Endoscope

Abstract

To provide an endoscope capable of easily attaching and detaching a tip cap to / from a tip member and resolving a problem of twisting of the tip cap at the time of processing.SOLUTION: An endoscope has a protrusion 150 that includes an inside vertical surface 158 facing in an X(+) direction and a top surface 156 facing in a Z(+) direction installed on an edge surface 110 of a first wall part 32, and a flat surface 176 and a flat surface 178 that are engaged with the inside vertical surface 158 and the top surface 156 provided on a tip cap 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope in which a distal end cap is attached to a distal end member of an insertion section. [Background technology]

[0002] In endoscopes, various treatment tools are introduced through a treatment tool inlet provided in the operating section and then led out through a treatment tool outlet opening at the tip of the insertion section for use in treatment. For example, treatment tools such as an endoscope tube or a guidewire are used in duodenoscopes. Furthermore, treatment tools such as a puncture needle are used in ultrasound endoscopes, and treatment tools such as forceps or snares are used in other direct-view and oblique-view endoscopes.

[0003] Such treatment tools require changing the direction of delivery at the distal end of the insertion section in order to treat a desired location within the subject. For this reason, a stand that changes the direction of delivery of the treatment tool is provided at the distal end of the insertion section. In addition, the endoscope is provided with a treatment tool erection mechanism that changes the attitude of the stand between an upright position and a reclined position.

[0004] The distal end of the insertion section is made of metal, and is covered with a plastic cap. This cap is removed from the distal end when the endoscope is cleaned after a procedure.

[0005] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope in which an L-shaped locking protrusion is provided on the tip surface of the tip member, and the tip cover is attached to the tip member by fitting this locking protrusion into a locking recess formed in the tip member.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope in which a distal cover is attached to a distal member by engaging a locking claw formed on the distal cover with an engaging groove formed on the distal member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-299315 [Patent Document 2] WO 19 / 116637 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In an endoscope in which a tip cap is attached to a tip member, the tip cap comes into contact with the body cavity wall, etc., during endoscopic treatment. If the insertion section is inserted or the bending section is bent while the tip cap is in contact with the body cavity wall, the tip cap (particularly the cap tip of the tip cap) receives force from the body cavity wall, causing a problem of being rolled up from the tip member.

[0009] The above problem can be solved by configuring the connection structure between the tip member and the tip cap to increase the fixing force (fitting force, engagement force), but if a structure that increases the fixing force is adopted, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to easily attach and detach the tip cap to the tip member.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an endoscope in which the tip cap can be easily attached and detached from the tip member and which can eliminate the problem of the tip cap rolling up during treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The endoscope according to the first aspect comprises a tip member provided at the tip of the insertion section and a tip cap attached to the tip member, wherein when the axial direction of the tip member is defined as a first direction, one of two directions that are perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to each other is defined as a second direction, and the other direction is defined as a third direction, the tip member comprises a stand housing section in which a stand is housed, and a first wall section that is arranged on one side of the stand housing section in the second direction and has an observation window and an illumination window, the tip cap has a cap opening on one side in the third direction that exposes the observation window, the illumination window, and the stand housing section, the first wall section comprises an engagement section provided on an end face on one side in the first direction, and the engagement section has a first engagement surface facing the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction, and a second engagement surface facing one side in the third direction, and the tip cap has an engaged section that engages with the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.

[0012] In the endoscope according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the engagement portion is a protrusion that protrudes from the end face to one side in the first direction.

[0013] The endoscope according to a third aspect is the endoscope of the second aspect, wherein the protrusion has an inner inclined surface that is connected to the first engagement surface and is inclined toward one side in the third direction more than the first engagement surface.

[0014] In the endoscope of the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the protrusion has a tip surface connected to the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and facing one side in the first direction, an outer peripheral curved surface connected to the second engagement surface and the tip surface and facing one side in the second direction, and a tip inclined surface arranged on the other side of the tip surface in the third direction via a fillet surface and inclined toward both one side in the first direction and the other side in the third direction.

[0015] In the endoscope according to the fifth aspect, in any of the second to fourth aspects, the end face of the first wall portion has an inclined wall surface inclined toward both one side in the first direction and the other side in the third direction in an area on the other side of the protrusion in the third direction, and the tip cap has a wall surface abutment surface that can abut against the inclined wall surface when attached to the tip member.

[0016] In the endoscope according to the sixth aspect, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the first wall portion is positioned on one side of the illumination window in the first direction and has a cap mounting surface facing one side of the third direction, and when the tip cap is mounted on the tip member, the cap mounting surface is covered by the tip cap.

[0017] An endoscope according to a seventh aspect is the endoscope of the sixth aspect, wherein the cap attachment surface is arranged on the other side in the third direction relative to the arrangement surface of the illumination window.

[0018] An endoscope according to an eighth aspect is the endoscope of either the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the second engagement surface is arranged on the other side in the third direction relative to the cap attachment surface.

[0019] The endoscope according to the ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the tip member has a second wall portion arranged on the other side of the stand storage portion in the second direction, and the tip cap has a storage portion capable of storing a portion of the second wall portion.

[0020] The endoscope according to the 10th aspect is the endoscope according to the 9th aspect, wherein the second wall portion has a thin-walled portion formed thinner than other portions on one side in the first direction, and the accommodating portion is capable of accommodating the thin-walled portion.

[0021] The endoscope according to the 11th aspect is any of the first to tenth aspects, in which the tip member has a base portion arranged on the other side opposite to one side of the first wall portion in the first direction, a flange portion protruding radially is provided on the outer periphery of the base portion, and the tip cap has a cap locking portion that locks onto the flange portion.

[0022] The endoscope according to a twelfth aspect is the endoscope of the eleventh aspect, wherein the base portion has a flat portion that is disposed on the other side in the first direction from the flange portion and that is formed so that a part of the circumferential direction is flat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, the distal end cap can be easily attached to and detached from the distal end member, and the problem of the distal end cap being turned over during treatment can be solved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion as viewed from the Z(+) direction side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tip member of FIG. 2 with the tip cap removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tip cap. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion cut along the YZ plane. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tip member as seen from the Y(+) direction side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tip member with the cover shown in FIG. 7 removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tip member as seen from the Y(+) direction side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the tip member shown in FIG. 9 as seen from the X(+) direction side. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tip member as seen from the Y(+) direction side. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the tip member as seen from the Y(+) direction side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion of the first wall portion of the tip member. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the main part of the tip portion where the tip cap is attached to the tip member. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the attachment portion of the tip cap as seen from the Y(-) direction side. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing another inclined surface provided on the tip cap. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the housing portion of the tip cap as seen from the Y(-) direction side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] An endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] [Overall configuration of endoscope 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope 1 according to this embodiment.

[0027] 1, an endoscope 1 includes an insertion section 2 that is inserted into a subject, and an operation section 3 that is connected to the base end of the insertion section 2 and operated by an operator. In the embodiment, a side-viewing endoscope used as a duodenoscope is exemplified.

[0028] Hereinafter, when describing the configuration of each part of the endoscope 1, for convenience of explanation, an X, Y, Z three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system will be used. The Z direction in the figure indicates the up-down direction, with the Z(+) direction side indicating the upper side and the Z(-) direction side indicating the lower side. The X direction in the figure indicates the direction perpendicular to the Z direction, with the X(+) direction side indicating the right side and the X(-) direction side indicating the left side. The Y direction in the figure indicates the direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the X direction, with the Y(+) direction side indicating the distal end side and the Y(-) direction side indicating the proximal end side. Note that each of the above directions refers to the direction when the surgeon views the insertion portion 2 from above when holding the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 1.

[0029] The Y direction, X direction, and Z direction correspond to the first direction, second direction, and third direction of the present invention, respectively. The Y(+) direction and Y(-) direction correspond to the direction on one side of the first direction and the direction on the other side of the first direction, respectively. The X(+) direction and X(-) direction correspond to the direction on one side of the first direction and the direction on the other side of the first direction, respectively. The Z(+) direction and the Z(-) direction correspond to the other side of the second direction and one side of the second direction, respectively, of the present invention. The Z(+) direction and the Z(-) direction correspond to the one side of the third direction and the other side of the third direction, respectively.

[0030] <Insertion part 2> The insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the subject's mouth, then further inserted through the esophagus and stomach into the duodenum, whereby a procedure such as an examination or treatment of the duodenum is performed using a treatment tool inserted inside the insertion section 2.

[0031] Examples of treatment tools include biopsy forceps having a cup at the tip that can collect biological tissue, an EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy) knife, an imaging tube, and a guide wire.

[0032] The insertion section 2 has a longitudinal axis Ax, and has, from the base end side to the tip end side, a flexible section 5, a bending section 6, and a tip section 7. The longitudinal axis Ax direction and the Y direction are the same direction.

[0033] The flexible section 5 occupies the majority of the proximal end of the insertion section 2 and is made up of, for example, a metal spiral tube and net (not shown), the outer periphery of which is further covered with a resin tube. The flexible section 5 has flexibility that allows it to bend in any direction, and when the insertion section 2 is inserted into a body cavity, it bends along the insertion path into the body cavity.

[0034] The bending portion 6 has a cylindrical body with multiple angle rings connected to each other so that they can swing, and the outer periphery of this cylindrical body is covered with a mesh body woven with metal wires, and the outer periphery of that is covered with rubber angle rubber. In addition, multiple wires extend from the angle knobs 8 and 9 of the operation unit 3 to the bending portion 6, and the tips of these wires are fixed to the tips of the cylindrical body. As a result, the bending portion 6 is bent in the up-down direction (Z direction) and left-right direction (X direction) in response to the rotation of the angle knobs 8 and 9.

[0035] The tip portion 7 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, and includes a tip member 20 and a tip cap 200 (see FIG. 2) that is detachably attached to the tip member 20.

[0036] The tip member 20 is provided at the tip portion 7 and is made of a corrosion-resistant metal material. The axial direction of the tip member 20 is the same as the longitudinal axis Ax direction and the Y direction. The tip cap 200 is made of an elastic material, for example, silicone rubber. The tip member 20 and the tip cap 200 are examples of the tip member and tip cap of the present invention, respectively.

[0037] <Operation unit 3> As shown in FIG. 1, the operating section 3 has angle knobs 8 and 9 for bending the bending section 6, an air / water supply button 10, a suction button 11, a lever 12 for raising the handle, and a treatment tool introduction port 13.

[0038] The air and water supply button 10 is an operating button for supplying air and water from the air and water supply nozzle 14 (see Figure 2) at the tip 7 toward the observation window 16, the illumination window 18, etc. via an air and water supply channel (not shown) inserted inside the insertion section 2.

[0039] The suction button 11 is an operation button for suctioning bodily fluids and the like through a treatment tool insertion channel 38 (see FIG. 6) inserted inside the insertion portion 2.

[0040] The lever 12 for raising and lowering the raising platform 36 (see FIG. 2) provided at the tip 7 is The lever 12 for raising the treatment tool is one of the components of the treatment tool raising mechanism.

[0041] The treatment tool introduction port 13 is an opening that communicates with the treatment tool insertion channel 38 and allows the surgeon to introduce a treatment tool, etc. The treatment tool introduced from the treatment tool introduction port 13 passes through the treatment tool insertion channel 38 and is guided to the distal end portion 7.

[0042] A universal cord 4 is connected to the operation unit 3, and this universal cord 4 is connected to an image processing device and a light source device (not shown). A monitor device (not shown) is connected to the image processing device via a cable. The above is the overall structure of the endoscope 1. The structure of the tip portion 7 will be described below.

[0043] <Tip 7> Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion 7 as viewed from the Z(+) direction. Fig. 2 shows a state in which a tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tip cap 200 has been removed from the tip member 20 of Fig. 2.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, when the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, the tip cap 200 has an upper opening 202 that communicates with the opening 24 on the Z(+) direction side of the stand storage section 22 described below.

[0045] Next, a brief description will be given of the configuration of the tip cap 200. The detailed configuration of the tip cap 200 will be described later.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tip cap 200. IVA in Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the tip cap 200 attached to the tip member 20 as seen from the Y(+) direction side, IVB is a perspective view of the tip cap 200 as seen from the Y(+) direction side, and IVC is a perspective view of the tip cap 200 as seen from the Y(-) direction side.

[0047] 4, the tip cap 200 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape to accommodate the tip member 20. The tip cap 200 also has an upper opening 202 that communicates with the opening 24 of the erector housing section 22, a tip opening 204 that communicates with the tip opening 26 on the Y(+) direction side of the erector housing section 22, and a base opening 206 for attaching the tip cap 200 to the tip member 20.

[0048] The upper opening 202 is provided on the Z(+) direction side and is formed to a size that exposes the elevator housing section 22 (opening 24), as well as the tip of the air / water nozzle 14, the observation window 16, the illumination window 18, and a guidewire fixing section 50 (described below). The tip opening 204 is connected to the upper opening 202 and is formed as an air vent opening to prevent the body cavity wall from being sucked onto the upper opening 202 during the suction operation of the endoscope 1. The base end opening 206 is an opening for inserting the tip member 20. The upper opening 202 corresponds to the cap opening of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap 200 when cutting the tip cap 200 in the ZY plane. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion 7 shown in Fig. 2 when cutting the tip cap 200 in the YZ plane.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the tip cap 200 has an engagement groove 208 and a flat portion 210 on its inner circumferential surface on the base end side. The engagement groove 208 is provided around the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200. The flat portion 210 is provided on the Z(+) direction side of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200, closer to the base end side (Y(-) direction side) than the engagement groove 208. The flat portion 210 has a surface that is approximately parallel to the XY plane, for example.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, the engagement groove 208 engages with the flange portion 30 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 28 of the tip member 20. This allows the tip cap 200 to be attached to the tip member 20. Furthermore, when the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, the flat portion 210 abuts against a flat portion 78 provided on the insulating ring 70, which will be described later. The flange portion 30 and the engagement groove 208 are examples of the flange portion and the cap engagement portion, respectively, of the present invention.

[0052] Next, a brief description will be given of the configuration of the tip member 20. The detailed configuration of the tip member 20 will be described later.

[0053] 3, the tip member 20 has a first wall portion 32 and a second wall portion 34 that face each other in the X direction. The first wall portion 32 is disposed on the X(-) direction side, and the second wall portion 34 is disposed on the X(+) direction side.

[0054] The first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 34 have their respective base ends connected to the base portion 28 of the tip member 20, and extend in the Y(+) direction from this base portion 28. The base portion 28, the first wall portion 32, and the second wall portion 34 are examples of the base portion, the first wall portion, and the second wall portion of the present invention, respectively.

[0055] Furthermore, a stand housing section 22 for housing the stand 36 is provided between the first wall section 32 and the second wall section 34 in the X direction. This stand housing section 22 is arranged alongside the first wall section 32 and the second wall section 34 and is formed as a slit-like space along the Y direction. The stand housing section 22 is an example of a stand housing section of the present invention.

[0056] The distal end member 20 is provided with a treatment tool outlet 39 (see FIG. 6). The distal end side of a treatment tool insertion channel 38 is connected to this treatment tool outlet 39. This treatment tool insertion channel 38 is inserted into the insertion section 2 (see FIG. 1), and its proximal end side is connected to the treatment tool introduction port 13 of the operation section 3.

[0057] As a result, the treatment tool introduced from the treatment tool inlet 13 is guided to the stand housing section 22 through the treatment tool insertion channel 38 and the treatment tool outlet 39. The treatment tool guided to the stand housing section 22 has its direction of introduction changed by the stand 36.

[0058] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the tip member 20 as seen from the Y(+) direction side. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the cover 40 shown in Fig. 7 removed from the second wall portion 34, and Fig. 8 also shows the tip cap 200.

[0059] <First wall part 32> 7 and 8, the first wall portion 32 has an observation window 16 and an illumination window 18. An imaging unit and an illumination unit are provided inside the first wall portion 32.

[0060] The imaging unit has an imaging optical system disposed inside the observation window 16, and a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) or CCD (charge coupled device) imaging element. The imaging element is connected to an image processing device via a signal cable inserted inside the insertion portion 2. An imaging signal of the subject image obtained by this imaging unit is input to the image processing device via the signal cable, and is displayed as the subject image on a monitor connected to the image processing device via a cable.

[0061] The illumination unit has an illumination lens installed inside the illumination window 18 and a light guide arranged so that the tip thereof faces the illumination lens. The light guide is inserted into the insertion portion 2. The proximal end of the light guide 14 is connected to a light source device, whereby irradiated light from the light source device is transmitted through the light guide and irradiated from the illumination window 18.

[0062] <Second wall part 34> 8, the second wall portion 34 is provided with a recessed lever accommodating chamber 44 that accommodates the lever 42. Of the two wall surfaces of the second wall portion 34 that face each other in the X direction, the lever accommodating chamber 44 is provided on the wall surface opposite the wall surface that faces the elevator accommodating section 22.

[0063] In the lever accommodating chamber 44, the lever 42 has a rotation shaft 42A provided at one end thereof. The rotation shaft 42A penetrates the second wall portion 34 in the X direction and is connected to the erection base 36. The other end of the lever 42 is connected to an operation wire 46. The operation wire 46 is inserted into the insertion portion 2 (see FIG. 1) and connected to the erection operation lever 12 of the operation portion 3.

[0064] Therefore, when the surgeon operates the raising operation lever 12, the operation wire 46 is pushed or pulled, and the lever 42 swings in conjunction with this pushing and pulling operation. As a result, the raising base 36 swings about the rotation axis 42A as the swing axis, changing its position between the raised position and the lowered position. Here, the lever 42 having the rotation axis 42A, the operation wire 46, and the raising operation lever 12 constitute a treatment tool raising mechanism. The lever housing chamber 44 is sealed by the cover 40 shown in FIG. 7.

[0065] <Standing stand 36> 7 and 8, the erector 36 is provided on the distal end member 20 and is housed in the erector housing portion 22. The erector 36 is attached to the second wall portion 34 via a rotation shaft 42A so as to be able to swing freely. The erector 36 is driven by the treatment tool erecting mechanism to perform erecting and lowering movements.

[0066] The elevator 36 also has a guide surface 36A (see FIG. 2, etc.). This guide surface 36A is formed on a surface that faces the Z(+) direction when the elevator 36 is in the reclined position. This guide surface 36A is a surface for guiding a treatment tool, and is formed in a generally U-shape that is recessed inward from the base end, which is the swing end of the elevator 36, to the tip end.

[0067] When the treatment tool erection mechanism erects the stand 36, the treatment tool led into the stand housing section 22 is guided by the guide surface 36A of the stand 36 in the direction toward the opening 24 of the stand housing section 22, and is led out through the upper opening 202 of the tip cap 200. In addition, by adjusting the erection angle of the stand 36 with the treatment tool erection mechanism, the lead-out direction of the treatment tool can be changed.

[0068] <Guidewire fixing portion 50> 7, a guidewire fixing portion 50 is provided on the base portion 28. This guidewire fixing portion 50 protrudes from the distal end wall portion 28A of the base portion 28 toward the elevator housing portion 22 in the Y(+) direction.

[0069] The guidewire fixing portion 50 is configured as a convex portion tapered in the Y(+) direction. In other words, the guidewire fixing portion 50 is configured in the shape of a substantially trapezoidal cube with the distal end wall portion 28A as the bottom surface.

[0070] When the erector 36 is raised to the maximum erect position, the guidewire (not shown) guided from the treatment tool insertion channel 38 to the erector housing section 22 is sandwiched and fixed between the convex tip 50A of the guidewire fixing section 50 and the concave guide surface 36A of the erector 36. The guidewire fixing section 50 is arranged alongside the air / water supply nozzle 14 in the X direction.

[0071] <Insulation Ring 70> Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the tip member 20 as seen from the Y(+) direction side. Fig. 10 is a side view of the tip member 20 shown in Fig. 9 as seen from the X(+) direction side. Note that Figs. 9 and 10 show a state in which the insulating ring 70 is separated from the tip member 20 toward the Y(-) direction side.

[0072] 9 and 10, the base 28 of the tip member 20 is configured to be approximately cylindrical along the Y direction, and an annular insulating ring 70 is attached to the outer periphery thereof. This insulating ring 70 is made of an insulating material such as plastic or ceramic.

[0073] The insulating ring 70 has a flange portion 72 that protrudes radially outward along its outer surface, a cap mounting portion 74 that is positioned further distal than the flange portion 72, and a curved portion mounting portion 76 that is positioned further proximal than the flange portion 72.

[0074] The cap attachment portion 74 has a flat portion 78 and an arc portion 80 on its outer circumferential surface. The flat portion 78 is provided on the Z(+) side of the outer circumferential surface, and is formed at a position (position on the Z(-) side) lower than the flange portion 30 of the base portion 28. This flat portion 78 has a surface that is approximately parallel to, for example, the XY plane.

[0075] The cap mounting portion 74 is configured so that its inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter (diameter) of the base portion 28. The cap mounting portion 74 is fitted onto the base portion 28 from the base end side to the tip end side of the base portion 28, and the base end 74A of the cap mounting portion 74 abuts against the base end side surface 30A of the flange portion 30 of the base portion 28.

[0076] As a result, the cap attachment portion 74 is attached to the base portion 28, and the insulating ring 70 is attached to the tip member 20. In this case, the flat portion 78 and the arc portion 80 of the insulating ring 70 are disposed on the base end side of the flange portion 30 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0077] 8 in which the insulating ring 70 is attached to the tip member 20, the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20. In this case, the tip cap 200 is fitted onto the tip member 20 from the tip side to the base end side of the tip member 20, and the base end 200A of the tip cap 200 is brought into contact with the tip side surface 72A of the flange portion 72 of the insulating ring 70.

[0078] 6, the engagement groove 208 of the tip cap 200 engages with the flange portion 30 of the tip member 20, and the flat portion 210 of the tip cap 200 abuts against the flat portion 78 of the insulating ring 70. As a result, the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, and the metal tip member 20 is covered by the insulating tip cap 200 and the insulating ring 70.

[0079] With this configuration, according to the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, the insulation of the tip portion 7 can be ensured by the tip cap 200 and the insulating ring 70. Furthermore, the engagement between the flange portion 30 and the engagement groove 208 can prevent the tip cap 200 from slipping off from the tip member 20 in the Y(+) direction. Furthermore, the abutment between the flat portion 78 and the flat portion 210 can prevent the tip cap 200 from shifting relative to the tip member 20 in the direction around the longitudinal axis Ax.

[0080] The base end of the tip cap 200 and the flange portion 72 of the insulating ring 70 each have approximately the same outer diameter (diameter). As a result, when the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, the tip cap 200 and the insulating ring 70 are connected without any steps on their outer circumferential surfaces.

[0081] Furthermore, if the engagement groove 208 is not fully engaged with the flange portion 30 and the distal end cap 200 is incompletely attached to the distal end member 20, for example, if the distal end cap 200 is attached with the base end 200A of the distal end cap 200 abutting the flange portion 30, a part of the distal end cap 200 (for example, a part located on the base end side of the air / water supply nozzle 14) will be within the observation field of the imaging unit. In this case, a part of the distal end cap 200 will appear black on the observation screen displayed on the monitor device. This will notify the surgeon of the incomplete attachment.

[0082] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the bending portion mounting portion 76 is cylindrical. The bending portion mounting portion 76 is the portion where the tip of the angle rubber of the bending portion 6 is mounted. The tip of the angle rubber of the bending portion 6 is mounted onto the bending portion mounting portion 76 until the tip of the angle rubber abuts against the base end side surface 72B of the flange portion 72. This allows the angle rubber to be mounted on the insulating ring 70. The tip of the angle rubber is wound around a thread (not shown) and fixed to the insulating ring 70. The thread is fixed to the angle rubber with an adhesive (not shown).

[0083] However, in an endoscope in which the distal end cap 200 is attached to the distal end member 20, such as the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, there is a problem in that the distal end cap 200 receives force from the body cavity wall and is rolled up from the distal end member 20.

[0084] In particular, if the cap tip portion 200B (see Figure 2, etc.), which is located on the tip side of the first wall portion 32 among the tip portions of the tip cap 200, is rolled up, liquid may enter the inside of the first wall portion 32 from there, so it is necessary to prevent the cap tip portion 200B from rolling up.

[0085] The above problem can be solved by configuring the connection structure between the tip member 20 and the tip cap 200 to increase the fixing force (fitting force, engagement force). However, if a structure that increases the fixing force is adopted, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to easily attach and detach the tip cap 200 to the tip member 20.

[0086] Therefore, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration to make it easy to attach and detach the tip cap 200 to the tip member 20 and to solve the problem of the tip cap 200 rolling up during treatment. This will be explained in detail below.

[0087] First, the tip member 20 will be described.

[0088] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the tip member 20 as seen from the Y(+) direction side. Fig. 11 also shows the tip cap 200. Fig. 12 is a front view of the tip member 20 as seen from the Y(+) direction side. Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion of the first wall portion 32 of the tip member 20. In Fig. 11 and subsequent drawings, to avoid cumbersome symbols, symbols necessary for explanation will be used, and unnecessary symbols will be omitted.

[0089] <Cap mounting surface 100> 11 to 13, the first wall portion 32 has a cap mounting surface 100 on its upper surface on the Y(+) direction side (the surface on the Z(+) direction side). This cap mounting surface 100 is disposed on the Y(+) direction side of the illumination window 18.

[0090] The cap mounting surface 100 is formed of a surface parallel to the XY plane and faces the Z(+) direction. The cap mounting surface 100 only needs to be formed of a surface facing at least the Z(+) direction. In other words, the cap mounting surface 100 only needs to be formed of a surface having a normal component facing the Z(+) direction, and may be, for example, a surface that is approximately parallel to the XY plane (a surface that is slightly inclined with respect to the XY plane).

[0091] The cap attachment surface 100 is disposed on the Z (-) direction side of the arrangement surface 18A of the illumination window 18. When the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, this cap attachment surface 100 is covered by the cap tip portion 200B (see FIG. 2, etc.) of the tip cap 200. The cap attachment surface 100 is an example of the cap attachment surface of the present invention.

[0092] <End face 110> The first wall portion 32 has an end surface 110 on the Y(+) direction side. This end surface 110 is connected to the cap attachment surface 100 via a tip corner portion 32A of the first wall portion 32.

[0093] Furthermore, the end face 110 is formed of a surface parallel to the XZ plane and faces the Y(+) direction. It is sufficient that the end face 110 is formed of a surface facing at least the Y(+) direction. In other words, it is sufficient that the end face 110 is formed of a surface having a normal component facing the Y(+) direction, and it may be, for example, a surface approximately parallel to the XZ plane (a surface slightly inclined with respect to the XZ plane). It is to be noted that the end face 110 is an example of an end face on one side of the first direction of the present invention.

[0094] <Protruding part 150> The first wall portion 32 has a protrusion 150 on the end face 110. This protrusion 150 is configured as a convex portion that protrudes in the Y(+) direction with the end face 110 as its bottom face. The protrusion 150 is an example of an engagement portion and an example of a protrusion of the present invention. The configuration of the protrusion 150 will be described in detail below.

[0095] The protrusion 150 has multiple surfaces. That is, the protrusion 150 has a tip surface 152, an outer circumferential curved surface 154, an upper surface 156, an inner vertical surface 158, an inner inclined surface 160, and a tip inclined surface 162.

[0096] <Tip surface 152> The tip surface 152 is the surface located closest to the Y(+) direction among the multiple surfaces of the protrusion 150. The tip surface 152 is connected to an inner vertical surface 158 and an upper surface 156, which will be described later.

[0097] The tip surface 152 is formed of a surface parallel to the XZ plane and faces the Y(+) direction. It is sufficient that the tip surface 152 is formed of a surface facing at least the Y(+) direction. In other words, it is sufficient that the tip surface 152 is formed of a surface having a normal component facing the Y(+) direction, and it may be, for example, a surface that is approximately parallel to the XZ plane (a surface that is slightly inclined with respect to the XZ plane). It is to be noted that the tip surface 152 is an example of the tip surface of the present invention.

[0098] As shown in Figure 12, when the tip surface 152 is viewed from the Y(+) direction side, the tip surface 152 is a surface defined by the ridge line 154A of the outer peripheral curved surface 154, the ridge line 156A of the upper surface 156, the ridge line 158A of the inner vertical surface 158, the ridge line 160A of the inner inclined surface 160, and the ridge line 162A of the tip inclined surface 162.

[0099] The ridge line 154A is formed in an arc shape bulging toward the X(-) direction, and the ridge line 156A is formed in a straight line along the X direction. The ridge line 158A is formed in a straight line along the Z direction, and the ridge line 160A is formed in a straight line inclined toward both the Z(-) direction and the X(+) direction. The ridge line 162A is formed in a straight line along the X direction.

[0100] The tip surface 152 is formed by such a plurality of ridges, and includes a substantially triangular surface 164 defined by ridges including three ridges 154A, 156A, and 158A, and a substantially triangular surface 165 defined by three ridges 160A, 160B, and 160C. The tip end surface 152 is formed by these two surfaces 164, 166. ...

[0101] <Outer curved surface 154> The outer circumferential curved surface 154 is connected to the upper surface 156 and the tip surface 152, and is formed by a surface that extends from a position on the X(-) direction side of the end surface 110 toward the Y(+) direction side.

[0102] The outer circumferential curved surface 154 faces the X(-) direction and has a curved surface that bulges out in an arc shape toward the X(-) direction. The outer circumferential curved surface 154 may be formed of a curved surface that faces at least the X(-) direction. In other words, the outer circumferential curved surface 154 may be formed of a curved surface that has a normal component facing the X(-) direction, a normal component facing the Z(+) direction, and a normal component facing the Z(-) direction. The outer circumferential curved surface 154 is an example of the outer circumferential curved surface of the present invention.

[0103] <Top surface 156> The upper surface 156 is formed by a surface that extends in the Y(+) direction from a position on the Z(+) direction side of the end surface 110. The upper surface 156 is disposed on the Z(-) direction side of the cap attachment surface 100.

[0104] The upper surface 156 is formed of a surface parallel to the XY plane and faces the Z(+) direction. The upper surface 156 may be formed of a surface facing at least the Z(+) direction. In other words, the upper surface 156 may be formed of a surface having a normal component facing the Z(+) direction, and may be, for example, a surface substantially parallel to the XY plane (a surface slightly inclined with respect to the XY plane). When viewed from the Z(+) direction, the upper surface 156 is formed as a substantially triangular surface. The upper surface 156 is an example of a second engagement surface of the present invention.

[0105] <Inner vertical surface 158> The inner vertical surface 158 is formed by a surface that extends from a position on the X(+) direction side of the end surface 110 to the Y(+) direction side.

[0106] The inner vertical surface 158 is formed of a surface parallel to the YZ plane and faces the X(+) direction. Note that the inner vertical surface 158 only needs to be formed of a surface facing at least the X(+) direction. In other words, the inner vertical surface 158 only needs to be formed of a surface having a normal component facing the X(+) direction, and may be, for example, a surface that is approximately parallel to the YZ plane (a surface that is slightly inclined with respect to the YZ plane).

[0107] When viewed from the Y(+) direction side, the inner vertical surface 158 is disposed on the X(+) direction side of the outer peripheral curved surface 154, with the tip surface 152 sandwiched between them. When viewed from the X(+) direction side, the inner vertical surface 158 is configured as a substantially rectangular surface. The inner vertical surface 158 is an example of a first engagement surface of the present invention.

[0108] <Inner inclined surface 160> The inner inclined surface 160 is formed by a surface that extends from a position on the X(+) direction side of the end surface 110 to the Y(+) direction side.

[0109] The inner inclined surface 160 is connected to the inner vertical surface 158 and faces more toward the Z(+) direction than the inner vertical surface 158. The inner inclined surface 160 only needs to be composed of a surface that faces at least more toward the Z(+) direction than the inner vertical surface 158. In other words, the inner inclined surface 160 only needs to be composed of a surface that has a normal component facing the Z(+) direction and a normal component facing the X(+) direction.

[0110] When viewed from the Y(+) direction side, the inner inclined surface 160 is disposed on the X(+) direction side of the outer peripheral curved surface 154, sandwiching the tip surface 152. When viewed from the X(+) direction side, the inner inclined surface 160 is configured as a substantially rectangular surface. The inner inclined surface 160 is an example of the inner inclined surface of the present invention.

[0111] <Tip inclined surface 162> The tip inclined surface 162 is disposed on the Z(-) direction side of the tip surface 152 via a fillet surface 168 (see FIG. 13).

[0112] The tip inclined surface 162 is a surface facing both the Y(+) direction and the Z(-) direction. Note that the tip inclined surface 162 may be formed of a surface facing at least both the Y(+) direction and the Z(-) direction. In other words, the tip inclined surface 162 may be formed of a surface having a normal component facing the Y(+) direction and a normal component facing the Z(-) direction.

[0113] When viewed from the Z(-) direction, the tip inclined surface 162 is configured as a substantially rectangular surface. The tip inclined surface 162 is an example of the tip inclined surface of the present invention.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 11, the first wall portion 32 has a wall surface abutment surface 165 in an area of ​​the end surface 110 of the first wall portion 32 that is closer to the Z(-) direction side than the protrusion 150.

[0115] The wall contact surface 165 is a surface facing both the Y(+) direction and the Z(-) direction, and faces further toward the Z(-) direction than the tip inclined surface 162. The wall contact surface 165 may be formed of a surface facing at least toward both the Y(+) direction and the Z(-) direction. In other words, the wall contact surface 165 may be formed of a surface having a normal component facing the Y(+) direction and a normal component facing the Z(-) direction. The above is the configuration of the protrusion 150.

[0116] Next, the tip cap 200 will be described.

[0117] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the main part of the tip portion 7 in which the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20. In Fig. 14, the protrusion 150 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 14, when the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, the protrusion 150 is inserted into an attachment portion 170 (see FIG. 15) formed on the inner surface of the cap tip portion 200B.

[0119] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the main part of the mounting part 170 of the tip cap 200, as seen from the Y(-) direction side. As shown in Figure 15, the mounting part 170 is formed on the inner surface on the Y(+) direction side of the tip cap 200, in a concave shape facing the Y(+) direction side. This mounting part 170 has the following multiple surfaces for engaging with the protrusion 150 inserted into the mounting part 170.

[0120] That is, the mounting portion 170 has a flat surface 172 that abuts (is in surface contact with) the tip surface 152 of the protruding portion 150. This flat surface 172 has the same shape as the tip surface 152. For example, when the tip cap 200 is seen perspectively from the Y(+) direction side, the shape of the flat surface 172 seen from the Y(+) direction side is the same as the shape of the tip surface 152 seen from the Y(+) direction.

[0121] The mounting portion 170 also has a curved surface 174 that abuts against the outer circumferential curved surface 154 of the protruding portion 150. The curved surface 174 has the same shape as the outer circumferential curved surface 154. For example, the tip cap 20 When viewed from the Y(+) direction, the shape of the curved surface 174 seen from the Y(+) direction is the same as the shape of the outer circumferential curved surface 154 seen from the Y(+) direction.

[0122] Furthermore, the mounting portion 170 has a flat surface 176 that abuts against the upper surface 156 (second engagement surface) of the protruding portion 150. This flat surface 176 has the same shape as the upper surface 156. For example, when the tip cap 200 is seen through from the Z(+) direction side, the shape of the flat surface 176 seen from the Z(+) direction side and the shape of the upper surface 156 seen from the Z(+) direction are the same.

[0123] The mounting portion 170 also has a flat surface 178 that abuts against the inner vertical surface 158 (first engagement surface). This flat surface 178 has the same shape as the inner vertical surface 158. For example, when the tip cap 200 is seen through from the X(+) direction side, the shape of the flat surface 178 seen from the X(+) direction side is the same as the shape of the inner vertical surface 158 seen from the X(+) direction. The flat surface 178 and the above-mentioned flat surface 176 constitute the engaged portion of the present invention.

[0124] Furthermore, the mounting portion 170 has an inclined surface 180 that abuts against the inner inclined surface 160. This inclined surface 180 has the same shape as the inner inclined surface 160. For example, when the tip cap 200 is seen through from the X(+) direction side, the shape of the inclined surface 180 seen from the X(+) direction side is the same as the shape of the inner inclined surface 160 seen from the X(+) direction.

[0125] Furthermore, the mounting portion 170 has an inclined surface 182 that abuts against the tip inclined surface 162. This inclined surface 182 has the same shape as the tip inclined surface 162. For example, when the tip cap 200 is seen through from the Y(+) direction side, the shape of the inclined surface 182 seen from the Y(+) direction side is the same as the shape of the tip inclined surface 162 seen from the Y(+) direction.

[0126] By inserting the protrusion 150 into the mounting portion 170 having such multiple surfaces, the protrusion 150 engages with the mounting portion 170. Note that the term "same shape" here means "approximately the same shape," but does not necessarily mean that the shapes are completely the same. That is, the shapes may be similar overall, but may include portions with different shapes in some regions. Furthermore, the shapes are not limited to having the same dimensions, and may include portions with different dimensions in some regions.

[0127] In addition to the above-described mounting portion 170, the tip cap 200 also has an inclined surface 190 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), an inclined wall surface 192 (see FIG. 16), and a storage portion 194 (see FIG. 17).

[0128] 5 and 6 is provided on the Z(-) direction side of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200. This inclined surface 190 is a surface that inclines in the Z(+) direction from approximately the center position of the tip cap 200 in the Y direction toward the bottom of the tip opening 204. This inclined surface 190 functions as a surface that prevents foreign matter from entering the gap between the stand 36 and the inner surface of the tip cap 200 when the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20.

[0129] 16 is provided on the Z(-) direction side of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200. This inclined wall surface 192 is provided on the X(-) side of the inclined surface 190, and has a larger inclination angle than the inclined surface 190.

[0130] Furthermore, when the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, the inclined wall surface 192 abuts against the wall abutment surface 165 (see FIG. 11) of the first wall portion 32. That is, the tip cap 200 has the inclined wall surface 192 that can abut against the wall abutment surface 165.

[0131] 17 is a perspective view of the tip cap 200 as seen from the Y(-) direction side. As shown, a storage portion 194 is provided on the inner surface of the tip portion of the tip cap 200. This storage portion 194 is arranged on the X(+) side of the tip portion opening 204, and is configured as a recessed groove along the Z direction.

[0132] The accommodation portion 194 can accommodate a part of the second wall portion 34, and specifically accommodates the engagement portion 35 (see Figures 11 and 12, etc.) provided on the Y(+) direction side of the second wall portion 34. This engagement portion 35 is configured as a thin-walled portion formed thinner on the Y(+) direction side than other portions. In other words, the engagement portion 35 is configured in a plate shape that is thinner in the X direction than other portions of the second wall portion 34 excluding the engagement portion 35. When the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, this engagement portion 35 is inserted into and accommodated in the accommodation portion 194. The accommodation portion 194 is an example of a accommodation portion of the present invention.

[0133] [Effects of Endoscope 1] The effects of the endoscope 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0134] First, the distal end cap 200 is attached to the distal end member 20 by sheathing it from the Y(+) side to the Y(-) side with the proximal end opening 206 of the distal end cap 200 at the front.

[0135] In this case, the engagement groove 208 of the tip cap 200 engages with the flange portion 30 of the tip member 20, preventing the tip cap 200 from coming off the tip member 20. Furthermore, the flat portion 210 of the tip cap 200 abuts against the flat portion 78 of the insulating ring 70, preventing rotational displacement of the tip cap 200 relative to the tip member 20. Here, the flat portion 78 corresponds to the flat portion of the present invention that is located closer to the base end (Y(-) direction side) than the flange portion 30. In this case, the base portion of the present invention is composed of the base portion 28 and the insulating ring 70.

[0136] Furthermore, when the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, the protruding portion 150 of the tip member 20 is inserted into the attachment portion 170 of the tip cap 200, and the engaging portion 35 of the tip member 20 is inserted into the accommodating portion 194 of the tip cap 200. In this way, the tip portion 7 is assembled.

[0137] The distal end portion 7 having such a configuration may receive a force from the body cavity wall during treatment with the endoscope 1 as described above, and the cap distal end portion 200B of the distal end cap 200 may be curled up from the distal end member 20.

[0138] In particular, when a force is applied to the cap tip portion 200B from the X(+) direction side to the X(-) direction side, or when a force is applied from the Z(+) direction side to the Z(-) direction side, the cap tip portion 200B is more likely to be turned up than when a force is applied from another direction.

[0139] Therefore, in the endoscope 1 of the embodiment, when a force from the body cavity wall toward the X(-) direction is applied to the cap tip portion 200B during bending of the bending section 6, for example, the force is received by the inner vertical surface 158 (first engagement surface) of the protruding portion 150 via the flat surface 178 of the attachment part 170. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the cap tip portion 200B caused by the force in the above direction, and therefore prevents the cap tip portion 200B from rolling up relative to the tip member 20.

[0140] Furthermore, for example, when a force from the Z(+) direction to the Z(-) direction is applied from the body cavity wall to the cap tip portion 200B during bending of the bending portion 6, the force is received by the upper surface 156 (second engagement surface) of the protrusion 150 via the flat surface 176 of the attachment portion 170. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the cap tip portion 200B caused by the force in the above direction. Therefore, the cap tip portion 200B can be prevented from being turned up relative to the tip member 20.

[0141] Thus, according to the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, the end surface 110 of the first wall portion 32 is provided with a protrusion 150 having an inner vertical surface 158 facing the X(+) direction and an upper surface 156 facing the Z(+) direction, and the tip cap 200 is provided with an engaged portion (flat surface 176 and flat surface 178) that engages with the inner vertical surface 158 and the upper surface 156, thereby preventing the tip cap 200 from rolling up during treatment.

[0142] In addition, the tip cap 200 can be attached to the tip member 20 simply by inserting the protruding portion 150 into the attachment portion 170, and the tip cap 200 can be removed from the tip member 20 simply by pulling out the protruding portion 150 from the attachment portion 170. This makes it easy to attach and detach the tip cap 200 to and from the tip member 20.

[0143] Therefore, according to the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, the distal end cap 200 can be easily attached to and detached from the distal end member 20, and the problem of the distal end cap 200 being turned up during treatment can be resolved.

[0144] Furthermore, for example, when a force from the body cavity wall toward the Y(-) direction is applied to the cap tip portion 200B during the insertion operation of the insertion portion 2, the force is received by the tip surface 152 (see FIG. 13) of the protrusion 150 via the flat surface 172 of the attachment portion 170. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the cap tip portion 200B caused by the force in the above direction, and therefore prevents the cap tip portion 200B from curling up relative to the tip member 20.

[0145] Furthermore, for example, when a force from the body cavity wall is applied to the cap tip portion 200B in the direction from the X(-) direction to the X(+) direction during a bending operation of the bending portion 6, the force is received by the outer circumferential curved surface 154 of the protrusion 150 via the curved surface 174 of the attachment portion 170. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the cap tip portion 200B caused by the force in the above direction, and therefore prevents the cap tip portion 200B from curling up relative to the tip member 20.

[0146] Furthermore, for example, when bending the bending portion 6, if a force is applied from the body cavity wall to the cap tip portion 200B in the direction from the Z(-) direction to the Z(+) direction, the force is received by the tip inclined surface 162 and the outer peripheral curved surface 154 of the protrusion 150 via the flat surface 172 and curved surface 174 of the attachment portion 170.

[0147] That is, the force in the above direction is received by the two surfaces with the largest areas (the tip inclined surface 162 and the outer peripheral curved surface 154). This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the cap tip portion 200B caused by the force in the above direction, and therefore prevents the cap tip portion 200B from curling up relative to the tip member 20.

[0148] Other Effects In order to form a slope 180 that engages with the inner slope 160 of the protrusion 150, the thickness of the tip portion of the tip cap 200 is configured to be thicker than that of a cap without the slope 180.

[0149] That is, by forming an inner inclined surface 160 on the protruding portion 150 and forming an inclined surface 180 that engages with this inner inclined surface 160 on the mounting portion 170, the strength of the tip portion of the tip cap 200 can be increased.

[0150] Furthermore, by providing the inner inclined surface 160 on the protrusion 150, the inner vertical surface 158 and the inner inclined surface 160 can be connected by a connecting portion with an obtuse angle. Compared to a case without 160, i.e., a case in which the end of the inner vertical surface 158 on the Z(-) direction side is angular (e.g., a right angle), the cleaning ability of the protrusion 150 using a brush or the like can be improved.

[0151] Furthermore, since the tip surface 152 of the protrusion 150 and the tip inclined surface 162 are connected via the fillet surface 168, the cleaning ability of the protrusion 150 using a brush or the like can be improved compared to a protrusion without the fillet surface 168, i.e., a protrusion in which the tip surface 152 and the tip inclined surface 162 are connected at a corner.

[0152] Although the endoscope according to the embodiment has been described above, the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1. Endoscope 2...Insertion section 3...Operation unit 4...Universal Code 5…Soft part 6...Bend 7...Tip 8...Angle knob 9...Angle knob 10...Air and water supply button 11...Suction button 12...Stand-up operation lever 13...Treatment tool introduction port 14...Air and water supply nozzle 16...Observation window 18...Lighting window 18A...Placement surface 20...Tip member 22...Standing platform storage area 24…Aperture 26...Tip opening 28...Base 28A...Tip wall 30...Flange 30A…Proximal side 32...First wall part 34…Second wall part 35...Engagement part 36…Standing platform 36A...Guide surface 38...Treatment tool insertion channel 39...Treatment tool outlet 40...Cover 42...Lever 42A...Rotating shaft 44... Lever Containment Room 46...Operation wire 50...Guide wire fixing part 50A...tip 70...insulating ring 72...Flange 72A…Tip side 72B…Proximal side 74...Cap attachment part 74A…Proximal end 76...Bending part attachment part 78...Flat area 80...Arc section 100...Cap mounting surface 110...end face 150...Protrusion 152…Tip surface 154...Outer curved surface 154A...ridgeline 156…Top surface 156A...ridgeline 158…Inner vertical plane 158A...ridgeline 160...Inner inclined surface 160A...ridgeline 162…Tip inclined surface 162A...ridgeline 164...face 165…Wall contact surface 166...face 168...Fillet surface 170...Attachment part 172…Plane 174...Curved surface 176…Plane 178…Plane 180...slope 182…Slope surface 190…Slope surface 192...Sloped wall 194...Storage section 200...Tip cap 200A…Proximal end 200B...Cap tip 202...Top opening 204...Tip opening 206...Proximal opening 208...Engagement groove 210...Flat area

Claims

1. a tip member provided at the tip of the insertion portion; a tip cap attached to the tip member; Equipped with When the axial direction of the tip member is defined as a first direction, one of two directions that are perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to each other is defined as a second direction, and the other direction is defined as a third direction, the tip member has a stand housing section in which a stand is housed, and a first wall section that is disposed on one side of the stand housing section in the second direction and has an observation window and an illumination window; the tip cap has a cap opening on one side in the third direction, through which the observation window, the illumination window, and the stand housing portion are exposed; the first wall portion includes an engaging portion provided on an end surface on one side in the first direction, the engaging portion has a first engaging surface facing the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction and a second engaging surface facing the one side in the third direction, the tip cap has an engaged portion that engages with the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface; Endoscope.

2. the engaging portion is a protruding portion protruding from the end surface to one side in the first direction, The endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. the protrusion has an inner inclined surface that is connected to the first engagement surface and is inclined toward one side in the third direction relative to the first engagement surface; The endoscope according to claim 2 .

4. The protrusion is a tip surface connected to the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and facing one side in the first direction; an outer circumferential curved surface connected to the second engagement surface and the tip surface and facing one side in the second direction; a tip inclined surface that is disposed on the other side of the tip surface in the third direction via a fillet surface and is inclined toward both one side in the first direction and the other side in the third direction; having The endoscope according to claim 3 .

5. the end surface of the first wall portion has an inclined wall surface inclined toward both one side in the first direction and the other side in the third direction in a region on the other side of the protrusion in the third direction, the tip cap has a wall surface abutment surface that can abut on the inclined wall surface when attached to the tip member, The endoscope according to claim 2 .

6. the first wall portion is disposed on one side of the illumination window in the first direction and has a cap attachment surface facing one side in the third direction; When the tip cap is attached to the tip member, the cap attachment surface is covered by the tip cap. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the cap attachment surface is disposed on the other side in the third direction than the arrangement surface of the illumination window; The endoscope according to claim 6.

8. the second engagement surface is disposed on the other side in the third direction relative to the cap attachment surface; The endoscope according to claim 6.

9. the tip member has a second wall portion disposed on the other side of the elevator housing portion in the second direction, The tip cap has an accommodating portion capable of accommodating a part of the second wall portion. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. the second wall portion has a thin portion formed thinner than other portions on one side in the first direction, The accommodation portion is capable of accommodating the thin-walled portion. The endoscope according to claim 9.

11. the tip member has a base portion disposed on the other side opposite to the one side of the first wall portion in the first direction, A flange portion protruding in the radial direction is provided on the outer periphery of the base portion, The tip cap has a cap locking portion that locks onto the flange portion. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. the base portion has a flat portion that is disposed on the other side of the flange portion in the first direction and that is formed with a part of its circumferential surface flat. The endoscope according to claim 11.

Images