved surface that mimics the shape of the front cover.

[0015] In the front cover removal jig according to the sixth method, there is a connecting portion connected to the main body portion. The connecting portion has a receiving member that forms a space for receiving the front cover. The receiving member has a first opening that can receive the front cover and a bottom opposite to the first opening. The main body portion is connected to the bottom at a position opposite to the insertion direction of the main body portion.

[0016] In the front cover removal fixture involved in Method 7, the space includes clearance space to accommodate the front cover deformed by the main body.

[0017] In the front cover removal fixture involved in the eighth method, the receiving part is a groove-shaped part having a second opening facing a side orthogonal to the insertion direction of the main body.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] The end cap removal clamp according to the present invention can prevent damage to the endoscope or the application of load. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an endoscope system equipped with an endoscope.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the front end.

[0022] Figure 3 It is an exploded 3D view of the front end.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a magnified 3D view of the front end.

[0024] Figure 5 From and Figure 2A three-dimensional view of the front end from different angles.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the disassembly sequence of the front cover using a first embodiment of the front cover disassembly fixture.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a first variation of the first embodiment of the front cover removal fixture.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a second variation of the first embodiment of the front cover removal fixture.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the front cover removal fixture.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the disassembly sequence of the front cover using a second embodiment of the front cover disassembly fixture.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the front cover removal jig inserted into the front cover.

[0031] Symbol explanation:

[0032] 10-Endoscope, 12-Endoscope system, 14-Processor unit for endoscope, 15-Light source unit, 15A-Processor-side connector, 16-Image processing unit, 18-Display, 20-Erecting lever, 22-Handheld operating part, 24-Insertion part, 26-Flexible part, 28-Bending part, 30-Front end, 32-Front end body, 34-Front end cap, 34A-Wall part, 34B-Cap opening, 34C-Front end opening, 34D-Mounting opening, 34E-Internal space, 34F-First incision, 3 4G - Second incision, 36 - Treatment device erection platform, 37 - Treatment device channel, 38 - Erecting operation line, 40 - Line channel, 42 - Air and water supply hose, 44 - Cable insertion channel, 46 - Main body of operating unit, 48 - Handling unit, 50 - Anti-bend tube, 52 - Universal cable, 54 - Connector device, 57 - Air and water supply button, 58 - Air and water supply nozzle, 59 - Suction button, 60 - Treatment device outlet, 61 - Through hole, 62 - Bend button, 64 - Treatment device inlet, 66 - Erecting platform receiving space, 68 -Partition, 68A-Upper surface, 74-Lighting window, 76-Observation window, 80-Line fixing component, 120-Linkage component, 150-Cantilever plate, 150A-Support plate, 150B-Stopping part, 160-Stopping part, 162-Groove part, 200-Front end cover removal jig, 202-Main body part, 204-Inclined surface, 206-Inclined surface, 208-Flat surface, 210-Flat surface, 212-Flat surface, 230-Connecting part, 230A-Outline, 230B-Bottom surface, 230C-Finger hole, 250- Connecting parts, 252-fixed arm, 254-sliding arm, 256-fulcrum, 258-support surface, 300-front cover removal jig, 400-front cover removal jig, 500-front cover removal jig, 510-main body, 510A-cylindrical part, 510B-front end part, 530-connecting parts, 532-accommodating parts, 532A-space, 532B-first opening, 532C-bottom, 532D-flange, 532E-second opening, 532F-space, Ax-long axis direction. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an endoscope system 12 including an endoscope 10. The endoscope system 12 includes an endoscope 10, an endoscope processor device 14, and a display 18.

[0034] The endoscope 10 includes: a handheld operating part 22 (also called an operating part) with an erect operating lever 20; and an insertion part 24, the base of which is connected to the handheld operating part 22 and inserted into the body to be examined. The erect operating lever 20 is an example of an operating component.

[0035] The insertion portion 24 has a long axis direction Ax from the base end to the front end, and sequentially includes a flexible portion 26, a curved portion 28, and a front end portion 30 from the base end side to the front end side. The general structure of the front end portion 30 will be described below.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a magnified perspective view of the anterior end portion 30. Here, the endoscope 10 (reference) Figure 1 For example, a lateral endoscope (also called a lateral viewer) used as a duodenoscope. Figure 2 The front end portion 30 has a side-viewing endoscope structure.

[0037] exist Figure 2 In the middle, the front end 30 is formed by mounting a front end cover 34 on the front end body 32. The handling device standing platform 36 (hereinafter referred to as the standing platform 36) is mounted on the front end cover 34.

[0038] exist Figure 2 In addition to the anterior end portion 30, the endoscope 10 (reference) is also shown. Figure 1 Various contents are arranged inside the insertion part 24 of the device. Shown are: a treatment device channel 37 that guides the front end of a treatment device (not shown) to the front end body 32; an erection operation line 38 (hereinafter referred to as wire 38) for changing the direction of the front end of the treatment device extending from the front end body 32; a wire channel 40 through which the wire 38 is inserted; an air / water supply hose 42; and a cable insertion channel 44. An air / water supply nozzle 58 is connected to and communicates with the air / water supply hose 42. Furthermore, the light source device 15 (see reference 15) will... Figure 1 The supplied illumination light is guided to a light guide (not shown) on the front end body 32 and to the curved portion 28 (reference). Figure 1 An angle wire (not shown) or similar material for bending operations is disposed inside the insertion part 24. The wire 38 is inserted into the wire channel 40 in a retractable manner. The wire channel 40 extends from the handheld operating part 22 (see reference 24). Figure 1 It is configured to insert part 24. An illumination window 74 for illuminating light and an observation window 76 for taking in and observing images are provided on the front end face of the front part 30.

[0039] Furthermore, this specification uses a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system with three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis). Specifically, when viewing the front end 30 from the handheld operating unit 22, if the direction of extending the treatment device (not shown) through the standing platform 36 is set as the upward direction, then the upward direction is designated as the Z(+) direction, and its opposite direction, the downward direction, is designated as the Z(-) direction. Also, the right direction is designated as the X(+) direction, and the left direction as the X(-) direction. Furthermore, the forward direction (the direction towards the front end of the insertion part 24 along its major axis Ax) is designated as the Y(+) direction, and the backward direction (the direction towards the base end of the insertion part 24 along its major axis Ax) is designated as the Y(-) direction. The Y-axis, which includes both the Y(+) and Y(-) directions, is parallel to the major axis Ax of the insertion part 24. The Z-axis is orthogonal to the major axis Ax. The X-axis is orthogonal to both the Y-axis and Z-axis.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the handheld operating unit 22 is generally cylindrical in shape as a whole. The handheld operating unit 22 includes: an operating unit body 46, on which an upright operating lever 20 is provided; and a gripping part 48 connected to the operating unit body 46. The gripping part 48 is the part held by the surgeon when operating the endoscope 10, and the base end of the insertion part 24 is connected to the front end side of the gripping part 48 via an anti-bend tube 50. A connecting rod member 120 is disposed outside the operating unit body 46. The connecting rod member 120 moves in conjunction with the operation of the upright operating lever 20. A wire fixing member 80 is received and fixed to the base end side of the connecting rod member 120. The wire fixing member 80 fixes a wire 38 (not shown). The wire fixing member 80 fixes the wire 38 and the connecting rod member 120. That is, the upright operating lever 20 and the wire 38 are mechanically connected by the wire fixing member 80. The wire fixing member 80 may, for example, include a collet. The collet has multiple gaps. By closing the gap, the collet holds and secures the wire 38. By opening the gap, the collet releases the wire 38 from its secure position. The opening and closing of the collet gap can, for example, be linked to the rotational movement of the wire securing component 80.

[0041] The base end of the universal cable 52 is connected to the main body 46 of the operating unit, and a connector device 54 is provided at the front end of the universal cable 52. The connector device 54 is connected to the endoscope processor device 14. The endoscope processor device 14 includes a light source device 15 and an image processing device 16. The light source device 15 has a processor-side connector 15A that is connected to the connector device 54. Furthermore, a display 18 that displays an image processed by the image processing device 16 is connected to the image processing device 16. This endoscope system 12 has the following structure: power and light signals are transmitted non-contactly between the endoscope 10 and the endoscope processor device 14 via a connector portion consisting of the connector device 54 and the processor-side connector 15A. Thus, light from the light source device 15 is transmitted via an optical cable (not shown) and passes through an illumination window 74 (reference) provided on the front end face of the front end 30. Figure 2 Irradiation. Furthermore, from the observation window 76 (reference) Figure 2 The light signal of the acquired image is processed by the image processing device 16 and displayed as an image on the display 18.

[0042] Furthermore, an air / water supply button 57 and a suction button 59 are arranged side-by-side on the main body 46 of the operating unit. The air / water supply button 57 is a button capable of two-stage operation. In the first stage operation, air is supplied to the air / water supply nozzle 58 via the air / water supply hose 42. Figure 2 The second stage of operation allows water to be supplied to the air and water nozzle 58 via the air and water supply hose 42. Furthermore, by operating the suction button 59, water can be discharged from the treatment device at position 60 (see reference). Figure 3 Blood and other bodily fluids are drawn through the treatment device channel 37.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, a pair of bend knobs 62, 62 are arranged on the main body 46 of the operating section for bending the bending section 28. The pair of bend knobs 62, 62 are rotatably arranged on the same axis. The bend knobs 62, 62 and the bending section 28 are connected, for example, by four corner lines (not shown). By rotating the bend knobs 62, 62, these corner lines are pushed and pulled, thereby bending the bending section 28 up, down, left and right.

[0044] Furthermore, the lifting operation lever 20 and the bend buttons 62 are coaxially and rotatably mounted. The lifting operation lever 20 is rotated by the surgeon's hand holding the handle 48. When the lifting operation lever 20 is rotated, the connecting rod assembly 120 moves, and the wire fixing component 80 fixed to the connecting rod assembly 120 moves. Because the wire fixing component 80 is fixed with... Figure 2The wire 38 shown is thus pushed and pulled through this operation. Through the pushing and pulling operation of the wire 38, the posture of the standing platform 36 connected to the front end of the wire 38 changes between a folded position and an upright position.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the grip portion 48 of the handheld operating unit 22 has a treatment device inlet 64 for inserting a treatment device. A treatment device (not shown) inserted from the treatment device inlet 64 with its front end facing forward is inserted into the treatment device channel 37 (see reference). Figure 3 ), and from the treatment device outlet 60 (reference) Figure 3 The tissue is exported to the outside. Examples of treatment instruments include biopsy forceps with a cup at the front end for collecting live tissue, EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy) scalpel, or contrast tubing.

[0046] Next, according to Figures 2 to 3 The structure of the front end 30 will be explained. Figure 2 A 3D view of the front end. Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the front end.

[0047] The front end body 32 is, for example, made of a corrosion-resistant metal material, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it has a partition 68 protruding in the Y(+) direction.

[0048] On the upper surface 68A of the Z(+) side of the partition 68, an illumination window 74 and an observation window 76 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction. The illumination window 74 can illuminate the field of view area in the Z(+) direction, and the observation window 76 can observe the field of view area in the Z(+) direction. An air and water nozzle 58 is provided on the front end body 32 facing the observation window 76, and the observation window 76 is cleaned by air and water sprayed from the air and water nozzle 58.

[0049] Figure 2 or Figure 3 The front cover 34 shown is made of a flexible material, such as rubber materials like fluororubber or silicone rubber, and resin materials like polysulfone or polycarbonate.

[0050] The front cover 34 has a wall portion 34A that defines a cover opening 34B and a front opening 34C that is continuous with the cover opening 34B. The wall portion 34A has a mounting opening 34D that allows insertion of the front end body 32.

[0051] The front cover 34 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape by a wall portion 34A that defines the cover opening 34B, the front opening 34C, and the mounting opening 34D, and forms an internal space 34E in the front cover 34.

[0052] A through hole 61 is formed in the front end body 32, and a wire 38 (not shown) is inserted through the through hole 61. The front end of the wire 38 is connected to the standing platform 36.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, if a front cover 34 is installed on the front end body 32, a portion of the internal space 34E is occupied by the partition wall 68. The stand-up table receiving space 66 is defined by the wall portion 34A of the partition wall 68 and the front cover 34. The stand-up table receiving space 66 is located on the X(+) direction side of the partition wall 68 and on the Y(+) direction side of the handling appliance outlet 60.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, if a front cover 34 is installed on the front end body 32, the cover opening 34B faces the Z(+) direction. The handling device outlet 60 of the front end body 32 (see reference) Figure 3 It is connected to the cover opening 34B via the space 66 of the standing platform.

[0055] The standing platform 36 is rotatably supported within the internal space 34E of the front cover 34. A rotating shaft (not shown) is mounted on the standing platform 36. The rotating shaft is mounted on the side of the standing platform 36 opposite to the position facing the cover opening 34B. A bearing (not shown) that rotatably supports the rotating shaft of the standing platform 36 is disposed within the internal space 34E of the front cover 34.

[0056] If push or pull Figure 2 The wire 38 shown in the figure rotates around the rotation axis on the standing platform 36 and changes its posture between the collapsed position and the standing position.

[0057] The front cover 34 is a structure pre-installed with a stand 36 connected to the cable 38. Regarding this front cover 34, once the endoscope 10 has been disposed of, it is removed from the front body 32 as described later, and disposed of along with the stand 36 and cable 38, for example, as a disposable component. Alternatively, the stand 36 can be installed on the front body 32 instead of the front cover 34.

[0058] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 5 The installation of the front cover 34 and the front end body 32 will be explained.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the wall portion 34A of the front cover 34 is opposed to each other in the X(+) and X(-) directions through the cover opening 34B. A cantilever piece 150 is formed in the wall portion 34A opposite to the side of the insertion partition 68. The cantilever piece 150 is formed by providing a notch 151 in the front cover 34. The notch 151 penetrates the outer and inner sides of the front cover 34.

[0060] The cantilever plate 150 includes a support plate 150A and a stopped portion 150B connected to the support plate 150A. The side of the support plate 150A opposite to the stopped portion 150B is connected to the wall portion 34A, forming the fixed end of the cantilever plate 150. The stopped portion 150B of the cantilever plate 150 becomes a free end not connected to the wall portion 34A. The cantilever plate 150 extends along the Y-axis direction, with the fixed end located further forward (in the Y(+) direction) than the free end.

[0061] The stopped part 150B is wider than the support piece 150A in the Z-axis direction. When viewed from the X(+) direction, the cantilever piece 150 as a whole has a T-shape.

[0062] The support piece 150A flexes and deforms with the fixed end as the fulcrum, so the stopped part 150B, which is the free end, can be displaced in the X(+) and X(-) directions.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, a first cut 34F and a second cut 34G are formed in the front cover 34. The first cut 34F is continuous with the front opening 34C and extends in the direction along the Y-axis. The first cut 34F penetrates the outer and inner sides of the wall 34A of the front cover 34. The front cover 34 is divided into a Z(+) side and a Z(-) side with the first cut 34F as the boundary. If the first cut 34F extends in the Y-axis direction, it does not need to be completely parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0064] The second cut 34G extends in a direction orthogonal to the first cut 34F. The second cut 34G penetrates both the outer and inner sides of the wall 34A of the front cover 34. The second cut 34G is continuous with the notch 151, extends along the Z(+) direction, and reaches the cover opening 34B. The front cover 34 is divided into a Y(+) side and a Y(-) side by the second cut 34G. The first cut 34F and the second cut 34G are in an orthogonal position. Orthogonality includes complete orthogonality and approximately orthogonality.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the front end body 32 has two stop portions 160 on the side opposite to the cantilever plate 150. The two stop portions 160 protrude in the X(+) direction. Furthermore, the two stop portions 160 are arranged along the Z-axis direction. The two stop portions 160 define a groove 162. The two stop portions 160 are arranged at intervals that are narrower than the width of the stopped portion 150B and wider than the width of the support plate 150A.

[0066] Figure 4 This is an enlarged 3D view of the front end. Figure 4 (A) indicates the state before the front cover 34 is installed on the front end body 32. Figure 4 (B) indicates the state after the front cover 34 is installed on the front end body 32. When the front cover 34 is installed on the front end body 32, as follows... Figure 4 As shown in (A), the front cover 34 moves toward the front end body 32.

[0067] As the front cover 34 moves, the stopped portion 150B of the cantilever plate 150 comes into contact with the two stops 160. Furthermore, if the front cover 34 is moved toward the front end body 32, the support plate 150A flexes and deforms in the X(+) direction with its fixed end as the fulcrum. The stopped portion 150B, as the free end, moves in the direction spanning the two stops 160.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown in (B), if the front cover 34 is moved relative to the front end body 32 to the mounting position, the stopped part 150B will pass over the two stopped parts 160 and move to a side closer to the base end side (Y(-)) than the two stopped parts 160. The support piece 150A will return to its initial state through elastic deformation. Figure 4 As shown in (A), the spacing between the two stop portions 160 is narrower than the width of the stopped portion 150B, thus the two stop portions 160 engage with the stopped portion 150B. On the other hand, the support piece 150A is accommodated in the groove portion 162. The engagement of the stop portions 160 with the stopped portion 150B prevents the front end cover 34 from moving and falling off from the front end body 32 in the Y(+) direction.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the front end cap 34 is mounted on the front end body 32. In this state, the front end 30 of the endoscope 10 is inserted into the patient's body. The treatment instrument is oriented in the desired exit direction within the patient's body via the lifting platform 36 of the front end 30. After treatment, the front end cap 34 is removed, and the front end 30 is cleaned. Therefore, it is required that the front end cap 34 can be easily removed from the front end body 32, and that damage or stress on the endoscope 10 be prevented.

[0070] The following is based on Figures 6 to 11 The front cover disassembly fixture is explained.

[0071] <First Implementation Method>

[0072] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the disassembly sequence of the front cover using a first embodiment of the front cover disassembly fixture. Figure 6 (A) is a perspective view showing the state before the front cover removal jig 200 is inserted into the front cover 34. Figure 6 (B) is a perspective view showing the state after the front cover removal jig 200 is inserted into the front cover 34.

[0073] like Figure 6As shown in (A), the front cover removal jig 200 includes a main body portion 202. The main body portion 202 has two opposing inclined surfaces 204 and 206. The two inclined surfaces 204 and 206 are planes and are inclined relative to the insertion direction indicated by the arrow. The two inclined surfaces 204 and 206 intersect in the insertion direction, forming a shape that tapers towards the front end in the insertion direction (e.g., a cone). The line of intersection of the inclined surfaces 204 and 206 extends in a straight line.

[0074] The main body 202 has two opposing planes 208 and 210, and connects two inclined surfaces 204 and 206. The main body 202 has a plane 212 on the side opposite to the insertion direction, parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The main body 202 is preferably configured as a single integral structure.

[0075] The main body 202 of the front cover removal jig 200 deforms the front cover 34, so it is preferably made of a material harder than the front cover 34. For example, the main body 202 is made of resin material, metal material, etc.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown in (A), a front cover removal jig 200 is prepared. The position of the front cover removal jig 200 is adjusted relative to the front cover 34 in a direction where the tapered front portion of the main body 202 faces the cover opening 34B and at least one inclined surface 204 contacts the wall portion 34A. The intersection line of the two inclined surfaces 204 and the inclined surface 206 is located in a direction substantially parallel to the Y-axis. Furthermore, if the front cover 34 is mounted on the front end body 32, the support platform receiving space 66 is substantially the same as the internal space 34E of the front cover 34.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown in (B), the main body 202 is inserted into the internal space 34E of the front cover 34 through the cover opening 34B. For example, by pressing the surface 212 with a finger, the main body 202 is pressed into the internal space 34E of the front cover 34.

[0078] The distance between inclined surfaces 204 and 206 increases as they face the direction opposite to the insertion direction. At a certain position, the distance between inclined surfaces 204 and 206 is greater than the distance between the partition wall 68 and the wall portion 34A located at X(+) relative to the partition wall 68.

[0079] As the main body 202 is inserted into the internal space 34E of the front cover 34, the inclined surface 204 pushes the wall portion 34A in the direction (X(+) direction) of expanding the internal space 34E of the front cover 34, causing the front cover 34 to deform. The deformation of the front cover 34 makes it easy to remove the front cover 34 from the front end body 32. It also helps to suppress the application of load to the bent portion 28 (not shown).

[0080] exist Figure 6 In (B), the stopped part 150B and the stopped part 160 are easily disengaged by the deformation of the front cover 34.

[0081] Furthermore, in Figure 6 In (B), a first cut 34F and a second cut 34G orthogonal to the first cut 34F are formed on the front end cover 34, so the wall portion 34A can be easily deformed.

[0082] The front cover 34, which is removed from the front end body 32, is discarded and is no longer used.

[0083] Next, according to Figure 7 A first variation of the first embodiment of the front cover removal jig 300 will be described. The front cover removal jig 300 includes a connecting portion 230 that connects to the main body portion 202. The connecting portion 230 is connected to a plane 212 at a position opposite to the insertion direction of the main body portion 202. The connecting portion 230 has a generally semi-cylindrical shape 230A and finger holes 230C penetrating two opposing bottom surfaces 230B. Figure 7 In the middle, the finger hole 230C extends in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction indicated by the arrow and along the intersection of the inclined surface 204 and the inclined surface 206.

[0084] In the first variation, the operator operates the front cover removal clamp 300 with their finger inserted into the finger hole 230C of the connecting portion 230. The operator can easily insert the main body portion 202 into the internal space 34E of the front cover 34 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0085] In the front cover removal jig 300, the connection between the main body 202 and the connecting part 230 includes the following cases: the main body 202 and the connecting part 230 are molded as one piece; and the main body 202 and the connecting part 230 are bonded as independent parts by an adhesive or the like.

[0086] exist Figure 7 The text explains the situation where the finger hole 230C is penetrated, but if a finger can be inserted into the finger hole 230C, then penetration is unnecessary.

[0087] Next, according to Figure 8 A second variation of the first embodiment of the front cover removal jig 400 will be described. The front cover removal jig 400 includes a connecting portion 250 that is connected to the main body portion 202.

[0088] The connecting part 250 includes a fixed arm 252, a sliding arm 254, and a fulcrum 256 connecting one end of the fixed arm 252 and one end of the sliding arm 254.

[0089] The main body 202 and the sliding arm 254 are connected at the ends opposite to the fulcrum 256. The insertion direction of the main body 202 is toward the fixed arm 252.

[0090] The fixed arm 252 has a support surface 258 on the side opposite to the fulcrum 256 for supporting the front end body 32 on which the front end cover 34 is mounted. The support surface 258 is preferably a curved surface that mimics the shape of the front end cover 34. The support surface 258 can stably support the front end body 32 on which the front end cover 34 is mounted.

[0091] For example, the front cover 34 is removed in the following order. The front end body 32 of the front cover 34 is mounted with its front end side facing the fulcrum 256 and placed on the support surface 258 of the fixed arm 252. The operator applies a force to the sliding arm 254 in the direction toward the fixed arm 252. The body portion 202 is inserted into the internal space 34E of the front cover 34 (not shown), and similarly to the first embodiment, the inclined surface 204 pushes the wall portion 34A in the direction of expanding the internal space 34E of the front cover 34, causing the front cover 34 to deform.

[0092] Figure 8 The fulcrum portion 256 is composed of through holes respectively provided at one end of the fixed arm 252 and one end of the sliding arm 254, and pins inserted into both through holes. In the fulcrum portion 256, a spring element (not shown) is preferably used to apply a force in the direction in which the fixed arm 252 and the sliding arm 254 are separated.

[0093] Furthermore, the fixed arm 252, the sliding arm 254, and the fulcrum portion 256 can be formed as a single unit. The connecting portion 250 can be formed, for example, by bending a long strip of metal at approximately the center. The bent portion constitutes the fulcrum portion.

[0094] <Second Implementation Method>

[0095] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the front cover removal fixture. The front cover removal fixture 500 includes a main body portion 510 and a connecting portion 530 connected to the main body portion 510.

[0096] The main body portion 510 has a different shape than the main body portion 202 of the first embodiment. The main body portion 510 includes a cylindrical portion 510A and a front end portion 510B, which is continuous from the cylindrical portion 510A and gradually tapers away from it. The front end portion 510B is generally conical, and its side surface is formed by an inclined surface that gradually tapers in the insertion direction indicated by the arrow. As long as the front end portion 510B has an inclined surface that gradually tapers in the insertion direction, the front end shape of the front end portion 510B can be as follows: Figure 9The dome shape shown can be a flat surface or a needle shape that converges to a point.

[0097] The connecting portion 530 has a receiving member 532 that forms a space 532A for receiving the front cover 34. The receiving member 532 has: a first opening 532B for receiving the front cover 34; and a bottom 532C opposite to the first opening 532B.

[0098] The main body 510 is connected to the bottom 532C of the receiving member 532 at a position opposite to the insertion direction of the main body 510. The receiving member 532 has a flange 532D on the side opposite to the first opening 532B.

[0099] Figure 9 The receiving member 532 shown preferably has a second opening 532E facing the side orthogonal to the insertion direction of the main body portion 510. Because the second opening 532E is formed, the receiving member 532 is formed into a groove shape in a generally C-shape in a cross section cut in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0100] In the front cover removal jig 500, the connection between the main body 510 and the connecting part 530 includes the following cases: the main body 510 and the connecting part 530 are molded as one piece; and the main body 510 and the connecting part 530 are bonded as independent parts by an adhesive or the like.

[0101] The front cover removal fixture 500 can be made of the same material as in the first embodiment.

[0102] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the disassembly sequence of the front cover using a second embodiment of the front cover disassembly fixture. Figure 10 (A) is a perspective view showing the state before the front cover removal jig 500 is inserted into the front cover 34. Figure 10 (B) is a perspective view showing the state after the front cover removal jig 500 is inserted into the front cover 34.

[0103] like Figure 10 As shown in (A), a front cover removal jig 500 is prepared. The position of the front cover removal jig 500 is adjusted relative to the front cover 34 in a direction where the tapered front portion of the main body 510 contacts the front opening 34C and at least the inclined surface included in the front portion 510B contacts the wall portion 34A. The front cover removal jig 500 is configured such that the first opening 532B of the receiving member 532 faces the front cover 34 side, and the second opening 532E of the receiving member 532 faces the Z(+) side. Similar to the first embodiment, the stand-up table receiving space 66 substantially coincides with the internal space 34E of the front cover 34.

[0104] like Figure 10 As shown in (B), the front end body 32 with the front cover 34 installed is housed in the space 532A of the receiving member 532, and the main body portion 510 is inserted into the inner space 34E of the front cover 34 through the front opening 34C. For example, while holding the receiving member 532 with a finger or the like, the main body portion 510 is pressed into the inner space 34E of the front cover 34.

[0105] The inclined surface included in the front end portion 510B expands in diameter as it faces a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The outer diameter of the front end portion 510B, which is composed of the inclined surface, is larger at a certain position than the distance between the partition wall 68 and the wall portion 34A located at X(+) relative to the partition wall 68.

[0106] As the main body 510 is inserted into the internal space 34E of the front cover 34, the inclined surface of the front part 510B pushes against the wall 34A in the direction (X(+) direction) of expanding the internal space 34E of the front cover 34, causing the front cover 34 to deform. This deformation of the front cover 34 makes it easy to remove the front cover 34 from the front body 32. This helps to prevent damage to the observation window 76 from the front body 32.

[0107] exist Figure 10 In (B), the operator can visually identify the deformation state of the front cover 34 through the second opening 532E of the receiving component 532.

[0108] Furthermore, the locked portion 150B and the locked portion 160 can be easily released by the deformation of the front cover 34.

[0109] Furthermore, a first cutout 34F and a second cutout 34G are formed on the front end cover 34, so the wall portion 34A can be easily deformed.

[0110] The front cover 34, which is removed from the front end body 32, is discarded and is no longer used.

[0111] Figure 11 Is Figure 10 (B) is a sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the X and Y axes and passing approximately through the center of the main body 510. (See figure) Figure 11 As shown, if the main body 510 is inserted into the internal space 34E of the front cover 34, the inclined surface of the front part 510B pushes the wall 34A in the X(+) direction, causing the front cover 34 to deform.

[0112] In order to enable the front cover 34 to deform, the space 532A has a size including a clearance space 532F between the wall 34A of the front cover 34 and the inner wall of the receiving member 532.

[0113] Furthermore, in both the first and second embodiments, a single front cover removal clamp is illustrated. However, the front cover removal clamp can be mounted on a mounting part installed on the operating part of the side mirror. There is no need to clean and disinfect the front cover removal clamp itself. Moreover, the risk of losing the front cover removal clamp can be avoided.

Claims

1. A front cover removal clamp, mounted on the front end of a side mirror, for removing a front cover having an internal space communicating with a cover opening that allows a handling device to pass through. The front cover removal fixture has at least a main body portion with an inclined surface. The inclined surface tapers at the front end in the direction it is inserted into the interior space of the front end cover. When the main body is inserted into the internal space of the front end cover, the inclined surface deforms the front end cover in the direction that expands the internal space of the front end cover. The front cover removal fixture has a connecting portion that connects to the main body. The connecting portion is connected at a position opposite to the insertion direction of the main body portion, and forms a finger hole extending in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

2. The front cover disassembly fixture according to claim 1, wherein, The finger hole is a through hole that penetrates the connecting portion.

3. A front cover removal clamp, mounted on the front end of a side mirror, for removing a front cover having an internal space communicating with a cover opening that allows a handling device to pass through. The front cover removal fixture has at least a main body portion with an inclined surface. The inclined surface tapers at the front end in the direction it is inserted into the interior space of the front end cover. When the main body is inserted into the internal space of the front end cover, the inclined surface deforms the front end cover in the direction that expands the internal space of the front end cover. The front cover removal fixture has a connecting portion that connects to the main body. The connecting portion includes a fixed arm, a sliding arm, and a fulcrum portion connecting one end of the fixed arm and one end of the sliding arm. The main body and the end of the sliding arm opposite to the fulcrum side are connected. The main body can be inserted into the internal space of the front cover by using the fulcrum as a fulcrum.

4. The front cover disassembly fixture according to claim 3, wherein, The side of the fixed arm opposite to the fulcrum side is formed with a curved surface that mimics the shape of the front end cap.

5. A front cover removal clamp, mounted on the front end of a side mirror, for removing a front cover having an internal space communicating with a cover opening that allows a handling device to pass through. The front cover removal fixture has at least a main body portion with an inclined surface. The inclined surface tapers at the front end in the direction it is inserted into the interior space of the front end cover. When the main body is inserted into the internal space of the front end cover, the inclined surface deforms the front end cover in the direction that expands the internal space of the front end cover. The main body has a cylindrical portion and a front end portion that gradually tapers away from the cylindrical portion. The front cover removal fixture has a connecting portion that connects to the main body. The connecting portion has a receiving component that forms a space to accommodate the front end cover. The receiving component has a first opening capable of receiving the front end cover and a bottom opposite the first opening. The main body portion is connected to the bottom portion at a position opposite to the insertion direction of the main body portion.

6. The front cover disassembly fixture according to claim 5, wherein, The space includes clearance space to accommodate the front end cover that has deformed due to the main body portion.

7. The front cover removal fixture according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The receiving component is a groove-shaped part having a second opening facing a side orthogonal to the insertion direction of the main body portion.

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