ENDOSCOPE

Abstract

Endoscope, comprehensive: a manual operating unit comprising an actuating element; an insertion unit, of which a proximal end section is connected to the manual actuation unit; a distal end element that is provided on a distal end part of the insertion unit; a treatment tool lifter which is mounted on the distal end element in such a way that it is rotatable and can rotate in a range of motion from a raised position to an attachment / removal position via a lowered position; a lifting actuation wire, of which a distal end is connected to the treatment tool lifter and a proximal end is connected to the actuating element, and which is pushed or pulled according to an actuation of the actuating element to cause the treatment tool lifter to rotate in the rotational movement range between the raised position and the lowered position; an intervention section that is provided at a distal end section of the lifting actuation wire; an inlet provided on the hand-operated unit through which the lifting actuation wire is inserted, so that the engagement section becomes a front end; an outlet provided at the distal end element from which the lifting actuation wire is led out, so that the engagement section becomes a front end; a wire insertion channel provided in the insertion unit that allows the inlet and outlet to communicate with each other; a contact section provided on the treatment tool lifter and applying a rotary force acting in a downward direction to the treatment tool lifter, in a case where the engagement section led out of the outlet is in contact with the contact section; a housing section provided on the treatment tool lifter, in which an opening is formed for accommodating the engagement section; and a wall section that is provided at a position adjacent to the treatment tool lifter and faces a movement trajectory of the engagement section in a case where the treatment tool lifter is moved between the raised position and the lowered position in a state where the engagement section is in contact with the contact section, wherein, in a state where the engagement section is in contact with the contact section, the wall section regulates a movement of the engagement section in a direction in which the engagement section enters the opening in a case where the treatment tool lifter is present between the raised position and the lowered position, and allows a movement of the engagement section in the direction in which the engagement section enters the opening in a case where the treatment tool lifter is present between the lowered position and the attachment / removal position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope and in particular an endoscope comprising a distal end section of an insertion unit comprising a treatment tool lifter for changing the direction of execution of a treatment tool. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] In an endoscope, various treatment tools are inserted through a treatment tool inlet provided on a hand-operated control unit (hereinafter referred to as the "control unit") and exited through a treatment tool outlet that opens outward to a distal end element of the insertion unit. These tools are then used for treatment. For example, a duodenoscope uses a treatment tool such as forceps or a contrast tube, and an ultrasound endoscope uses a treatment tool such as a puncture needle. The direction of exit of such a treatment tool must be changed at the distal end element to perform treatment at a desired location within the object under investigation.For this purpose, the distal end element is provided with a treatment tool lifter (also called a forceps lifter, hereinafter referred to as "lifter") and the actuating unit is provided with a treatment tool lifting mechanism that changes the position of the lifter between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0003] A wire-pulling mechanism in which the distal end of a wire (also called the lifting wire) is directly mounted to a lifter is known as a treatment tool lifting mechanism (see JP1994-315458A JP H06-315458A). In this mechanism, the proximal end of a wire is connected to an actuating lever for lifting (also called the lifter lever) provided on an actuating unit, and the lifter rotates around a rotary shaft to change its position between a raised position and a lowered position when the wire is pushed or pulled by the actuating lever for lifting.

[0004] Incidentally, when an endoscope is used for various examinations or treatments, body cavity fluid adheres to the distal end of the introducer, which includes the retriever and a guide tube into which the wire is inserted. For this reason, the endoscope is washed and disinfected with a washing and antiseptic solution after use. This washing process requires time and effort because the guide tube has a small diameter and the wire is inserted into it.

[0005] Accordingly, a cover for covering a distal end element of an insertion unit, a lifter and a wire are provided to be attached and removable in an endoscope disclosed in JP1994-315458A (JP H06-315458A); and the guide tube for a wire is washed after the cover, lifter and wire have been removed.

[0006] Furthermore, an example of an endoscope designed such that a wire can be attached to and removed from a retriever is disclosed in JP1994-315458A (JP H06-315458A). According to this endoscope, a tip is provided on the distal end section of the wire, and the retriever is provided with a tip housing section that accommodates the tip.

[0007] According to the endoscope disclosed in JP1994-315458A (JP H06-315458A), the tip of the used wire is first removed from the tip housing section of the retriever, and then the used wire is removed from the guide tube. Next, the endoscope is cleaned. After that, a new wire is inserted into the guide tube, and a tip provided on the distal end of the wire is housed in the tip housing section of the retriever, so that the distal end of the wire and the retriever are manually connected. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] However, since the distal end element of the endoscope's insertion unit is reduced in size when the insertion unit's diameter is reduced, the wire tip disclosed in JP1994-315458A (JP H06-315458A) is also small. A problem arises because considerable time and effort are required to manually fit such a small tip into the tip housing section of the elevator.

[0009] Since the endoscope disclosed in JP1994-315458A (JP H06-315458A) is designed in such a way that only the wire used can be replaced by a new wire, an economic effect can be achieved, but there is a problem that a lot of time and effort is required to connect the distal end section of a new wire to the elevator.

[0010] The invention was made taking into account the aforementioned circumstances, and one object of the invention is to provide an endoscope that makes it possible to easily connect the distal end section of a wire and a treatment tool lifter.

[0011] To achieve the object of the invention, an endoscope according to one aspect of the invention comprises a hand-operated unit comprising an actuating element, an insertion unit having a proximal end section connected to the hand-operated unit, a distal end element provided on a distal end part of the insertion unit, a treatment tool lifter mounted on the distal end element such that it is rotatable and rotatable in a rotational range from a raised position to an attachment / removal position via a lowered position, a lifting actuating wire having a distal end connected to the treatment tool lifter and a proximal end connected to the actuating element, and which is pushed or pulled according to an actuation of the actuating element to cause the treatment tool lifter toto move rotatingly in the rotational movement range between the raised position and the lowered position, an engagement section provided on a distal end section of the lifting actuation wire, an inlet provided on the hand actuation unit through which the lifting actuation wire is introduced, so that the engagement section becomes a front end, an outlet provided on the distal end element from which the lifting actuation wire is led out, so that the engagement section becomes a front end, a wire insertion channel provided in the insertion unit and allowing the inlet and outlet to communicate with each other, a contact section provided on the treatment tool lifter and applying a rotational force acting in a downward direction to the treatment tool lifter in one case,in which the engagement section extending from the outlet is in contact with the contact section, a housing section provided on the treatment tool lifter and in which an opening for accommodating the engagement section is formed, and a wall section provided at a position adjacent to the treatment tool lifter and facing a movement trajectory of the engagement section in a case in which the treatment tool lifter is moved between the raised position and the lowered position in a state in which the engagement section is in contact with the contact section. In a state in which the engagement section is in contact with the contact section, the wall section regulates movement of the engagement section in a direction in which the engagement section enters the opening in a case in whichin which the treatment tool lifter is present between the raised position and the lowered position, and allows movement of the engagement section in the direction in which the engagement section enters the opening in a case in which the treatment tool lifter is present between the lowered position and the attachment / removal position.

[0012] In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the distal end element is provided with a wire guide section that guides the engagement section led out of the outlet to the contact section.

[0013] In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the treatment tool lifter is provided with a guide section for engagement, which guides the engagement section to the opening.

[0014] In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the guide section for engagement includes a guide passage that guides the engagement section in a direction in which the engagement section is separated from the opening.

[0015] It is preferred that the endoscope according to the aspect of the invention further comprises a holding section which is provided at a position adjacent to the treatment tool lifter and which faces a movement trajectory of the engagement section in a case in which the treatment tool lifter is moved between the raised position and the lowered position in a state in which the engagement section is housed in the housing section and maintains a state in which the housing section and the engagement section are engaged with each other.

[0016] In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that a cap element is attachable and removable from the distal end element and that the distal end element or the cap element comprises the wall section or the retaining section.

[0017] In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the cap element comprises a position control element, and it is preferred that the position control element, in a case where the cap element is mounted on the distal end element, is in contact with the treatment tool lifter and controls a position in which the treatment tool lifter is lowered most to the attachment / removal position.

[0018] In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that an inclined surface for disengagement, which is widened towards an outside of the opening, is formed on an inner surface, corresponding to an execution direction of the engagement section, in an inner surface of the housing section near the opening.

[0019] It is preferred that the endoscope according to the aspect of the invention further comprises a movable element which is arranged to be exposed to an outside of the hand-operated unit and which operates in conjunction with an actuation of the actuating element and a retaining element which is provided at a proximal end of the lifting actuating wire and which is attachable and removable from the movable element.

[0020] In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the movable element or the retaining element is provided with one engagement hole and the other of these is provided with a locking section, so that it can be attached and removed and brought into engagement with the engagement hole.

[0021] In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the locking section is provided with an elastically deformable section which is elastically deformed in order to engage with the engagement hole.

[0022] In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that a pair of elastically deformable claw sections, which are to be locked to edge sections of the engagement hole, is formed on the elastically deformable section and that the pair of claw sections is displaced such that the claw sections, in a case where the engagement hole and the locking section are engaged with each other or are disengaged from each other, approach each other by elastic deformation.

[0023] According to the invention, the distal end section of a wire and a treatment tool lifter can be easily connected to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system comprising an endoscope according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view showing the configuration of a distal end part of an insertion unit. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the distal end part, with a lifter positioned in a raised position. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the distal end part, with the lifter positioned in a lowered position. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the distal end part, from which the lifter is positioned at an attachment / removal position. Fig. Figure 6 is a front view of a distal end element in a case where the distal end element is viewed from a distal end face to a proximal end face. Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the lifter. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of main sections showing a structure for mounting the lifter to the distal end element. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of an actuation unit. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram representing a state in which an engagement section is in contact with a contact section of the lifter, which is positioned at the raised position. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram representing a state in which the engagement section is in contact with the contact section of the lifter, which is positioned at the lowered position. Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram showing that the engagement section is housed in a housing section of the lifter, which is positioned at the attachment / removal position. Fig. Figure 13 is a diagram that represents a positional relationship between the lifter and a partition. Fig. Figure 14 is a diagram that represents a positional relationship between the lifter extending beyond the lowered position and the partition. Fig. Figure 15 is a diagram showing that the intervention section is moved along a guide passage. Fig. Figure 16 is a diagram showing that the engagement section is engaged with the housing section. Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the distal end element. Fig. Figure 18 is a diagram that shows a positional relationship between the intervention section and a holding section. Fig. Figure 19 is a diagram that shows a positional relationship between the engagement section and the lifter immediately in front of the engagement section disengaged from the housing section. Fig. Figure 20 is a diagram that shows a positional relationship between the engagement section and the lifter in a case where the engagement section has disengaged from the housing section. Fig. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the complete configuration of a lifting actuation mechanism. Fig. 22 is a side view of the in Fig. 21 shown lifting actuation mechanism. Fig. Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the operating range of an actuating lever for lifting. Fig. Figure 24 is a diagram that represents the operating range of a moving element. Fig. Figure 25 is a diagram showing that a retaining element is positioned at a retaining position and a release position. Fig. Figure 26 is a perspective view of a support structure as seen from the other side surface of the actuating unit. Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the in Fig. 26 shown support structure, viewed from the left side. Fig. Figure 28 is a perspective view of a wire assembly. Fig. Figure 29 is a front view of the mounting element 98. Fig. Figure 30 is a perspective view of an extending part that includes an inlet and the movable element. Fig. Figure 31 is a diagram showing that a wire is inserted through the inlet so that the engagement section becomes a front end. Fig. Figure 32 is a diagram showing the retaining element in a state where the distal end section of the wire is connected to the lifter. Fig. Figure 33 is a perspective view showing that the support element is connected to the movable element. Fig. Figure 34 is a diagram showing that the shape of the inner circumferential surface of a bearing section of the jack is zigzag-shaped. Fig. Figure 35 is a diagram showing that several grooves are formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of rotary motion shaft sections of the lifter. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0024] An endoscope according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system 12, which includes an endoscope 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The endoscope system 12 comprises an endoscope 10, a processor device 14, a light source device 16, and a display 18. A treatment tool 56, intended for use with the endoscope system 12, is also shown in Figure 1. Fig. 1 shown.

[0026] The endoscope 10 comprises an actuating unit 22, which includes an actuating lever 20 for lifting as an actuating element, and an insertion unit 24, which is provided at the distal end of the actuating unit 22.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view showing the configuration of a distal end part 26 of the insertion unit 24, Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the distal end part 26, of which a lifter 30 is positioned in a raised position, and Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the distal end part 26, with the lifter 30 positioned in a lowered position. Furthermore, Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the distal end 26, from which the lifter 30 is positioned at an attachment / removal position. The attachment / removal position is a position in which the lifter 30 is rotated from the raised position to the lowered position, rotated from the lowered position in the same direction, and extends beyond the lowered position. This attachment / removal position will be described later. As in Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the distal end part 26 of the insertion unit 24 is provided with a distal end element 28, and the lifter 30 is mounted on the distal end element 28.

[0028] In the following description, a direction Z(+) is defined in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Direction 5 is designated as an upward direction, and direction Z(-) is designated as a downward direction. Furthermore, direction X(+) is designated as a right direction, and direction X(-) is designated as a left direction. Additionally, direction Y(+) is designated as a direction towards a distal end, and direction Y(-) is designated as a direction towards a proximal end.

[0029] With renewed reference to Fig. The actuating unit 22 comprises an actuating unit body 32, which is provided with the actuating lever 20 for lifting, a handle part 34, which is connected to the actuating unit body 32, and an extending part 36, which extends from the handle part 34 to the distal end. The proximal end section of the insertion unit 24 is connected to the distal end of the extending part 36 by a bend-resistant tube 38. The handle part 34 is a part that is to be gripped by an operator during operation of the endoscope 10.

[0030] The extending part 36 is a part corresponding to a non-grip area extending from the distal end section of the grip part 34 to the distal end side and on which a movable element 96 (see Fig. 9), which is equipped with a lifting actuation mechanism 120 ( Fig. 21 and Fig. 22) is connected, is provided. In particular, a region A from a distal end section 44A of a convex support section 44 for a treatment tool inlet 42, which is provided on the handle part 34, to a proximal end section 38A of the bend-resistant tube 38 corresponds to the extending part 36. An annular flange 40 is provided in region A of the extending part 36. The lifting actuation mechanism 120 and the movable element 96 are described later.

[0031] The actuator body 32 of the actuator 22 is provided with a universal cable 46. A light source connector 50 is provided at the distal end of the universal cable 46 and is connected to the light source device 16. In addition, an electrical connector 48 is provided on the light source connector 50 for branching and is connected to the processor device 14.

[0032] The insertion unit 24 is designed such that the distal end part 26, a flexible part 52 and a soft part 54 are connected from the distal end side to the proximal end side.

[0033] The following components are provided in the insertion unit 24. That is, components such as a treatment tool channel 58, a lifting actuation wire 60 (hereinafter referred to as a wire 60), a lifting actuation wire channel 62 (hereinafter referred to as a wire channel 62), a light guide (not shown), an air / water supply tube (not shown), angled wires (not shown), and a signal cable (not shown) are provided in the insertion unit 24. The treatment tool channel 58 guides a distal end section 56A of the in Fig. Treatment tool 56 shown in 1 to the one in Fig. 2. The distal end element 28 shown, the wire 60 is used to perform an actuation to change the direction of travel of the distal end section 56A of the treatment tool 56 extending from the distal end element 28, the wire channel 62 guides the distal end section of the wire 60 to the distal end element 28, and the light guide (not shown) directs illumination light from the Fig. Light source device 16 shown in 1 to the one in Fig. 2 distal end element shown 28.

[0034] With renewed reference to Fig. 1 The actuating unit 22 as a whole is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and has a cylinder axis B extending in a direction Y(+)-Y(-). A pair of angle knobs 64 and 64, which are used to perform an actuation to bend the bendable part 52, is arranged on a side surface 22A, which is positioned on one side of a vertical cross-section of the actuating unit 22 including the cylinder axis B. The pair of angle knobs 64 and 64 are provided on the same axis to be rotatable.

[0035] The bendable part 52 comprises a structure formed from several angle rings (not shown) connected to each other to allow rotation. The outer circumference of this structure is covered with a tubular grid woven with metal wires, and the outer circumferential surface of the grid is covered with a tubular rubber cover, thus forming the bendable part 52. For example, four angle wires (not shown) extend from the bendable part 52 with this configuration to the angle knobs 64 and 64, and these angle wires are pushed or pulled by the rotational movement of the angle knobs 64 and 64, causing the bendable part 52 to bend vertically and laterally.

[0036] The soft part 54 comprises a spiral tube (not shown) formed from a thin, elastic, spirally wound metal sheet. The outside of the spiral tube is covered with a tubular lattice body woven from metal wires, and the outer circumferential surface of the lattice body is covered with a tubular resin covering, thus forming the soft part 54.

[0037] An air / water supply button 66 and a suction button 68 are provided side by side on the actuator body 32. In the event that the air / water supply button 66 is pressed, air and water can be expelled from an air / water supply nozzle 70, which is located on the actuator body 32. Fig. The distal end element 28 shown in section 2 is provided for. Furthermore, body fluid, such as blood, can be supplied in a case where the Fig. When the suction button 68 shown is pressed, air is drawn from a suction opening located on the [unclear text]. Fig. 2 distal end element 28 is provided and also functions as treatment tool outlet 72 (see Fig. 6). Fig. Figure 6 is a front view of the distal end element 28 in a case where the distal end element 28 is viewed from the distal end side towards the proximal end side.

[0038] Furthermore, the handle part 34 of the actuating unit 22 is, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a treatment tool inlet 42 into which the treatment tool 56 is to be inserted. The treatment tool 56, which is inserted through the treatment tool inlet 42 so that the distal end section 56A becomes a front end, is inserted into the treatment tool channel 58 of Fig. 2, which is inserted into the insertion unit 24, and is from the treatment tool outlet 72, which is in Fig. As shown in section 6, it is led outwards.

[0039] Furthermore, the actuating lever 20 for lifting is rotatable on the same axis as the angle knobs 64 and 64 on a side surface 22A of the in Fig. The actuating unit 22 shown in Figure 1 is provided. The lifting actuating lever 20 is actuated to rotate by the hand of an operator who grasps the handle part 34. In a case where the lifting actuating lever 20 is actuated to rotate, the Fig. 2 shown wire 60 through the lifting actuation mechanism 120 (see Fig. 21 and Fig. 22) pushed or pulled, which works in conjunction with the rotation of the actuating lever 20 for lifting. Accordingly, the position of the lifter 30, which is connected to the distal end section of the wire 60, is between the in Fig. 3 shown raised position and the one in Fig. The lowered position shown in section 4 has been changed.

[0040] The endoscope 10 according to the embodiment with the configuration described above is a side-viewing endoscope used as a duodenoscope, and the insertion unit 24 is inserted into an object to be examined through the oral cavity. The insertion unit 24 is advanced from the esophagus through the stomach into the duodenum, thus enabling a procedure, such as a predetermined examination or therapy, to be performed.

[0041] A pair of biopsy forceps, incorporating a cup provided at their distal end section 56A and usable for collecting body tissue, has been shown in the embodiment as an exemplary treatment tool 56, but the treatment tool 56 is not limited to this. For example, a treatment tool such as a contrast tube or a knife for endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) may be shown as another exemplary treatment tool.

[0042] Next, the distal end part 26 is described.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the distal end part 26 includes the distal end element 28 and a cap element 76, which is attached to and detachably from the distal end element 28. The cap element 76 is essentially in the form of a tube, the distal end of which is sealed, and a substantially rectangular open window 76A is formed on a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cap element 76. When the cap element 76 is mounted on the distal end element 28, the open window 76A of the cap element 76 communicates with the treatment tool outlet 72 (see Figure 2). Fig. 6) of the distal end element 28. Accordingly, the distal end section 56A of the treatment tool 56, which is led out of the treatment tool outlet 72, is led outwards from the open window 76A.

[0044] Furthermore, a position control element 77 is provided on the inner circumferential section of the cap element 76, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the cap element 76 is arranged such that it faces the lifter 30 when the cap element 76 is mounted on the distal end element 28. When the lifter 30 is in contact with the position control element 77, the lifter 30 is in the Fig. The positioning element 77 is held in the mounting / removal position shown in Figure 5. The positioning control element 77 can be formed integrally with the cap element 76 or can be formed separately and bonded to the inner circumferential section of the cap element 76.

[0045] The cap element 76 is made of an elastic material, for example, a rubber material such as fluororubber or silicone rubber, or a resin material such as polysulfone, and an engagement section (not shown) is provided on the proximal end of the cap element 76. This engagement section is designed to engage with a groove (not shown) formed on the distal end element 28. The engagement section engages with the groove of the distal end element 28, thus mounting the cap element 76 on the distal end element 28. After the end of the treatment using the endoscope 10, the cap element 76 is removed from the distal end element 28, washed and disinfected or sterilized, or disposed of as a single-use item.

[0046] The distal end element 28 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal material. Furthermore, a partition 78, which projects towards the distal end, and a partition 80, which faces the partition 78, are integrally provided with the distal end element 28.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a lifter housing chamber 82, which accommodates the lifter 30, is formed between the partitions 78 and 80. The treatment tool outlet 72 (see Figure 2) Fig. 6), from which the treatment tool 56 is led outwards, is formed at the proximal end of the lifter housing chamber 82. The distal end section of the treatment tool channel 58 (see Fig. 2) is connected to the treatment tool outlet 72.

[0048] The treatment tool channel 58 is inserted into the Fig. The insertion unit 24 shown in Figure 1 is inserted. The proximal end section of the treatment tool channel 58 is connected to a distal end tube 202 of a branching tube 200 (see Figure 1). Fig. 22) connected, which is provided in the actuating unit 22.

[0049] The branching pipe 200 has a known structure. The proximal end section of the branching pipe 200 branches into two pipes 204 and 206, and the treatment tool inlet 42 is formed at the proximal end of a pipe 204. Accordingly, the distal end section 56A of the treatment tool 56, which is introduced into the pipe 204 from the treatment tool inlet 42, is inserted into the treatment tool channel 58 and emerges from the Fig. Treatment tool outlet 72 shown in 6 for in Fig. The distal end section 56A of the treatment tool 56, which is guided to the siphon housing chamber 82, is then changed between the raised position and the lowered position according to the position of the siphon 30, which is arranged in the siphon housing chamber 82. Furthermore, the distal end of a suction tube 208, which draws up body fluid, such as blood, is connected to the proximal end of the other tube 206 of the device shown in the siphon housing chamber 82. Fig. 20 branch pipes shown are connected.

[0050] Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the lifter 30. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a guide surface 30A is provided on the upper surface of the lifter 30. The distal end section 56A of the in Fig. The treatment tool 56 shown in 1 is taken from the open window 76A of the in Fig. The cap element 76 shown is led outwards along the guide surface 30A.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86 are provided on both side faces of the base section 30B of the jack 30. The axial direction of these rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86 is, in a case where the jack 30 is attached to the Fig. The distal end element 28 shown in section 2 is mounted on a surface in Fig. The direction shown in Figure 2 is set to X(+)-X(-). Furthermore, flat notch surfaces 84A and 86B are formed on the circumferential surfaces of the rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86.

[0052] Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of main sections showing a structure for mounting the lifter 30 to the distal end element 28.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the axes of the rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86 are arranged on the same axis through the base section 30B of the lifter 30. The rotary motion shaft section 84 is fitted into a recessed bearing section 78A of the partition 78 to allow rotation, and the rotary motion shaft section 86 is attached to a recessed bearing section 80A of the partition 80 to allow rotation. Furthermore, the rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86 are mounted in the bearing sections 78A and 80A, respectively, while maintaining a predetermined gap x in the axial direction of the rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86. In a case where the rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86 are biased to one side using the gap x, a portion of one of the bearing sections 78A and 80A is exposed to the outside.Since a brush can be easily inserted into the exposed section, the washability of the bearing sections 78A and 80A is improved. Furthermore, since the flat notch surfaces 84A and 86B are formed on the circumferential surfaces of the rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86, as shown in [reference missing]. Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a brush can easily be inserted into the gap between the notch surfaces 84A and 86B and the inner circumferential surfaces of the bearing sections 78A and 80A. Accordingly, the washability of the bearing sections 78A and 80A is further improved.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a housing chamber 88 of the optical system is provided in the partition 78. An illumination window 90 and an observation window 92 are provided on the upper section of the housing chamber 88 of the optical system such that they are adjacent to each other, and the air / water supply nozzle 70, which is directed towards the observation window 92, is provided on the distal end element 28. The air / water supply nozzle 70 is connected to an air / water supply device (not shown) via an air / water supply tube (not shown) that is inserted into the insertion unit 24, and air or water is expelled from the air / water supply nozzle 70 to the observation window 92 in the case where the air / water supply button 66 of the Fig. The actuating unit 22 shown in section 1 is actuated. Accordingly, the observation window 92 is washed.

[0055] Furthermore, an illumination unit (not shown) and an image acquisition unit (not shown) are housed in the housing chamber 88 of the optical system. The illumination unit comprises an illumination lens (not shown) installed in the illumination window 90 and a light guide (not shown) arranged such that the distal end face of the light guide faces the illumination lens. The light guide is connected in the universal cable 46 from the Fig. The insertion unit 24 shown in Figure 1 is arranged by the actuating unit 22, and the proximal end of the light guide is connected to the light source device 16 via the light source connector 50. Accordingly, illumination light generated by the light source device 16 is transmitted through the light guide and directed outwards by the illumination window 90.

[0056] The aforementioned image acquisition unit comprises an optical image acquisition system (not shown) provided in the observation window 92, and an image acquisition element (not shown) with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or charge-coupled device (CCD). The image acquisition element is connected to the processor device 14 via a signal cable (not shown) which is inserted into the Fig. The insertion unit 24 shown in 1 is inserted. After image acquisition signals of a motif image received by the image acquisition unit have been output via the signal cable to the processor device 14 and subjected to image processing, the image acquisition signals are displayed on the display 18 as a motif image.

[0057] Although the foregoing description is repeated, the distal end section of the wire 60 is led to the outside of an outlet 74 (see Fig. 6) and connected to the jack 30, as in Fig. 2 shown. Furthermore, the proximal end section of the wire 60 is arranged outside an inlet 94 provided on the actuating unit 22, as shown in Fig. 9 shown, and is connected to the movable element 96.

[0058] Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the actuating unit 22 and is a perspective view showing the other side surface 22B, which is a side surface 22A of the in Fig. 1 is facing the actuating unit 22 shown.

[0059] According to Fig. 9 The extending part 36 of the actuating unit 22 is provided with the inlet 94. A retaining element 98 is provided at the proximal end of the wire 60, which is located outside the inlet 94, and is attachable and removable in an engagement hole (which will be described later) of the movable element 96. Accordingly, the proximal end section of the wire 60 is connected to the movable element 96.

[0060] The actuating unit 22 is provided with the movable element 96. The movable element 96 is arranged so that it is exposed to the outside of the actuating unit 22 and is actuated by the lifting actuating mechanism 120 in conjunction with the rotation of the actuating lever 20 for lifting (see Fig. 21 and Fig. 22). The movable element 96 is a driven lever which is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the actuating lever 20 for lifting.

[0061] The lifting actuation mechanism 120 is a mechanism located in the actuating unit 22 and causes the movable element 96 to be actuated for lifting in conjunction with the actuation of the actuating lever 20. Accordingly, in a case where the actuating lever 20 is actuated for lifting, the movable element 96 is actuated by the lifting actuation mechanism 120, and the wire 60 connected to the movable element 96 (see Fig. 2) is pushed or pulled.

[0062] Next, a connecting structure for the detachable connection of the distal end section of the wire 60 to the lifter 30 is described.

[0063] With renewed reference to Fig. 2 An engagement section 100 is provided at the distal end section of the wire 60. In addition, the lifter 30 is provided with a contact section 101, as shown in Fig. 7 shown. The intervention section 100 leading out of outlet 74 (see Fig. 6) is in contact with the contact section 101. The engagement section 100 is in contact with the contact section 101, so that a rotational force acting in a downward direction is exerted on the lifter 30.

[0064] Furthermore, the lifter 30 is provided with a housing section 102, which is detachably engaged with the engagement section 100. An opening 104 is formed on the side of the housing section 102, corresponding to the X(+) direction. The engagement section 100 engages with the housing section 102 through the opening 104, so that the distal end section of the wire 60 is connected to the lifter 30.

[0065] Furthermore, the lifting device 30 is provided with a guide section 106 for engagement, which guides the engagement section 100 to the opening 104. The guide section 106 for engagement includes a guide passage 108, which guides the engagement section 100 in the direction X(+) in which the engagement section 100 is separated from the opening 104.

[0066] In this embodiment, the engagement section 100 is a sphere and the housing section 102 is a spherically concave section that accommodates the spherically formed engagement section 100. The shapes of the engagement section 100 and the housing section 102 are not limited to the shapes mentioned above. However, in a case where the engagement section 100 is formed from a sphere and the housing section 102 is formed from a spherically concave section, the sliding resistance generated by actuating the pushing or pulling of the wire 60 between the engagement section 100 and the housing section 102 can be reduced. Accordingly, actuating the pushing or pulling of the wire 60 can be carried out frictionlessly.

[0067] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the partition wall 80 is provided with a wall section 81. The wall section 81 is located adjacent to the one shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The jack 30 shown in Figure 4 is provided. The wall section 81 is provided at a position facing the movement trajectory of the engagement section 100 in a case where the jack 30 is positioned between the section shown in Figure 4. Fig. 10 shown raised position and the one in Fig. 11 shown lowered position is moved in a state in which the engagement section 100 is in contact with the contact section 101, as in Fig. Figure 10 shows that in a state where the engagement section 100 is in contact with the contact section 101, the wall section 81 regulates the movement of the engagement section 100 in the direction X(-) in which the engagement section 100 enters the opening 104 in a case where the lifter 30 is between the in Fig. 10 shown raised position and the one in Fig. 11 shown in the lowered position is present and allows the movement of the engagement section 100 in the direction X(-), in which the engagement section 100 enters the opening 104 in a case where the lifter 30 is located between the in Fig. 11 shown lowered position and the one in Fig. The 12 shown mounting / removal positions are available.

[0068] That is, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, a gap a in the direction X(+)-X(-) between the surface of the contact section 101 and the surface of the wall section 81 facing the contact section 101 is set such that it is equal to the diameter D of the engagement section 100. However, a gap b in the direction X(+)-X(-) between the surface of the guide section 106 for engagement and the surface of the wall section 81 facing the guide section 106 for engagement is set such that it is smaller than the diameter D of the engagement section 100. For this reason, even if the lifter 30 is present in any position between the raised position and the lowered position, a condition in which the engagement section 100 extending from the outlet 74 (see Figure 13) is not present is not possible. Fig. 6) is in contact with the contact section 101. Accordingly, the contact section 101 can exert a rotational force on the lifter 30 acting in the downward direction.

[0069] On the other hand, in a case where the lifter 30 extends beyond the lowered position from the raised position due to the actuation of the wire 60 insertion, the wall section 81 is not in a position facing the guide section 106 for engagement. For this reason, the engagement section 100 is separated from the contact section 101, as shown in Fig. 14 shown, pushed towards the guidance section 106 for intervention and along the guidance passage 108, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the lifting mechanism is guided to the opening 104 of the housing section 102. Then, the lifting mechanism 30, in conjunction with an actuation, is used to slide the engagement section 100 into the opening 104 of the housing section 102. Fig. The lifting device 30 moves to the attachment / removal position shown in Figure 12. The engagement section 100 then occurs in a case where the lifting device 30 is stopped at the attachment / removal position where the lifting device 30 is in contact with the position control element 77 (see Figure 12). Fig. 5), through the guide passage 108, and the engagement section 100 engages with the housing section 102 through the opening 104, as shown in Fig. 16 shown, namely due to the elastic restoring force of the wire 60, which is indicated by an arrow c in Fig. 15 is shown.

[0070] Therefore, according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, even if the lifter 30 is located at any position between the raised position and the lowered position, the engagement section 100 of the wire 60 can only be brought into engagement with the housing section 102 of the lifter 30 by an actuation to insert the wire 60.

[0071] As in Fig. 6 and one in Fig. As shown in the perspective view of the distal end element 28 in Figure 17, the distal end element 28 is further provided with a wire guide section 110. The wire guide section 110 guides the engagement section 100, which extends from the outlet 74, to the contact section 101. The wire guide section 110 is formed from a groove with an arcuate cross-section and is designed such that the radius of curvature of the wire guide section 110 is equal to the radius of the engagement section 100. Accordingly, the engagement section 100 can reliably make contact with the contact section 101, since the engagement section 100, which extends from the outlet 74, Fig. The wire is led out of the outlet 74 shown in Figure 6 and to the contact section 101, while in sliding contact with the wire guide section 110. The shape of the wire guide section 110 is not limited to the shape mentioned above. For example, the wire guide section 110 can be an arcuate groove whose radius of curvature is larger than the radius of the engagement section 100, or it can be a groove with a rectangular cross-section.

[0072] Furthermore, the partition wall 80 is provided with a holding section 112, as shown in Fig. 17 shown. The holding section 112 is provided at a position facing the movement trajectory of the engagement section 100 in a case where the lifter 30 is between the in Fig. 3 shown raised position and the one in Fig. The lowered position shown in Figure 4 is moved in a state in which the engagement section 100 is housed in the housing section 102, and maintains a state in which the housing section 102 and the engagement section 100 are engaged with each other. That is, since a gap d in the direction X(+)-X(-) between an open surface of the opening 104 and the surface of the retaining section 112 facing the open surface of the opening 104 is set such that it is smaller than the diameter D of the engagement section 100, as shown in Figure 4. Fig. As shown in 18, a state in which the housing section 102 and the engagement section 100 are in engagement with each other can be found between the in Fig. 3 shown raised position and the one in Fig. The lowered position shown in section 4 will be maintained.

[0073] Next, a disengagement structure for disengaging the engagement section 100 of the wire 60, which engages with the housing section 102, from the housing section 102 is described.

[0074] As in Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. 16 and Fig. As shown in Figure 18, an inclined surface 114 for disengagement is formed on the housing section 102, which widens towards the outside of the opening 104. The inclined surface 114 for disengagement is formed on an inner surface that corresponds to the direction of travel (direction Y(+)) of the engagement section 100 in the inner surface of the housing section 102 near the opening 104. The inclined surface 114 for disengagement acts as a surface that guides the engagement section 100 from the housing section 102 to the outside of the opening 104 in a case where the wire 60 is actuated such that it is pushed in a state in which the engagement section 100 is engaged with the housing section 102 and the lifter 30 is positioned at the attachment / removal position.

[0075] According to the release structure with this configuration, in a case where the wire 60 is actuated in such a way that it is pushed after the lifter 30 is in Fig. When the engagement section 100 was positioned in the attachment / removal position shown in Figure 19, it was guided to the inclined surface 114 for disengagement and disengaged from the housing section 102 to the outside of the opening 104. Accordingly, the engagement section 100, which is engaged with the housing section 102, can be easily disengaged from the housing section 102. Fig. Figure 19 is a diagram that shows a positional relationship between the engagement section 100 and the lifter 30 immediately in front of the engagement section 100 disengaged from the housing section 102.

[0076] Fig. Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the engagement section 100 and the lifter 30 in a case where the engagement section 100 is disengaged from the housing section 102. The direction of the engagement section 100 is changed due to the elastic restoring force of the wire 60 into a direction parallel to the Y(+) direction, as indicated by arrow e. On the other hand, the lifter 30 rotates in a Z(-) direction due to its own weight, as indicated by arrow f. In a case where the Fig. When the cap element 76 shown in Figure 5 is mounted on the distal end element 28, the lifter 30 is controlled to the attachment / removal position by the position control element 77. Accordingly, the lifter 30 is held in the attachment / removal position.

[0077] Next, the in Fig. 21 and Fig. The lifting actuation mechanism shown in section 22 is described in section 120.

[0078] Fig. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the complete configuration of the lifting actuation mechanism 120. Furthermore, Fig. 22 a side view of the in Fig. Lifting actuation mechanism 120 shown in 21. In Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 The outer casing (not shown) of the actuating unit 22 is omitted and the interior of the actuating unit 22 is shown.

[0079] As in Fig. 21 and Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the lifting actuation mechanism 120 is provided in the actuation unit 22. In particular, the respective components of each part of the lifting actuation mechanism 120 are provided in the actuation unit 22 from the actuation unit body 32 to the extending part 36.

[0080] Furthermore, the lifting actuation mechanism 120 is a force transmission mechanism that connects the actuating lever 20 for lifting with the movable element 96 and transmits the rotational action of the actuating lever 20 for lifting to the movable element 96.

[0081] The lifting actuation mechanism 120 comprises a first conversion mechanism 124, which converts the rotary motion of the actuating lever 20 into a linear motion for lifting, a wire 126, which is moved linearly by the first conversion mechanism 124, and a second conversion mechanism 128, which converts the linear motion of the wire 126 into rotary motion to rotate the movable element 96.

[0082] The first conversion mechanism 124 comprises a crank element 130, the proximal end of which is connected to the actuating lever 20 for lifting, a first slide 132, the proximal end of which is connected to the distal end of the crank element 130, and a second slide 134, the proximal end of which is connected to the distal end of the first slide 132.

[0083] The proximal end of the wire 126 is connected to the distal end of the second slider 134, and the distal end of the wire 126 is connected to the second conversion mechanism 128, which includes a speed reducer.

[0084] According to the first conversion mechanism 124 with the aforementioned configuration, when the actuating lever 20 is actuated for lifting to rotation, the first slide 132 and the second slide 134 move the crank element 130 linearly along the cylinder axis B in conjunction with the rotation of the actuating lever 20 for lifting. Accordingly, the wire 126 moves linearly along the cylinder axis B, and this linear movement is transmitted to the second conversion mechanism 128.

[0085] The second conversion mechanism 128 comprises a lever 136, a first gear 138, a second gear 140, a third gear 142, and a fourth gear 144. The first gear 138, the second gear 140, the third gear 142, and the fourth gear 144 form the speed reducer.

[0086] The lever 136 is rotatably mounted on a clamp 146 by a shaft section 148, and the distal end of the wire 126 is connected to the lever 136. Accordingly, the lever 136 is rotated around the shaft section 148 by the linear movement of the wire 126.

[0087] The first gear 138 is integrally fitted with the lever 136 and rotates around the shaft section 148. The second gear 140 engages with the first gear 138 and is rotatably supported on the clamp 146 by a shaft section 150. The third gear 142 is integrally fitted with the second gear 140 and is located on the same axis as the second gear 140. The fourth gear 144 is located on the same axis as a drive shaft section 152 of the movable element 96 and is rotatably mounted together with the movable element 96 on the clamp 146 by the drive shaft section 152. The third gear 142 meshes with the fourth gear 144.

[0088] Therefore, according to the second conversion mechanism 128 with the aforementioned configuration, the first gear 138 is actuated in a case where the linear movement of the wire 126 is transmitted to the lever 136 to rotate together with the lever 136, and the rotational action of the first gear 138 is transmitted via the second and third gears 140 and 142 to the fourth gear 144. As a result, the fourth gear 144 is rotated. Accordingly, the movable element 96 integrated into the fourth gear 144 is rotated about the drive shaft part 152.

[0089] Therefore, according to the lifting actuation mechanism 120 with the aforementioned configuration, the rotational action of the actuating lever 20 for lifting can be transmitted via the first conversion mechanism 124, the wire 126 and the second conversion mechanism 128 to the movable element 96. Accordingly, the movable element 96 is rotated about the drive shaft part 152.

[0090] Next, a positional relationship between the actuating lever 20 for lifting and the movable element 96 is described.

[0091] Fig. Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the operating range of the actuating lever 20 for lifting, and Fig. Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the operating range of the movable element 96. In a case where the actuating lever 20 is used to lift to a proximal end position P1 of an operating range, which is in Fig. 23, shown by a solid line, is positioned, the movable element 96 is at a distal end position P2 of an operating area which is in Fig. 24, shown by a solid line, is positioned by the aforementioned lifting actuation mechanism 120. Accordingly, the wire 60, which is connected to the movable element 96 via the retaining element 98, is pushed towards the distal end so that the lifter 30 is positioned at the Fig. 4 is positioned in the lowered position shown. In contrast, the movable element 96 is in a case where the actuating lever 20 is used for lifting at a distal end position P3 of an operating range, which is in Fig. 23, shown by a line with two dots and a dash, is positioned at a proximal end position P4 of an operating area located in Fig. 24, shown by a line with two dots and a dash, is positioned by the aforementioned lifting actuation mechanism 120. Accordingly, the wire 60 is pushed to the proximal end so that the lifter 30 is at the Fig. is positioned in the raised position shown in section 3.

[0092] The lifting lever 20 comes into contact with the actuating unit body 32, so that the operating range of the lifting lever 20 is controlled between the previously described proximal end position P1 and distal end position P3. Accordingly, the operating range of the movable element 96 is also controlled between the previously described distal end position P2 and proximal end position P4. The positional relationship between the lifting lever 20 and the movable element 96 has been described above.

[0093] In a case where the actuating lever 20 is positioned at the proximal end position P1 for lifting as described above, the jack 30 can be attached to the Fig. The jack 30 must be positioned in the lowered position shown in section 4. However, during the rotation of the operating lever 20 for lifting, the jack cannot be positioned in the lowered position shown in the section 4. Fig. 5 and Fig. The 12 attachment / removal positions shown are used.

[0094] For this reason, the following procedure should be performed to position the lifter 30 at the attachment / removal position. First, the mounting element 98 is removed from the movable element 96. Then, the mounting element 98 is moved into a mounting position that is closer to the distal end of the distal end position P2. The mounting element 98, positioned at mounting position P5, is in Fig. 25 shown by a solid line. Since the wire 60 can be pushed further towards the distal end by this process, the elevator 30 can be attached to the Fig. 5 and Fig. The engagement section 100 can be positioned at the attachment / removal position shown in section 12 and the housing section 102 can be engaged at the attachment / removal position.

[0095] On the other hand, in a case where the engagement section 100 is to be disengaged from the housing section 102, the retaining element 98 is pushed into a disengagement position P6, which is positioned closer to the distal end face of the retaining position P5, as in Fig. 25 shown by a solid line and in Fig. 25 is shown by a line with two dots and a dash. Since the wire 60 can be pushed further towards the distal end, the intervention section 100 can accordingly be disengaged from the housing section 102 by the aforementioned inclined surface 114.

[0096] Next, the movable element 96 will be described.

[0097] As in the Fig. 30 and Fig. As shown in Figure 31, which will be described later, the movable element 96 comprises a flat, plate-shaped beam section 160 and leg sections 162 and 164, which are provided at both ends of the beam section 160, and is formed as a whole in a U-shape. As shown in the Fig. 21 and Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the drive shaft section 152 provided on leg section 162 is rotatably and movably supported on an outer housing (not shown) of the actuating unit 22 by an O-ring 166, and a drive shaft section 168 provided on leg section 164 is rotatably and movably mounted on the outer housing (not shown) by an O-ring (not shown). The watertightness of the actuating unit 22 is maintained by these O-rings 166.

[0098] Furthermore, the axes of rotation of the drive shaft part 152 and the drive shaft part 168 of the movable element 96 are set in a direction (direction X(+)-X(-)) perpendicular to the axial direction of the wire 60. This means that, since the movable element 96 can rotate about a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wire 60, the movable element 96 can gently push or pull the wire 60.

[0099] Next, a mounting structure 170 of the embodiment for mounting the proximal end of the wire 60 to the movable element 96 is described with reference to the Fig. 26, Fig. 27, Fig. 28, Fig. 29 to Fig. 30 described.

[0100] Fig. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the mounting structure 170, as seen from the other side surface 22B of the actuating unit 22. Furthermore, Fig. 27 a perspective view of the in Fig. 26 shown support structure 170, which is viewed from the left side. Furthermore, Fig. 28 a perspective view of a wire assembly 172 comprising the wire 60 and the retaining element 98 provided at the proximal end of the wire 60. Fig. Figure 29 is a front view of the mounting element 98, and Fig. Figure 30 is a perspective view of the extending part 36, which includes the inlet 94 and the movable element 96.

[0101] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 30, the movable element 96 is provided with an engagement hole 174, with which the retaining element 98 (see Fig. 29) is to be attached and removed to engage. The engagement hole 174 is formed from a through hole designed to extend longitudinally along the beam section 160 of the movable element 96 and to penetrate the surface and back of the beam section 160. A pair of locking sections 176 and 176 (see Fig. 29) of the mounting element 98 is attachable and removable in engagement with the engagement hole 174.

[0102] The in Fig. The retaining element 98 shown in Figure 29 is an essentially triangular, plate-like body, and a hole section 180, to which the proximal end of the wire 60 is to be connected, is formed on a core section 178, which is formed on the central section of the retaining element 98. The pair of locking sections 176 and 176 of the retaining element 98 is provided on both sides of the core section 178 with slot-like notches 182, which are arranged between the core section 178 and itself. Furthermore, an elastically deformable section 184 is formed on each of the pair of locking sections 176 and 176, which is elastically deformed to engage with the engagement hole 174. Furthermore, claw sections 186 are formed on the elastically deformable sections 184 and 184 respectively, which extend longitudinally on both edge sections 175 and 175 (see Fig. 30) of the engagement hole 174 are to be locked. In a case where the engagement hole 174 and the locking sections 176 and 176 are engaged with each other or are disengaged from each other, these claw sections 186 and 186 are displaced such that they approach each other through the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable sections 184 and 184.

[0103] Next, an assembly method for mounting the proximal end section of the wire 60 to the movable element 96 by means of the support structure 170 of the embodiment is described.

[0104] First, work is carried out to engage the distal end section of the wire 60 in the lifter 30, before the proximal end section of the wire 60 is mounted on the movable element 96.

[0105] Fig. Figure 31 is a diagram illustrating that the wire 60 is inserted through the inlet 94, so that the engagement section 100 (see Fig. 28) becomes a front end. Furthermore, the in Fig. 2 Cap element 76 shown mounted on the distal end element 28 before the wire 60 is inserted.

[0106] In a case where wire 60 is inserted through inlet 94, as in Fig. 31 shows that the engagement section 100 becomes a front end, the engagement section 100 is formed by the in Fig. 2 shown wire channel 62 from the in Fig. The outlet 74 shown in Figure 6 is led outwards. Then, due to a successive actuation to insert the wire 60, the engagement section 100 is opened by the wire 60 shown in Figure 6. Fig. The wire guide section 110 shown in section 6 leads to the contact section 101 of the lifter 30 and arrives as shown in Fig. 10 shown with contact section 101 in contact. Fig. Figure 10 shows a state in which the engagement section 100 is in contact with the contact section 101 of the lifter 30, which is positioned at the raised position. However, the position of the lifter 30 is not limited to the raised position, and the engagement section 100 is in contact with the contact section 101 of the lifter 30 even if the lifter 30 is located at any position between the raised position and the attachment / removal position.

[0107] Subsequently, in a case where the wire 60 is actuated to be inserted further, a state is maintained in which the engagement section 100 is in contact with the contact section 101, since the gap a between the contact section 101 and the wall section 81 facing the contact section 101 is set such that it is equal to the diameter D of the engagement section 100, and the gap b between the guide section 106 for engagement and the wall section 81 facing the guide section 106 for engagement is smaller than the diameter D of the engagement section 100, as shown in Fig. 13 shown. Accordingly, the lifting device 30 is rotated in the downward direction. Then the wall section 81 is in a case where the lifting device 30 is in Fig. Figure 11 shows that the lowered position is reached from the raised position and, due to a subsequent actuation of the insertion of the wire 60, extends beyond the lowered position, not to a position facing the guide section 106 for engagement. For this reason, the engagement section 100 is moved from the contact section 101 to the guide section 106 for engagement, as shown in Figure 11. Fig. 14 shown, and guided along the guide passage 108 to the opening 104 of the housing section 102, as shown in Fig. 15 shown. In this case, the lifter 30 is used in conjunction with an actuation for pushing the wire 60 into Fig. The attachment / removal position shown in Figure 12 is moved. Then, in a case where the position of the lifter 30 is determined by the position control element 77 (see Figure 12), the engagement section 100 is moved. Fig. 5) is regulated for the attachment / removal position, due to the elastic restoring force of the wire 60 through the opening 104 engaging with the housing section 102, as in Fig. Figure 16 shows that the distal end section of the wire 60 can be engaged with the elevator 30.

[0108] Therefore, according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, although the lifter 30 is located at any position between the raised position and the lowered position, the distal end section of the wire 60 can only be connected to the lifter 30 by an actuation to insert the wire 60.

[0109] Fig. Figure 32 shows the position of the retaining element 98 in a state where the distal end section of the wire 60 is connected to the lifter 30. In this case, the retaining element 98 is attached to the Fig. The mounting element 98 is positioned at the mounting position P5 shown in Figure 25. From mounting position P5, as indicated by arrow g, the mounting element 98 is moved towards the movable element 96, so that the tapered sections 187 and 187, which are located at the lower sections of the Fig. 29 shown claw sections 186 and 186 are formed, in contact with the marginal sections 175 and 175 of the in Fig. Figure 31 shows the engagement hole 174, and the retaining element 98 is pushed into the engagement hole 174. The distance between the claw sections 186 and 186 is reduced by this process of pushing the retaining element 98, so that the claw sections 186 and 186 are locked to the edge sections 175 and 175 of the engagement hole 174. Accordingly, the retaining element 98 is connected to the movable element 96, as shown in a connection diagram of Fig. 33 shown. Therefore, according to the mounting structure 170 of the embodiment, the proximal end of the wire 60 can be mounted with contact on the movable element 96 by simply pushing the claw sections 186 and 186 of the mounting element 98 into the engagement hole 174 of the movable element 96.

[0110] The movable element 96 then operates in a case where the in Fig. The actuating lever 20 shown in 23 is actuated for lifting, between the distal end position P2 and the proximal end position P4, as shown in Fig. Figure 24 shows that the wire 60 is then actuated to be pushed or pulled by the movable element 96 in conjunction with the actuation of the movable element 96 by the retaining element 98. Accordingly, the lifter 30 is rotated between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0111] In a case where the lifter 30 is rotated between the raised position and the lowered position, a state in which the engagement section 100 is engaged with the housing section 102 is maintained by the retaining section 112 of the partition 80, as shown in Fig. 17 shown, between the in Fig. 3 shown raised position and the one in Fig. The lowered position shown in Figure 4 is maintained. Accordingly, the unintentional separation of the engagement section 100 from the housing section 102 is prevented. Therefore, the lifter 30 can be reliably actuated for lifting by actuating the actuating lever 20, as shown in the endoscope 10 of the embodiment.

[0112] Furthermore, the endoscope 10 is used for various examinations or treatments. The following procedure is then performed in a case where the endoscope 10 needs to be washed.

[0113] First, a user presses the locking sections 176 and 176 of the retaining element 98 together with their fingers, reducing the distance between the claw sections 186 and 186 so that the distance is less than the length of the engagement hole 174 in the longitudinal direction, and then pulls the claw sections 186 and 186 out of the engagement hole 174.

[0114] The user then slides the retaining element 98 to the release position P6, as shown in Fig. 25 is shown by a line with two dots and a dash. As the wire 60 is pushed further towards the distal end, the engagement section 100 is accordingly disengaged from the housing section 102 by the aforementioned inclined surface 114. Therefore, according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, the distal end section of the wire 60 can be easily removed from the lifter 30.

[0115] After wire 60 has been pulled out of inlet 94 to empty wire channel 62, the user takes the in Fig. The cap element 76 shown is removed from the distal end element 28. Meanwhile, after removing the cap element 76 from the distal end element 28, the user can pull the wire 60 out of the inlet 94 to empty the wire channel 62. Afterwards, the distal end element 28, the lifter 30, and the wire channel 62 are washed.

[0116] As described above, according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, the lifter 30 begins to rotate to the lowered position when the wire 60 is inserted and the engagement 100 comes into contact with the contact section 101. Then, when the lifter 30 is rotated to the lowered position, the wall section 81 regulates the movement of the engagement section 100 in a direction that allows it to enter the opening 104. Subsequently, when the lifter 30 is rotated from the lowered position to the attachment / removal position, the wall section 81 allows the engagement section 100 to move in a direction that allows it to enter the opening 104. When the lifter 30 reaches the attachment / removal position, the engagement section 100 is housed within the casing section 102.

[0117] According to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, the distal end section of the wire 60, since the contact section 101 and the wall section 81 are provided, can only be connected to the lifter 30 by actuating the wire 60, even if the lifter 30 is located in any position between the raised position and the lowered position. Therefore, the distal end section of the wire 60 and the lifter 30 can be easily connected to each other according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment.

[0118] In this embodiment, the partition wall 80 is provided with the wall section 81 and the retaining section 112; however, the cap element 76 can also be provided with both the wall section 81 and the retaining section 112. Furthermore, the partition wall 80 can be provided with one of the wall section 81 and the retaining section 112, and the cap element 76 can be provided with the other of the wall section 81 and the retaining section 112.

[0119] Furthermore, the cap element 76 was combined in the embodiment with the position control element 77 (see Fig. 5) provided, however, the distal end element 28 may be provided with the position control element 77. Since the engagement section 100 is in one case housed in the housing section 102 in which the lifter 30 is positioned in the attachment / removal position, the position control element 77 is not necessarily a required element.

[0120] Furthermore, the engagement hole 174 was formed on the movable element 96, and the locking sections 176 were formed on the mounting element 98 in the mounting structure 170 of the embodiment. However, the locking sections 176 can be formed on the movable element 96, and the engagement hole 174 can be formed on the mounting element 98. That is, either the movable element 96 or the mounting element 98 can be provided with the engagement hole 174, and the other can be provided with the locking sections 176, which are attachable and detachable and engage with the engagement hole 174. Furthermore, the claw sections 186 on the beam section 160 of the movable element 96 can be arranged in the transverse direction instead of longitudinally.Furthermore, the access hole 174 can be two access holes designed to be separated from each other longitudinally along the beam section 160. Alternatively, the access hole 174 can be a recessed, non-through hole that does not penetrate the surface or the back side of the beam section 160.

[0121] Furthermore, in the example mentioned above, the wire 60 was pulled out of the inlet 94 to empty the wire channel 62; however, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a case where the proximal end of the wire 60 is detached from the retaining element 98 before the wire 60 is pulled out of the wire channel 62, the wire 60 can be pulled out of the outlet 74.

[0122] Furthermore, the notch surfaces 84A and 86A in the above-mentioned example were formed on the rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86 of the lifter 30, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows how to improve the washability of bearing sections 78A and 80A, however the same effect can also be achieved using the following aspects.

[0123] That is, in a case where the shapes of the inner circumferential surface of the bearing sections 78A and 80A are set in a zigzag pattern to form large gaps h between the inner circumferential surface of the bearing sections 78A and 80A and the rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 34, a brush can easily be inserted into the gap h. Accordingly, the washability of bearing sections 78A and 80A can be improved.

[0124] Furthermore, a brush is formed in a case where a plurality of grooves 85 are formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the rotary motion shaft sections 84 and 86, as in Fig.Figure 35 shows a small piece inserted into column j between the grooves 85 and the bearing sections 78A and 80A. This improves the washability of the bearing sections 78A and 80A.

[0125] The endoscope 10, in which the proximal end of the wire 60 is connected to the lifting lever 20 via the retaining element 98, the movable element 96, and the lifting actuation mechanism 120, has been shown in an exemplary embodiment, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the invention can also be applied to an endoscope in which the proximal end of the wire 60 is directly connected to the lifting actuation mechanism 120 to connect the proximal end of the wire 60 to the lifting lever 20.

[0126] Furthermore, a duodenoscope was shown as an example endoscope 10 in the embodiment. As long as an endoscope includes a lifter that is provided at a distal end part of an insertion unit and sets the direction of a treatment instrument, the invention can be applied to various endoscopes, such as an ultrasound endoscope. Reference symbol list 10 Endoscope 12 Endoscope system 14 Processor device 16 Light source device 18 ads 20 operating levers for lifting 22 Actuating unit 22A a side surface 22B other side surface 24 insertion unit 26 distal end part 28 distal end element 28A Circumferential area 30 lifters 30A guide surface 30B Base Section 32 Actuating unit body 34 Handle part 36 extending part 38 Bend-resistant pipe 38A proximal end section 40 flange 42 Treatment tool inlet 44 Mounting section 44A distal end section 46 Universal cables 48 electrical connectors 50 light source connectors 52 flexible part 54 soft part 56 Treatment tool 56A distal end section 58 Treatment tool channel 60 wire 62 wire duct 64 Angle knob 66 Air / Water Supply Button 68 Suction button 70 Air / water supply nozzle 72 Treatment tool outlet 74 Outlet 76 Cap element 76 open window 77 Position control element 78 Partition wall 78A Storage section 80 partition wall 81 Wall section 80A storage section 82 Lifter housing chamber 84 Rotary motion-shaft section 85 Nut 84A Notch surface 86 Rotary motion-shaft section 86A Notch surface 88 Housing chamber for optical system 90 lighting windows 92 observation windows 94 Admission 95 Valve element 96 movable element 98 Mounting element 98A Mounting element 100 Intervention section 101 Contact section 102 Housing section 104 Opening 106 Command section for intervention 108 Guided Tour 110 Wire guide section 112 Stop section 114 inclined surface for pulling out 120 Lifting actuation mechanism 124 first conversion mechanism 126 wire 128 second conversion mechanism 130 Crank element 132 first slide 134 second slide 136 levers 138 first gear 140 second gear 142 third gear 144 fourth gear 146 bracket 148 shaft part 150 shaft part 152 Drive shaft part 160 beam section 160A Back 162 Leg section 164 Leg section 166 O-ring 168 driven shaft part 170 Mounting structure 172 Wire assembly 174 access hole 174A Access hole 175 marginal section 176 Locking section 178 Core section 180-hole section 182 notch 184 elastically deformable section 186 Claw section 187 tapered section 200 branch pipe 202 distal end tube 204 Pipeline 206 Pipeline 208 Suction line

Claims

[1] Endoscope, including: a manual operating unit comprising an actuating element; an insertion unit, of which a proximal end section is connected to the manual actuation unit; a distal end element that is provided on a distal end part of the insertion unit; a treatment tool lifter which is mounted on the distal end element in such a way that it is rotatable and can rotate in a range of motion from a raised position to an attachment / removal position via a lowered position; a lifting actuation wire, of which a distal end is connected to the treatment tool lifter and a proximal end is connected to the actuating element, and which is pushed or pulled according to an actuation of the actuating element to cause the treatment tool lifter to rotate in the rotational movement range between the raised position and the lowered position; an intervention section that is provided at a distal end section of the lifting actuation wire; an inlet provided on the hand-operated unit through which the lifting actuation wire is inserted, so that the engagement section becomes a front end; an outlet provided at the distal end element from which the lifting actuation wire is led out, so that the engagement section becomes a front end; a wire insertion channel provided in the insertion unit that allows the inlet and outlet to communicate with each other; a contact section provided on the treatment tool lifter and applying a rotary force acting in a downward direction to the treatment tool lifter, in a case where the engagement section led out of the outlet is in contact with the contact section; a housing section provided on the treatment tool lifter, in which an opening is formed for accommodating the engagement section; and a wall section that is provided at a position adjacent to the treatment tool lifter and faces a movement trajectory of the engagement section in a case where the treatment tool lifter is moved between the raised position and the lowered position in a state where the engagement section is in contact with the contact section, wherein, in a state where the engagement section is in contact with the contact section, the wall section regulates a movement of the engagement section in a direction in which the engagement section enters the opening in a case where the treatment tool lifter is present between the raised position and the lowered position, and allows a movement of the engagement section in the direction in which the engagement section enters the opening in a case where the treatment tool lifter is present between the lowered position and the attachment / removal position. [2] Endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the distal end element is provided with a wire guide section which guides the intervention section brought out of the outlet to the contact section. [3] Endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the treatment tool lifter is provided with a guide section for engagement which guides the engagement section to the opening. [4] Endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the guide section for engagement includes a guide passage which guides the engagement section in a direction in which the engagement section is separated from the opening. [5] Endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a holding section that is provided at a position adjacent to the treatment tool lifter and faces a movement trajectory of the engagement section in a case in which the treatment tool lifter is moved between the raised position and the lowered position in a state in which the engagement section is housed in the housing section, and maintains a state in which the housing section and the engagement section are engaged with each other. [6] Endoscope according to claim 5, wherein a cap element is attachable and removable mounted on the distal end element, and the distal end element or the cap element includes the wall section or the retaining section. [7] Endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the cap element includes a position control element, and In a case where the cap element is mounted on the distal end element, the position control element is in contact with the treatment tool lifter and regulates a position in which the treatment tool lifter is lowered most into the attachment / removal position. [8] Endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an inclined surface for extending, which is widened towards an outside of the opening, is formed on an inner surface corresponding to an execution direction of the engagement section in an inner surface of the housing section near the opening. [9] Endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a movable element arranged so that it is exposed to an outside of the hand-operated unit and operates in conjunction with an actuation of the actuating element; and a retaining element that is provided at a proximal end of the lifting actuation wire and is attached to and removable from the movable element. [10] Endoscope according to claim 9, wherein the movable element or the retaining element is provided with an engagement hole and the other of these is provided with a locking section, so that it can be attached and removed in engagement with the engagement hole. [11] Endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the locking section is provided with an elastically deformable section which is elastically deformed so that it engages with the access hole. [12] Endoscope according to claim 11, wherein a pair of elastically deformable claw sections, which are to be locked to edge sections of the access hole, is formed on the elastically deformable section and the pair of claw sections is displaced so that they approach each other by elastic deformation in a case in which the access hole and the locking section are engaged with each other or are disengaged from each other.

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