Endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscope having a cover that suppresses deformation caused by a load and can be easily disassembled. The endoscope includes a front-end body and a cover that is detachably attached to the front-end body and has an opening window. The cover has a cantilever piece that elastically flexes and deforms and is formed on at least one of the wall portions facing each other across the opening window. The cantilever piece has a fixed end and a free end, and the cantilever piece includes a stopper portion provided at the free end. The front-end body includes a stopper portion that engages with the stopper portion on the side opposite to the cantilever piece, and the stopper portion can be detached from the stopper portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and particularly to an endoscope having an upright table for changing the export direction of a treatment instrument on the front end side of an insertion portion. Background Art

[0002] In an endoscope, various treatment instruments are introduced from a treatment instrument introduction port provided on an operation portion, and the treatment instrument is exported to the outside from a treatment instrument export port opened at the front end portion of the insertion portion for treatment. For example, treatment instruments such as a guide wire or a contrast tube are used in a duodenoscope. Treatment instruments such as a puncture needle are used in an ultrasonic endoscope. Treatment instruments such as forceps or a snare are used in other direct vision endoscopes and oblique vision endoscopes. In order to process a desired position in a subject's body, such a treatment instrument needs to change the export direction at the front end portion. Therefore, an upright table for changing the export direction of the treatment instrument is provided on the front end body of the front end portion. In the endoscope, a treatment instrument upright mechanism for changing the posture of the upright table between an upright position and a fallen position is provided. In addition, a cover is detachably attached to the front end body.

[0003] The endoscope of Patent Document 1 has concavo-convex portions that can engage with the cover and the front end body, and the cover and the front end body are positioned and fixed by engaging the concavo-convex portions. By squeezing the cover in the vertical direction, the engagement of the concavo-convex portions is released.

[0004] The endoscope of Patent Document 2 is a side view type endoscope in which a part of the side of the front end portion is cut off to provide a cut surface. By engaging a locking groove provided in a region on the base end side of the cut surface with a locking projection of the cover, displacement of the cover is prevented.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-252210

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-273727 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] The cover is loaded, for example, when the treatment instrument is erected or pulled out and the guide wire is fixed. It is required that the cover has less deformation caused by the load. On the other hand, when the cover is disassembled, deformation by fingers is required.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope having a cover that suppresses deformation caused by a load and can be easily disassembled.

[0012] Means for Solving Technical Problems

[0013] The endoscope according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: an operation unit provided with operation members; an insertion unit provided on the front end side of the operation unit and inserted into the subject's body; a front end portion main body located at the front end of the insertion unit, having a treatment instrument outlet, and formed with an upright table accommodation space communicating with the treatment instrument outlet; an upright table rotatably disposed on the front end side of the treatment instrument outlet and rotatable between a fallen position and an upright position about a rotation axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion unit; and a cover detachably attached to the front end portion main body, the cover having a wall portion defining an opening window in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction and the rotation axis of the insertion unit, the cover having a cantilever piece elastically flexibly deformed formed on at least one side wall portion facing each other across the opening window, the cantilever piece having a fixed end and a free end, and the cantilever piece including a stopper portion provided at the free end, the front end portion main body including a stopper portion engaging with the stopper portion on the side facing the cantilever piece, and the stopper portion being detachable from the stopper portion. According to the first aspect, the cover can be easily detached, and deformation caused by load can be prevented.

[0014] In the endoscope according to the second aspect of the present invention, the cantilever piece includes a pressing portion located between the fixed end and the free end and separated from the front end portion main body, and the front end portion main body has a fulcrum portion at a position facing the portion between the pressing portion and the free end of the cantilever piece. By pressing the pressing portion against the front end portion main body, the cantilever piece is flexibly deformed with the fulcrum portion as a fulcrum, and the engagement between the stopper portion and the stopper portion is released.

[0015] In the endoscope according to the third aspect of the present invention, the fulcrum portion is disposed on the front end side of the front end portion main body from the position of the stopper portion, and the fixed end of the cantilever piece is disposed closer to the front end of the front end portion main body than the position of the fulcrum portion.

[0016] In the endoscope according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the width of the stopper portion is wider than the width of the other portions of the cantilever piece, and the stopper portion is constituted by a member defining a groove portion narrower than the stopper portion and wider than the other portions of the cantilever piece.

[0017] In the endoscope according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the fulcrum portion is disposed closer to the proximal end side of the front end portion main body than the position of the stopper portion, and the fixed end of the cantilever piece is disposed closer to the proximal end side of the front end portion main body than the position of the fulcrum portion.

[0018] In the endoscope according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the cover includes a notch orthogonal to the cantilever piece and a thin wall portion parallel to the cantilever piece in the wall portion where the cantilever piece is formed. By deforming the cover along the thin wall portion, the cover is broken at the notch, and the engagement between the stopper portion and the stopper portion is released.

[0019] In the endoscope according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the stopper portion has an inclined surface that extends outward from the front end side of the front end portion main body toward the base end side.

[0020] In the endoscope according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the upright table is in the upright position, an abutting member is provided at a position opposed to the treatment instrument guiding surface of the upright table.

[0021] In the endoscope according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the cover body and the abutting member are formed of an integrally molded body.

[0022] In the endoscope according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the upright table is rotatably mounted on the cover body about a rotation axis.

[0023] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the endoscope of the present invention, an endoscope can be provided that includes a cover body that suppresses deformation caused by a load and can be easily disassembled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of an endoscope system including the endoscope according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an enlarged front end portion.

[0027] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a perspective view of the front end portion main body of the first embodiment shown.

[0028] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a perspective view of the cover body shown.

[0029] Figure 5 is including Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the cover body side claw portion shown.

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the front end portion of the first embodiment viewed from the X(+) side.

[0031] Figure 7 is Figure 6 an assembled perspective view of the front end portion shown.

[0032] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the front end portion.

[0033] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of installing and disassembling the cover body and the front end portion main body of the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 10It is a view showing a state in which a treatment instrument and a wire are erected by an erection table.

[0035] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the front end portion of the second embodiment as viewed from the X(+) side.

[0036] Figure 12 It is Figure 11 the assembled perspective view of the front end portion shown.

[0037] Figure 13 It is an explanatory view showing the operation of installing and detaching the cover body and the front end portion main body of the second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 14 It is a side view of the third embodiment as viewed from the X(+) side.

[0039] Figure 15 It is along Figure 14 the cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15. Detailed Embodiment

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the endoscope of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] (First Embodiment)

[0042] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an endoscope system 12 including an endoscope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope system 12 includes an endoscope 10, a processor device 14, a light source device 16, and a display 18.

[0043] The endoscope 10 includes: an operation unit 22 provided with an erection operation lever 20 as an operation member; and an insertion unit 24 provided on the front end side of the operation unit 22 and inserted into a subject's body.

[0044] The insertion unit 24 has a longitudinal axis direction Ax from the proximal end toward the distal end, and sequentially includes a flexible portion 26, a bending portion 28, and a front end portion 30 from the proximal end toward the distal end. The detailed structure of the front end portion 30 will be described later. First, the schematic structure of the front end portion 30 will be described.

[0045] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the front end portion 30 enlarged. Here, the endoscope 10 of the embodiment (refer to Figure 1 ) is, for example, a side-view endoscope used as a duodenoscope, Figure 2 and the front end portion 30 thereof has a structure in a side-view endoscope.

[0046] In addition, Figure 3 it is a perspective view of the front end portion main body 32 constituting the front end portion 30. Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the cover body 34 constituting the front end portion 30. AsFigure 2 As shown, the distal end portion 30 has a distal end portion main body 32 and a cover body 34. The cover body 34 is detachably attached to the distal end portion main body 32. The distal end portion main body 32 is provided at the distal end side of the insertion portion 24 (see Figure 1 ). An upright table 36 having a treatment instrument guide surface 36A described later is provided on the distal end portion main body 32. In Figure 2 and Figure 4 , a state where the upright table 36 is in the collapsed position is shown.

[0047] In addition, Figure 2 shows various built-in objects disposed inside the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (see Figure 1 ). Specifically, an upright table 36 and an upright operation wire 40 (hereinafter referred to as wire 40) for operating to change the leading direction of the leading end portion of a treatment instrument (not shown) led out from the distal end portion main body 32, and a gas supply and water supply pipe 42 are provided. The wire 40 is directly connected to the upright table 36. In addition, although not shown in Figure 2 , a treatment instrument passage 38 leading to the distal end portion main body 32 (see Figure 6 ), a bending angle wire for operating to change the bending direction of the bending portion 28 (see Figure 1 ), a signal cable for transmitting an image signal, and an optical guide for transmitting illumination light are also provided as built-in objects.

[0048] In addition, in this specification, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system of three axial directions (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) is used for explanation. That is, when observing the distal end portion 30 from the operation portion 22, in the case where the direction in which a treatment instrument (not shown) is led out by the upright table 36 is set as the upward direction, the upward direction is set as the Z(+) direction, and the downward direction as the opposite direction is set as the Z(-) direction. In addition, the right direction at this time is set as the X(+) direction, and the left direction is set as the X(-) direction. In addition, the front direction at this time (the direction on the distal end side of the longitudinal axis direction Ax of the insertion portion 24) is set as the Y(+) direction, and the rear direction (the direction on the proximal end side of the longitudinal axis direction Ax of the insertion portion 24) is set as the Y(-) direction. In addition, the Y-axis direction including the Y(+) direction and the Y(-) direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis direction Ax of the insertion portion 24. The Z-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction Ax. The X-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction.

[0049] Return to Figure 1, the operation unit 22 is integrally formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The operation unit 22 includes an operation unit main body 46 rotatably provided with an upright operation lever 20, and a grip portion 48 connected to the operation unit main body 46. The proximal end portion of the insertion unit 24 is provided at the front end side of the grip portion 48 via a bending prevention tube 50. The grip portion 48 is the portion held by the operator during the operation of the endoscope 10.

[0050] In addition, a general cable 52 is provided on the operation unit main body 46. A light source connector 54 is provided on the front end side of the general cable 52. An electrical connector 56 branches from the light source connector 54. And, the electrical connector 56 is connected to the processor device 14, and the light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16.

[0051] In addition, an air supply / water supply button 57 and a suction button 59 are provided side by side on the operation unit main body 46. When the air supply / water supply button 57 is operated, Figure 2 air and water are supplied to the air supply / water supply pipe 42, and air and water can be ejected from the air supply / water supply nozzle 58 provided on the front end portion main body 32. Figure 1 The air supply / water supply button 57 of

[0052] is a two-stage operation. Through the first-stage operation, air is supplied to the air supply / water supply pipe 42. Through the second-stage operation, water is supplied to the air supply / water supply pipe 42. Figure 1 Figure 2 In addition, when the Figure 2 suction button 59 is operated, body fluids such as blood can be suctioned from the suction port that also serves as a treatment instrument lead-out port 60 of the front end portion main body 32 of Figure 6

[0053] through the treatment instrument passage 38 (refer to Figure 1 ). As shown in

[0054] a pair of bending angle buttons 62, 62 for bending the bending portion 28 are arranged on the operation unit main body 46. The pair of bending angle buttons 62, 62 are provided to be rotatable coaxially. Figure 2 Figure 2 The upright operation lever 20 is provided to be rotatable coaxially with the bending angle buttons 62, 62. The upright operation lever 20 is rotationally operated by the hand of the operator holding the grip portion 48. When the upright operation lever 20 is rotationally operated,

[0055] Figure 1 As shown in Figure 1As shown, the holding part 48 of the operation part 22 has a treatment instrument inlet 64 for introducing a treatment instrument. A treatment instrument (not shown) introduced from the treatment instrument inlet 64 with its front end as the leading end is inserted through a treatment instrument channel 38 (not shown) and led out to the outside from a treatment instrument outlet 60 provided in the front end main body 32.

[0056] As Figure 1 shown, the flexible part 26 of the insertion part 24 has a spiral tube (not shown) formed by winding a thin elastic metal strip into a spiral shape. The flexible part 26 is formed by covering the outside of the spiral tube with a cylindrical net body woven with metal wires and covering the outer periphery of the net body with an outer skin made of resin.

[0057] The bending part 28 of the insertion part 24 has a structure in which a plurality of angulation rings (not shown) are rotatably connected to each other. The bending part 28 is formed by covering the outside of the structure with a cylindrical net body woven with metal wires and covering the outer periphery of the net body with a cylindrical rubber outer skin. From the thus formed bending part 28 to the angulation buttons 62, 62, for example, four angulation wires (not shown) are provided. By the rotational operation of the angulation buttons 62, 62, these angulation wires are pushed and pulled, thereby bending the bending part 28 up, down, left, and right.

[0058] The endoscope 10 of the embodiment is a side-view endoscope used as a duodenoscope, for example, and the insertion part 24 is inserted into the subject's body through the oral cavity. The insertion part 24 is inserted from the esophagus through the stomach into the duodenum to perform prescribed examinations or treatments and other procedures.

[0059] In addition, as treatment instruments used in the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, treatment instruments such as biopsy forceps having a cup capable of collecting biological tissue at the front end, a knife for EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy), or a contrast tube can be exemplified.

[0060] Next, with reference to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 the structure of the front end part 30 will be described.

[0061] As Figure 2 shown, the front end part 30 includes a front end main body 32 and a cover body 34 detachably attached to the front end main body 32. As Figure 3As shown, the front-end body 32 has a partition wall 68 protruding in the Y(+) direction. By attaching the cover body 34 to the front-end body 32, a vertical platform accommodation space 66 is formed by the partition wall 68 of the front-end body 32 and the wall portion 34B of the cover body 34. The vertical platform accommodation space 66 is arranged at the position in the X(+) direction of the partition wall 68 and the Y(+) direction of the treatment instrument outlet 60. The front-end body 32 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal material.

[0062] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, on the upper surface 68A on the Z(+) side of the partition wall 68, a lighting window 74 and an observation window 76 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The observation window 76 can observe the visual field area in the Z(+) direction.

[0063] The air and water supply nozzle 58 is arranged on the front-end body 32 facing the observation window 76. The observation window 76 is cleaned by the air and water sprayed from the air and water supply nozzle 58.

[0064] As Figure 3 shown, the partition wall 68 has an optical system accommodation chamber 72 inside. The optical system accommodation chamber 72 accommodates a lighting unit (not shown) and a photographing unit (not shown). The lighting unit includes a lighting lens (not shown) arranged on the optical system accommodation chamber 72 side of the lighting window 74 and an optical fiber (not shown) arranged in such a way that the front end faces the lighting lens. The optical fiber is arranged in the general cable 52 from the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) via the operation portion 22. The base end of the optical fiber is connected to the light source connector 54. When the light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16, the irradiation light from the light source device 16 is transmitted to the lighting lens via the optical fiber. The irradiation light is irradiated from the lighting window 74 to the visual field area existing in the Z(+) direction.

[0065] The photographing unit includes a photographing optical system (not shown) arranged inside the observation window 76 and a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type or CCD (charge coupled device) type imaging element (not shown). The front end of a signal cable (not shown) is connected to the imaging element. The signal cable is arranged in the general cable 52 from the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) via the operation portion 22. The base end of the signal cable is connected to the electrical connector 56. When the electrical connector 56 is connected to the processor device 14, the imaging signal of the subject image obtained by the photographing unit is transmitted to the processor device 14 via the signal cable. After the imaging signal is subjected to image processing by the processor device 14, it is displayed as a subject image on the display 18.

[0066] The front-end body 32 has a stopper portion 63 on the proximal end side. The stopper portion 63 engages with a portion to be stopped formed on the proximal end side surface of the abutting member 37 described later. A through hole 61 for inserting a wire 40 (not shown) is provided in the front-end body 32.

[0067] As Figure 4 shown, the cover 34 has a wall portion 34B that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the front end side closed. On a part of the outer peripheral surface of the cover 34, a substantially rectangular opening window 34A is defined by the wall portion 34B. A bearing 34D extending in the Y(+) direction (the direction extending along the long axis direction Ax) is formed inside the cover 34. The bearing 34D has a plate shape with a height in the Z(+) direction. The cover 34 is made of an elastic material, such as a rubber material like fluororubber or silicone rubber, and a resin material such as polysulfone or polycarbonate.

[0068] The rotary shaft 36B of the upright stand 36 is supported by a through hole (not shown) of the bearing 34D. The rotary shaft 36B is a rod-shaped member having a length in the X-axis direction orthogonal to the bearing 34D. The upright stand 36 is rotatable about the rotary shaft 36B between a fallen position and an upright position.

[0069] The wire 40 is connected to the upright stand 36. The wire 40 is installed on the front end side of the upright stand 36 and is formed at a position adjacent to the treatment instrument guide surface 36A on the side opposite to the rotary shaft 36B side.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the upright stand 36 is installed on Figure 4 the cover 34 shown, and the cover 34 with the upright stand 36 is used as a single component as a whole. In addition, the wire 40 is connected to the upright stand 36.

[0071] In addition, the opening window 34A of the cover 34 opens in the Z(+) direction. That is, the opening direction of the opening window 34A of the cover 34 is a direction orthogonal to the direction of the long axis direction Ax of the insertion portion and orthogonal to the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rotary shaft 36B.

[0072] The cover 34 is an integrally formed body formed by integrally molding the wall portion 34B and the abutting member 37. The abutting member 37 is made of a resin material. The abutting member 37 is disposed on the proximal end side of the opening window 34A. The whole of the abutting member 37 protrudes toward the Y(+) direction side. The so-called integral molding means that the products (the cover 34 and the abutting member 37) are integrally molded while the components are joined without using adhesion or mechanical joining.

[0073] When the treatment of the endoscope 10 is completed, the cover 34 including the wire 40 and the upright stand 36 is removed from the front-end body 32 and discarded as a disposable product, for example.

[0074] When the cover 34 is installed on the front-end body 32, asFigure 2 As shown, the cover body 34 forms a vertical stand accommodating space 66, and the opening window 34A opens toward the Z (+) direction. The treatment instrument outlet 60 of the front end body 32 is connected to the opening window 34A via the vertical stand accommodating space 66. The abutment member 37 is located in the Z (+) direction relative to the treatment instrument outlet 60, and when the vertical stand 36 is in the vertical position, the abutment member 37 is set at a position opposite to the treatment instrument guide surface 36A.

[0075] In order to prevent the cover body 34 from falling off from the front end body 32 in the Y (+) direction, the front end 30 is provided with an anti-falling mechanism. The anti-falling mechanism is composed of the cover body side claw portion 34C (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 ) and the main body side claw portion 78 (refer to Figure 3 ) is constructed, the cover body side claw portion 34C is set in the cover body 34 on one of the two wall portions 34B separated by the opening window 34A, and the main body side claw portion 78 is set in the front end body 32 at a position opposite to the cover body side claw portion 34C.

[0076] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the cover body side claw portion 34C is formed by cutting the cover body 34 into a U-shape. The U-shaped cutout passes through the outside and inside of the cover body 34. The U-shaped cutout is a U-shape that opens in the Y (-) direction, and the cover body side claw portion 34C is in a so-called cantilever state in which the base end side of the cover body side claw portion 34C is connected to the cover body 34. The front end side of the cover body side claw portion 34C can be displaced in the X (+) direction and the X (-) direction with the connection position with the cover body 34 as a fulcrum. In addition, as shown in Figure 3 As shown, the main body side claw portion 78 is a protrusion formed on the front end portion main body 32 and protruding in the X(-) direction.

[0077] Figure 5 Yes Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cover body side claw portion 34C shown in FIG. The cover body 34 and the front end body 32 are loaded and unloaded by relatively moving them along the Y-axis direction. The main body side claw portion 78 has a substantially trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view. The main body side claw portion 78 has an inclined surface extending outward from the front end side of the front end body 32 toward the base end side on its front end side. On the other hand, the main body side claw portion 78 has an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the Y-axis direction on its base end side. The cover body side claw portion 34C is a shape that is bent inward on its front end side, and the front end is formed by an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the Y-axis direction.

[0078] A description will be given of a case where the cover body 34 is attached to the distal end portion main body 32. In addition, in the description, for easy understanding, the distal end portion main body 32 is assumed to be in a fixed state.

[0079] When the cover body 34 is installed on the front-end body 32, the cover body 34 is moved from the Y(+) direction to the Y(-) direction. The bent portion of the cover-side claw portion 34C contacts the inclined surface of the main-body-side claw portion 78. When the cover body 34 is further moved in the Y(-) direction, the cover-side claw portion 34C moves along the inclined surface of the main-body-side claw portion 78 and finally passes over the main-body-side claw portion 78.

[0080] The front end of the cover-side claw portion 34C and the base end of the main-body-side claw portion 78 are orthogonal surfaces respectively. When the cover body 34 is moved in the Y(+) direction, the resistance for the cover-side claw portion 34C to pass over the main-body-side claw portion 78 becomes larger. The detachment of the cover body 34 from the front-end body 32 can be suppressed.

[0081] Next, with reference to Figures 6 to 9 , an endoscope having a cover body 34 that suppresses deformation caused by a load and can be easily detached from the front-end body 32 will be described. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the front end portion 30 as viewed from the X(+) side, Figure 7 is an assembled perspective view of the front end portion 30. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of the front end portion 30. Figure 9 is a view for explaining the attachment and detachment of the cover body. In Figure 7 , the line 40 is not shown.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the cover body 34 has a cantilever piece 90 provided on one of the two wall portions 34B disposed in the X(+) direction and the X(-) direction with the opening window 34A therebetween. The cantilever piece 90 is formed by providing a cutout 91 in the cover body 34. The cutout 91 penetrates the outside and the inside of the cover body 34.

[0083] The cantilever piece 90 extends in the Y-axis direction and has a fixed end 90A connected to the cover body 34 and a free end 90B not connected to the cover body 34. The fixed end 90A is located at a position closer to the front end side (the Y(+) direction) than the free end 90B. Since the free end 90B is not connected to the cover body 34, it can be displaced in the X(+) direction and the X(-) direction. The free end 90B can move. Since the cantilever piece 90 is formed by the cutout 91 of the cover body 34, the cantilever piece 90 is made of the same material as the cover body 34.

[0084] A stopper portion 90C is provided on the free end 90B of the cantilever piece 90. The width of the stopper portion 90C is wider than the width of the other portions of the cantilever piece 90. When the stopper portion 90C is viewed from the X(+) direction, the entire cantilever piece 90 has a T shape. The stopper portion 90C is connected to the free end 90B and can be displaced in the X(+) direction and the X(-) direction.

[0085] The cantilever piece 90 has a pressing part 90D located between the fixed end 90A and the free end 90B and separated from the front-end body 32. When a pressing force generated by a human finger (not shown) is applied to the pressing part 90D, the pressing part 90D elastically flexes and deforms toward the X(-) side. The shape of the cantilever piece 90 only needs to be a shape that flexes and deforms due to the pressing force generated by a human finger, and is not limited to the above T-shaped. The shape of the cantilever piece 90 is determined in consideration of the length, thickness, width, etc. The length of the cantilever piece 90 is the distance along the Y-axis direction, the thickness of the cantilever piece 90 is the distance between the outer surface and the inner surface of the cantilever piece 90, and the width of the cantilever piece 90 is the distance in the direction orthogonal to the length direction and the thickness direction.

[0086] As Figure 7 shown, the front-end body 32 has two stoppers 80 on the side opposite to the cantilever piece 90 and a fulcrum part 82 located between the stoppers 80. The two stoppers 80 define a groove part 84.

[0087] As Figure 8 shown, the two stoppers 80 are arranged at the positions of the groove part 84 that constitutes an interval narrower than the width of the stopper 90C and wider than the width of the other part (the part other than the stopper 90C) of the cantilever piece 90. According to the size relationship of the interval between the stoppers 80, the width of the stopper 90C, and the width of the part other than the stopper 90C, the stopper 80 engages with the stopper 90C.

[0088] In addition, as an anti-disengagement mechanism, if the stoppers 80 and the stopper 90C are provided, the cover-side claw part 34C and the main-body-side claw part 78 may not be provided.

[0089] Next, the installation and disassembly of the cover 34 and the front-end body 32 will be described with reference to Figure 9 FIG. 9-1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-1 of Figure 8 FIG. 9-2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-2 of Figure 8 FIG.

[0090] In the state where the cover 34 is installed on the front-end body 32, as shown by the double-dot chain line in FIG. 9-1, the cantilever piece 90 is not flexed and deformed. In the embodiment, the cantilever piece 90 is substantially in contact with the fulcrum part 82. The pressing part 90D of the cantilever piece 90 is separated from the front-end body 32. Separation means a state where the pressing part 90D is not in contact with the front-end body 32.

[0091] With the cover 34 mounted on the front-end body 32, as shown in Fig. 9-2, the stopper portion 80 engages with the stoppered portion 90C indicated by the double-dashed line. As shown in Fig. 9-2, the stopper portion 80 has an inclined surface 80A. The inclined surface 80A is an inclined surface that extends outward from the front-end side of the front-end body 32 toward the base end side. The stopper portion 80 has an orthogonal surface 80B orthogonal to the Y-axis direction on the base end side.

[0092] As shown in Figs. 9-1 and 9-2, the fulcrum portion 82 is disposed from the position of the orthogonal surface 80B (engagement surface) of the stopper portion 80 to the front-end side (Y(+) direction) of the front-end body 32. The fixed end 90A of the cantilever piece 90 is disposed closer to the front-end side of the front-end body 32 than the position of the fulcrum portion 82.

[0093] When the cover 34 is mounted on the front-end body 32, the cover 34 is moved from Y(+) to Y(-) direction. The stoppered portion 90C contacts the inclined surface 80A of the stopper portion 80. When the cover 34 is further moved in the Y(-) direction, the stoppered portion 90C moves along the inclined surface 80A of the stopper portion 80 and finally crosses over the stopper portion 80.

[0094] The stoppered portion 90C has an orthogonal surface 90E orthogonal to the Y-axis direction on the front-end side. The orthogonal surface 80B of the stopper portion 80 and the orthogonal surface 90E of the stoppered portion 90C are opposed to each other, and the stopper portion 80 and the stoppered portion 90C are engaged. Thus, when the cover 34 is moved in the Y(+) direction, the resistance for the stoppered portion 90C to cross over the stopper portion 80 becomes large. It is possible to prevent the cover 34 from coming off the front-end body 32.

[0095] In addition, the engagement means that, when viewed from the Y(+) direction, the stopper portion 80 is located on the front-end side, the stoppered portion 90C is located on the base end side, and the stopper portion 80 and the stoppered portion 90C are in a state of partial overlap. As long as it is a state of partial overlap, it is not necessary for the orthogonal surfaces to face each other.

[0096] Next, as shown in Fig. 9-1, when a force in the X(-) direction is applied to the pressing portion 90D with the finger F, the cantilever piece 90 shown by the solid line flexes and deforms in the X(-) direction. Since the cantilever piece 90 abuts against the fulcrum portion 82, as shown in Fig. 9-2, the stoppered portion 90C provided at the free end 90B moves to the X(+) side by the "lever principle" with the fulcrum portion 82 as the fulcrum. The engagement between the stopper portion 80 and the stoppered portion 90C is released, and the stoppered portion 90C is detached from the stopper portion 80. The cover 34 can be easily moved from the front-end body 32 in the Y(+) direction, and thus can be detached.

[0097] The cover 34 of the embodiment has an integrally formed abutting member 37 and is configured to support the upright stand 36. Therefore, as Figure 10As shown in FIG10-1, when the treatment instrument 100 is erected by the erection stand 36, the contact member 37 receives a load in the direction A. Also, as shown in FIG10-2, when the guide wire 102 is locked, the contact member 37 receives a load in the direction B. Therefore, the cover 34 becomes easily deformed.

[0098] Furthermore, when the erection stand 36 is laid down, the wall portion 34B facing the opening window 34A of the cover body 34 is also subjected to a load and is easily deformed. Therefore, in the cover body 34, the portion subjected to the load needs to be made highly rigid to limit deformation.

[0099] In the cover body 34 of the embodiment, the cantilever piece 90 is provided on the side of one wall portion of the wall portion 34B which is opposite to the opening window 34A and is located in a portion which is difficult to bear the load. The rigidity of the portion which is not easy to bear the load can be reduced compared with the portion which bears the load. The low rigidity makes the cantilever piece 90 easily bend and deform due to finger pressing. The cover body 34 of the embodiment can be easily loaded and unloaded while maintaining the rigidity.

[0100] In addition, the cover 34 of the first embodiment is an easily moldable shape. When manufacturing the cantilever piece 90 of the first embodiment, a mold is inserted into the portion corresponding to the cutout 91. Since the mold is moved toward the outside of the cover 34, the mold can be easily released.

[0101] (Second embodiment)

[0102] The endoscope of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same structures as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description of the structures will be omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0103] Next, refer to Figures 11 to 13 , an endoscope including a cover 34 that suppresses deformation due to a load and can be easily removed from a distal end body 32 will be described. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the front end portion 30 viewed from the X(+) side, Figure 12 It is an assembled perspective view of the front end portion 30 . Figure 13 This is a diagram for explaining the installation and removal of the cover. Figure 12 Line 40 is not shown.

[0104] In the second embodiment, the shapes of the cantilever piece 190, the stopper portion 180 and the fulcrum portion 182 are different from those in the first embodiment. Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the cover 34 has a cantilever piece 190. The cantilever piece 190 is disposed on one of the two wall portions 34B that are arranged in the X(+) direction and the X(-) direction with the opening window 34A therebetween. The cantilever piece 190 is formed by providing a cutout 191 in the cover 34. The cutout 191 penetrates the outside and the inside of the cover 34.

[0105] The cantilever piece 190 extends in the Y-axis direction and has a fixed end 190A connected to the cover 34 and a free end 190B not connected to the cover 34. The fixed end 190A is located at a position closer to the proximal end side (in the Y(-) direction) than the free end 190B. The cantilever piece 190 is made of the same material as the cover 34. Since the free end 190B is not connected to the cover 34, it can be displaced in the X(+) direction and the X(-) direction.

[0106] A stopper portion 190C is provided on the free end 190B of the cantilever piece 190. The stopper portion 190C engages with the stopper portion 180.

[0107] The cantilever piece 190 has a pressing portion 190D located between the fixed end 190A and the free end 190B and separated from the front end portion main body 32. When a pressing force is applied to the pressing portion 190D by a human finger, the pressing portion 190D elastically flexes and deforms toward the X(-) side.

[0108] As Figure 12 shown, the front end portion main body 32 has a stopper portion 180 and a fulcrum portion 182 on the side opposite to the cantilever piece 190. The stopper portion 180 and the fulcrum portion 182 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The stopper portion 180 is located at a position closer to the front end side (in the Y(+) direction) than the fulcrum portion 182.

[0109] Next, the installation and removal of the cover 34 and the front end portion main body 32 will be described with reference to Figure 13 FIG. 13-13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13. Figure 13 is along Figure 11 the 13-13 line of

[0110] In the state where the cover 34 is installed on the front end portion main body 32, as shown in FIG. 13-1, the cantilever piece 190 is not flexed or deformed. In the embodiment, the cantilever piece 190 is substantially in contact with the fulcrum portion 182. The pressing portion 190D of the cantilever piece 190 is separated from the front end portion main body 32. Separation means that the pressing portion 190D is not in contact with the front end portion main body 32 in the installed state.

[0111] In the state where the cover 34 is installed on the front end portion main body 32, as shown in FIG. 13-1, the stopper portion 180 engages with the stopper portion 190C. The stopper portion 180 has an inclined surface 180A that tapers gradually toward the front end side of the front end portion main body 32. The stopper portion 180 has an orthogonal surface 180B orthogonal to the Y-axis direction on the proximal end side (in the Y(-) direction).

[0112] As shown Figure 13 in the figure, the fulcrum portion 182 is disposed on the proximal end side of the front end portion main body 32 from the position of the orthogonal plane 180B (engaging surface) of the stopper portion 180. The fixed end 190A of the cantilever piece 190 is disposed more on the proximal end side of the front end portion main body 32 than the position of the fulcrum portion 182.

[0113] When the cover body 34 is attached to the front end portion main body 32, the cover body 34 is moved from the Y(+) direction to the Y(-) direction. The stopper portion 190C contacts the inclined surface 180A of the stopper portion 180. When the cover body 34 is further moved in the Y(-) direction, the stopper portion 190C moves along the inclined surface 180A of the stopper portion 180 and finally passes over the stopper portion 180.

[0114] The stopper portion 190C has an orthogonal plane 190E orthogonal to the Y-axis direction on its front end side. The orthogonal plane 180B of the stopper portion 180 faces the orthogonal plane 190E of the stopper portion 190C, and the stopper portion 180 engages with the stopper portion 190C. Thereby, when the cover body 34 is moved in the Y(+) direction, the resistance for the stopper portion 190C to pass over the stopper portion 180 becomes large. The detachment of the cover body 34 from the front end portion main body 32 can be suppressed.

[0115] In addition, the engagement means a state in which, when viewed from the Y(+) direction, the stopper portion 180 is located on the front end side, the stopper portion 190C is located on the proximal end side, and the stopper portion 180 and the stopper portion 190C partially overlap. As long as it is a state of partial overlap, it is not necessary for the orthogonal planes to face each other.

[0116] Next, as shown in Fig. 13-2, when a force in the X(-) direction is applied to the pressing portion 190D with a finger F, the cantilever piece 190 is flexurally deformed in the X(-) direction. Since the cantilever piece 190 abuts against the fulcrum portion 182, as shown in Fig. 13-2, the stopper portion 190C provided at the free end 190B moves to the X(+) side by the "lever principle" with the fulcrum portion 182 as a fulcrum. The engagement between the stopper portion 180 and the stopper portion 190C is released, and the stopper portion 190C is detached from the stopper portion 180. The cover body 34 can be easily moved from the front end portion main body 32 in the Y(+) direction, and thus can be detached.

[0117] (Third Embodiment)

[0118] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the endoscope of the third embodiment will be described. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description of this part is omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0119] The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the structure of the cover body 34 and the method of releasing the engagement between the stopper portion 90C and the stopper portion 80.

[0120] Figure 14 is a side view of the third embodiment as viewed from the X(+) side. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of Figure 14 . As shown in Figure 14 , the cover body 34 has a cantilever piece 90 formed by a cutout 91. The cantilever piece 90 has a fixed end 90A, a free end 90B, and a stopper portion 90C provided at the free end 90B. The front-end body 32 has a stopper portion 80. When the cover body 34 is attached to the front-end body 32, the stopper portion 80 engages with the stopper portion 90C.

[0121] Two notches 92 are formed in the cover body 34. One notch 92 extends in the Z(+) direction from one side of the cutout 91, and the other notch 92 extends in the Z(-) direction from the opening window 34A side. The notches 92 penetrate through the outer and inner sides of the cover body 34. With the notches 92 as a boundary, the cover body 34 is not connected on the Y(+) side and the Y(-) side. In the embodiment, one notch 92 is tapered gradually in the Z(+) direction at a portion continuous with the cutout 91 (referred to as a triangular shape herein). The other notch 92 is tapered gradually in the Z(-) direction (referred to as an inverted triangular shape herein). The two notches 92 are in an orthogonal positional relationship with respect to the cantilever piece 90. Here, orthogonal includes completely orthogonal and substantially orthogonal. Here, orthogonal includes the case where the angle (the smaller included angle) formed by the cantilever piece 90 and the notch 92 is 80° or more. The shape of the notch 92 is not limited to Figure 14 the shape shown in. In the embodiment, between the vertex of the triangular notch 92 and the vertex of the inverted triangular notch 92, the cover body 34 is not separated. An additional notch may also be formed between the vertices. The additional notch may be a continuous notch or a dividing line notch. The notches 92 make it easy to break the cover body 34. Two notches 92 are shown in the embodiment, but there may also be one. If there is a notch 92 extending in the Z(-) direction from the opening window 34A side, the cover body 34 can be broken.

[0122] The cover body 34 has a thin wall portion 93 parallel to the cantilever piece 90. The thin wall portion 93 extends in the Y(+) direction from a position near the fixed end 90A of the cantilever piece 90. The thin wall portion 93 does not reach the front-end portion of the cover body 34.

[0123] As shown in Figure 15 , the thin wall portion 93 has a groove portion formed on the inner side of the cover body 34 and is thinner in thickness than other portions. Parallel includes completely parallel and substantially parallel.

[0124] As shown in Figure 14As shown, a linear cut 94 extending in the Y(+) direction is provided on the cover 34. The cut 94 penetrates the outer and inner sides of the cover 34. With the cut 94 as the boundary, the cover 34 is not connected on the Z(+) side and the Z(-) side.

[0125] Next, a method for releasing the stopper portion 80 and the stoppered portion 90C will be described. As Figure 14 shown, since the cover 34 has a notch 92 and a thin wall portion 93, the rigidity of the cover 34 is weakened.

[0126] At a position further in the Y(+) direction than the notch 92 and further in the Z(+) direction than the thin wall portion 93 (refer to Figure 14 ), as Figure 15 shown, by applying a force in the arrow direction (X(+) direction) to the cover 34, the cover 34 can be broken with the thin wall portion 93 as a fulcrum. By breaking the cover 34, the stopper portion 80 and the stoppered portion 90C are released, and the cover 34 is detached from the front end portion main body 32. By providing the linear cut 94, the breaking of the cover 34 becomes easier. The linear cut 94 may not be provided. As long as the stopper portion 80 and the stoppered portion 90C can be released, the breaking of the cover 34 may be a deformation of the cover 34 without cutting and separating the cover 34 into multiple pieces. The non-separated cover 34 is treated as a single component to facilitate its disposal.

[0127] The present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements or deformations can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to an endoscope having an upright table at the front end portion main body, an endoscope in which an upright table wire is connected to a rod of the front end portion main body, and the like.

[0128] Reference Signs

[0129] 10 Endoscope

[0130] 12 Endoscope System

[0131] 14 Processor Device

[0132] 16 Light Source Device

[0133] 18 Display

[0134] 20 Upright Operating Lever

[0135] 22 Operation Unit

[0136] 24 Insertion Portion

[0137] 26 Flexible Portion

[0138] 28 Bending Portion

[0139] 30 Front End Portion

[0140] 32 Front-end body

[0141] 34 Cover

[0142] 34A Opening window

[0143] 34B Wall part

[0144] 34C Cover side claw part

[0145] 34D Bearing

[0146] 36 Upright platform

[0147] 36A Disposal instrument guiding surface

[0148] 36B Rotating shaft

[0149] 37 Contact part

[0150] 38 Disposal instrument passage

[0151] 40 Upright operation line

[0152] 42 Gas supply and water supply pipe

[0153] 46 Operation part body

[0154] 48 Gripping part

[0155] 50 Anti-bending pipe

[0156] 52 Universal cable

[0157] 54 Light source connector

[0158] 56 Electrical connector

[0159] 57 Gas supply and water supply button

[0160] 58 Gas supply and water supply nozzle

[0161] 59 Suction button

[0162] 60 Disposal instrument outlet

[0163] 61 Through hole

[0164] 62 Bend angle button

[0165] 63 Stopper part

[0166] 64 Disposal instrument inlet

[0167] 66 Upright platform accommodation space

[0168] 68 Partition wall

[0169] 68A Upper surface

[0170] 72 Optical system accommodation chamber

[0171] 74 Lighting window

[0172] 76 Observation window

[0173] 78 Main body side claw part

[0174] 80 Stopper part

[0175] 80A Inclined surface

[0176] 80B Orthogonal surface

[0177] 82 Fulcrum part

[0178] 84 Groove part

[0179] 90 Cantilever piece

[0180] 90A Fixed end

[0181] 90B Free end

[0182] 90C Stopped part

[0183] 90D Pressing part

[0184] 90E Orthogonal surface

[0185] 91 Notch

[0186] 93 Thin wall part

[0187] 94 Notch

[0188] 100 Disposal instrument

[0189] 102 Conducting wire

[0190] 180 Stopper part

[0191] 180A Inclined surface

[0192] 180B Orthogonal surface

[0193] 182 Fulcrum part

[0194] 190 Cantilever piece

[0195] 190A Fixed end

[0196] 190B Free end

[0197] 190C Stopped part

[0198] 190D Pressing part

[0199] 190E Orthogonal surface

[0200] 191 incision

[0201] Ax Long axis direction

[0202] F Finger

Claims

1. An endoscope, wherein, it includes: an operation section provided with operation members; an insertion section provided at the front end side of the operation section and inserted into a subject's body; a front end section main body located at the front end of the insertion section and having a treatment instrument outlet; an erecting table disposed at the front end side of the treatment instrument outlet and rotatable between a fallen position and an erect position about a rotation axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section; and a cover detachably attached to the front end section main body, the cover having a wall section defining an opening window in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section and the rotation axis, the cover having a cantilever piece that elastically flexes and deforms formed on at least one side of the wall section facing each other across the opening window, the cantilever piece having a fixed end and a free end, and the cantilever piece including a stopper-receiving portion provided at the free end, the front end section main body including a stopper portion that engages with the stopper-receiving portion on a side facing the cantilever piece, the stopper-receiving portion being detachable from the stopper portion, the cantilever piece including a pressing portion located between the fixed end and the free end and separated from the front end section main body, the front end section main body having a fulcrum portion at a position facing a portion between the pressing portion and the free end of the cantilever piece, by pressing the pressing portion against the front end section main body, the cantilever piece flexes and deforms about the fulcrum portion to release the engagement between the stopper portion and the stopper-receiving portion.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, the fulcrum portion is disposed from the position of the stopper portion to the front end side of the front end section main body, and the fixed end of the cantilever piece is disposed closer to the front end side of the front end section main body than the position of the fulcrum portion.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein, the width of the stopper-receiving portion is wider than the width of other portions of the cantilever piece, the stopper portion is constituted by a member defining a groove portion that is narrower than the stopper-receiving portion and wider than other portions of the cantilever piece.

4. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, the fulcrum portion is disposed closer to the proximal end side of the front end section main body than the position of the stopper portion, and the fixed end of the cantilever piece is disposed closer to the proximal end side of the front end section main body than the position of the fulcrum portion.

5. An endoscope, wherein, it includes: an operation section provided with operation members; an insertion section provided at the front end side of the operation section and inserted into a subject's body; a front end section main body located at the front end of the insertion section and having a treatment instrument outlet; an erecting table disposed at the front end side of the treatment instrument outlet and rotatable between a fallen position and an erect position about a rotation axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section; and a cover detachably attached to the front end section main body, the cover having a wall section defining an opening window in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section and the rotation axis, The cover body has a cantilever piece that elastically flexes and deforms and is formed on the wall portion on at least one side facing each other across the opening window. The cantilever piece has a fixed end and a free end, and the cantilever piece includes a stopper portion provided at the free end. The front end body portion includes a stopper portion that engages with the stopper portion on the side facing the cantilever piece. The stopper portion can be detached from the stopper portion. The cover body includes a notch orthogonal to the cantilever piece and a thin wall portion parallel to the cantilever piece on the wall portion where the cantilever piece is formed. By applying a force to the cover body in a direction orthogonal to the long axis direction of the insertion portion and the rotation axis, the cover body is deformed along the thin wall portion, and the cover body is broken at the notch to release the engagement between the stopper portion and the stopper portion.

6. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The stopper portion has an inclined surface that extends outward from the front end side of the front end body portion toward the base end side.

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, When the upright table is in the upright position, an abutting member is provided at a position facing the treatment instrument guiding surface of the upright table.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein, The cover body and the abutting member are formed of an integrally molded body.

9. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The upright table is rotatably mounted on the cover body about the rotation axis.

Images