Endoscope

Abstract

Provided is an endoscope by which an upright operation wire can be securely fixed to a wire fixing mechanism by a simple operation. A wire fixing mechanism (78) comprises a wire catcher (100), a catcher guide (102) and a slide lever (80). A wire (38) is provided with a part to be locked (39) which has a larger outer shape than a wire body (38A). The wire catcher (100) is provided with a locking hole (137) through which the part to be locked (39) can be inserted and locked. By mounting a fixing unit (82) to an actuator body (46), the wire fixing mechanism (78) enables the insertion of the part to be locked (39) through the locking hole (137). By rotating the slide lever (80), moreover, the part to be locked (39) can be locked to the locking hole (137), the lock state between the part to be locked (39) and the locking hole (137) can be fixed, and the slide lever (80) can be connected to a link member (88).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope provided with an upright stand for changing the leading direction of a treatment tool on the tip side of an insertion portion.

Background Art

[0002] In an endoscope, various treatment tools are introduced from a treatment tool introduction port provided in an operation unit, and the treatment tools are led out to the outside from a treatment tool leading-out port opened at the tip of an insertion portion and used for treatment. For example, in a duodenoscope, treatment tools such as a guide wire or a contrast tube are used. In an ultrasonic endoscope, treatment tools such as a puncture needle are used. In other direct-view endoscopes and oblique-view endoscopes, treatment tools such as forceps or a snare are used. Such treatment tools need to change the leading direction at the tip portion in order to treat a desired position in a subject. For this reason, an upright stand for changing the leading direction of the treatment tool is provided on the tip body of the tip portion. The endoscope is provided with a treatment tool upright mechanism for displacing the posture of the upright stand between an upright position and a fallen position.

[0003] The endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an upright stand on the tip side of a working channel. Since the upright stand rotates around a pivot axis by a wire, a medical instrument can be accurately directed toward the surgical area. The proximal end side of the wire is inserted through a collet, and then the collet is tightened by rotating a nut, and the collet fixes the wire.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1, the collet and the nut are constituted by separate parts, and the wire is fixed by a plurality of members. Therefore, it is necessary to insert the wire through the collet, push the collet into the nut and rotate it. Therefore, there is a concern that the operation for fixing the wire becomes complicated.

[0006] In addition, in the case of a collet chuck, there is a possibility that the fixing force may not be sufficiently exerted depending on the tightening condition, or the wire fixing end may be caught by the collet at an incomplete position (for example, a state where there is almost no gripping margin of the wire fixing end). If it is fixed in the above state, there is a risk that the wire may come off the collet during the standing operation.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope capable of surely fixing a standing operation wire to a wire fixing mechanism with a simple operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the endoscope of the present invention includes an operation unit provided with an operation member, an insertion unit provided at the distal end side of the operation unit and inserted into a subject, a treatment tool upright base provided at the distal end portion of the insertion unit, an upright operation wire having a proximal end side connected to the treatment tool upright base and being pushed and pulled in accordance with the operation of the operation member to operate the treatment tool upright base, and a wire fixing mechanism for fixing the proximal end side of the upright operation wire. The operation unit has a link member that operates in conjunction with the operation of the operation member. The wire fixing mechanism includes a wire catch that detachably locks and fixes the proximal end side of the upright operation wire, a catch guide that guides the wire catch in the wire axis direction of the upright operation wire, and a sliding lever that operates in conjunction with the operation of the operation member to move the wire catch forward and backward in the wire axis direction. The sliding lever has a lever connection portion that can be detachably connected to the link member, and is a sliding lever that can be rotationally operated when the connection between the link member and the lever connection portion is released. The upright operation wire is located on the proximal end side of a long wire body and has a locked portion formed with an outer shape larger than that of the wire body. The wire catch has a locking hole through which the locked portion can be inserted and locked. The wire fixing mechanism enables the insertion of the locked portion into the locking hole by attaching the wire fixing mechanism to the operation unit, and enables the locking of the locked portion to the locking hole, the fixing of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole, and the connection between the lever connection portion and the link member by rotationally operating the sliding lever.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the wire fixing mechanism enables the release of the connection between the lever connection portion and the link member, the release of the fixed state of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole, and the release of the locking of the locked portion to the locking hole by reversely rotating the sliding lever in the direction opposite to the rotational operation, and enables the release of the insertion of the locked portion into the locking hole by detaching the wire fixing mechanism from the operation unit.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotational operation of the sliding lever includes a first rotational operation of rotating the sliding lever to one side in a first rotational direction about a first direction parallel to the wire axis direction, and a second rotational operation of rotating the sliding lever to one side in a second rotational direction about a second direction perpendicular to the first direction after the first rotational operation is performed. It is preferable that the combination of the first rotational operation and the second rotational operation executes the locking of the locked portion with respect to the locking hole, the fixing of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole, and the connection between the lever connecting portion and the link member.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reverse rotational operation of the sliding lever includes a third rotational operation of rotating the sliding lever to the other side opposite to one side in the second rotational direction, and a fourth rotational operation of rotating the sliding lever to the other side opposite to one side in the first rotational direction after the third rotational operation is performed. It is preferable that the combination of the third rotational operation and the fourth rotational operation executes the disconnection of the connection between the lever connecting portion and the link member, the release of the fixed state of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole, and the release of the locking of the locked portion with respect to the locking hole.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wire catch has a fixing member that fixes the locked state between the locked portion inserted into the locking hole and the locking hole. The fixing member is movable between a fixing position that fixes the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole and a release position that releases the fixing of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole. The wire fixing mechanism is preferably configured to enable the movement of the fixing member to the fixing position by the second rotational operation and to enable the movement of the fixing member to the release position by the third rotational operation.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wire catch has a catch body in which a locking hole is formed. The fixing member is movable in the wire axis direction in conjunction with the second rotational operation. When the second rotational operation is performed, the fixing member moves to the fixing position and the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole is fixed by the fixing member. Further, it is preferable that the fixing member and the catch body move integrally to the proximal end side in the wire axis direction while maintaining the fixing of the locked state, and the standing operation wire is pulled up.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the catch guide has a catch guide groove extending in the wire axis direction, the catch body has a catch body axis engaged and guided in the catch guide groove, and a catch body groove provided at a position overlapping the catch guide groove and extending in the wire axis direction. The fixing member has a fixing member axis inserted into the catch body groove and movable forward and backward along the catch body groove. The sliding lever has a lever bearing hole rotatably connected to the catch body axis and a cam groove in which the fixing member axis is slidably engaged. The cam groove has a shape in which a linear first cam groove portion and a curved second cam groove portion are continuous. The first cam groove portion preferably changes the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member, and the second cam groove portion preferably maintains the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sliding lever has a first lever contact portion, the catch guide has a first regulating surface against which the first lever contact portion can contact, and when the fixing member axis is present in the first cam groove portion, the first regulating surface contacts the first lever contact portion to regulate the movement of the sliding lever, thereby enabling the sliding lever to rotate about the catch body axis and preferably changing the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first regulating surface is preferably constituted by an arcuate surface centered on the catch body axis.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sliding lever has a second lever contact portion at a position different from the first lever contact portion, the catch guide has a second regulating surface against which the second lever contact portion can contact when the regulation of the sliding lever by the first regulating surface is released, and when the fixing member axis is present in the second cam groove portion of the cam groove, the second regulating surface contacts the second lever contact portion to regulate the movement of the sliding lever, thereby enabling the sliding lever to rotate about the second lever contact portion while moving the second lever contact portion along the second regulating surface and preferably moving the catch body and the fixing member integrally.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking hole preferably has an opening shape in which a first hole having a size through which the locked portion can be inserted and a second hole having a size larger than the outer shape of the wire body and smaller than the outer shape of the locked portion are continuous.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wire catch is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis eccentric from the standing operation wire, the locking hole is provided at a position eccentric from the rotation axis, and the first hole and the second hole are preferably continuously formed along a rotation locus centered on the rotation axis.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tip body provided at the tip of the insertion portion, a tip cap that is detachable from the tip body, and a mounting locking portion that can be locked to the tip body when mounted on the tip body are provided. The catch guide includes a cap at the end, the cap is configured to include a tip cap removal jig, the tip cap removal jig is provided on the cap, and includes a storage space portion having an opening at one end, a locking release portion provided on the cap, and a holding portion provided on the cap. When the tip cap is stored in the storage space portion, the locking release portion is in a locking release state in which the locking of the locking portion with respect to the tip body is released, and the holding portion holds the tip cap, so that the tip cap can be pulled out from the tip body integrally with the cap.

Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, the standing operation wire can be surely fixed to the wire fixing mechanism by a simple operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system 12 including an endoscope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope system 12 includes an endoscope 10, an endoscope processor device 14, and a display 18.

[0025] The endoscope 10 includes a hand operation unit 22 provided with a standing operation lever 20, and an insertion unit 24 provided on the distal end side of the hand operation unit 22 and inserted into the subject. This hand operation unit 22 functions as an operation unit of the present invention.

[0026] The insertion section 24 has a long axis direction Ax from the base end to the tip end, and is provided with, in order from the base end side to the tip end side, a flexible section 26, a curved section 28, and a tip section 30. The detailed configuration of the tip section 30 will be described later, but first, the schematic configuration of the tip section 30 will be described.

[0027] Fig. 2 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the tip portion 30. Here, the endoscope 10 (see Fig. 1) of the embodiment is a side-viewing endoscope used as, for example, a duodenoscope, and the tip portion 30 in Fig. 2 has the configuration of a side-viewing endoscope.

[0028] 2, the distal end portion 30 is configured by attaching a distal end cap 34 to a distal end body 32. The distal end cap 34 is provided with a treatment tool stand 36 (hereinafter referred to as the stand 36) having a treatment tool guiding surface 36A, and the stand 36 is shown in a state where it is positioned in a laid-down position.

[0029] In addition to the tip portion 30, various contents disposed inside the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (see FIG. 1) are shown in FIG. 2. That is, FIG. 2 shows a treatment tool channel 37 for guiding the tip portion of a treatment tool (not shown) to the tip portion main body 32, an upright operation wire 38 (hereinafter referred to as the wire 38) for performing an operation to change the lead-out direction of the tip portion of the treatment tool led out from the tip portion main body 32, a wire channel 40 formed of a tight-fitting spring and through which the wire 38 is inserted, an air / water supply tube 42, and a cable insertion channel 44. In addition, contents such as a light guide insertion channel 45 for guiding illumination light supplied from the light source device 15 (see FIG. 1) to the tip portion main body 32, and an angle wire (not shown) for bending the bending portion 28 (see FIG. 1) are also disposed inside the insertion portion 24.

[0030] In this specification, explanations will be given using a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system in three axial directions (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction). That is, when looking at the distal end portion 30 from the hand operation unit 22 and assuming the direction in which a treatment instrument (not shown) is led out by the upright base 36 as the upward direction, the upward direction is the Z(+) direction, and the downward direction, which is the opposite direction, is the Z(-) direction. Also, at that time, the right direction is the X(+) direction, and the left direction is the X(-) direction. Further, at that time, the forward direction (the distal end side direction in the direction of the major axis Ax of the insertion portion 24) is the Y(+) direction, and the backward direction (the proximal end side direction in the direction of the major axis Ax of the insertion portion 24) is the Y(-) direction. Note that the Y-axis direction including the Y(+) direction and the Y(-) direction is parallel to the direction of the major axis Ax of the insertion portion 24 and the wire axis direction of the wire 38. Also, the Y(+) direction points to the distal end side in the wire axis direction, and the Y(-) direction points to the proximal end side in the wire axis direction. Also, the Z-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the major axis direction Ax, and the X-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 1, the hand operation unit 22 is generally configured in a substantially cylindrical shape. The hand operation unit 22 includes an operation unit main body 46 provided with an upright operation lever 20 and a grip portion 48 connected to the operation unit main body 46. The grip portion 48 is a portion that is gripped by the operator during the operation of the endoscope 10, and the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 24 is connected to the distal end side of the grip portion 48 via a bend prevention tube 50.

[0032] The proximal end portion of the universal cable 52 is connected to the operation unit main body 46, and a connector device 54 is provided at the distal end portion of the universal cable 52. The connector device 54 is connected to the endoscope processor device 14.

[0033] The endoscope processor device 14 includes a light source device 15 and an image processing device 16. The light source device 15 is provided with a processor-side connector 15A to which a connector device 54 is connected. Further, a display 18 for displaying an image processed by the image processing device 16 is connected to the image processing device 16. This endoscope system 12 is configured to transmit power, optical signals, etc. non-contactingly between the endoscope 10 and the endoscope processor device 14 via a connector portion composed of the connector device 54 and the processor-side connector 15A. Thereby, the light from the light source device 15 is transmitted through an optical fiber cable (not shown) and irradiated from an illumination window 74 (see FIG. 2) provided on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 30. Further, an optical signal obtained by imaging and converting the light taken in from an observation window 76 (see FIG. 2) with an imaging element is image-processed by the image processing device 16 and displayed as an image on the display 18.

[0034] An air / water supply button 57 and a suction button 59 are juxtaposed on the operation unit main body 46. The air / water supply button 57 is a button that can be operated in two stages. By the first-stage operation, air can be supplied to an air / water supply nozzle 58 (see FIG. 2) via an air / water supply tube 42, and by the second-stage operation, water can be supplied to the air / water supply nozzle 58 via the air / water supply tube 42. Further, when the suction button 59 is operated, body fluids such as blood can be suctioned from a treatment instrument outlet 60 (FIG. 2) via a treatment instrument channel 37.

[0035] A pair of angle knobs 62, 62 for curving the bending portion 28 are arranged on the operation unit main body 46. The pair of angle knobs 62, 62 are provided rotatably on the same axis. The angle knobs 62, 62 and the bending portion 28 are connected, for example, by four angle wires (not shown). By rotating the angle knobs 62, 62, these angle wires are pushed and pulled, whereby the bending portion 28 is bent vertically and horizontally.

[0036] On the operation unit main body 46, an upright operation lever 20 is rotatably provided coaxially with the angle knobs 62, 62. The upright operation lever 20 is rotationally operated by the hand of the operator who grips the gripping portion 48. This upright operation lever 20 functions as an operation member of the present invention.

[0037] Outside the operation unit main body 46, a wire fixing mechanism 78 which is an embodiment of the wire fixing mechanism of the present invention is provided. This wire fixing mechanism 78 has a sliding lever 80 and a fixing unit 82, and is provided with a configuration for fixing the proximal end side of the wire 38 (see FIG. 2) as described later. One end of the sliding lever 80 is detachably connected to the upright operation lever 20 side, and moves (slides) in conjunction with the rotational operation of the upright operation lever 20. Further, the above-mentioned fixing unit 82 is provided at the other end of the sliding lever 80. This fixing unit 82 is attached to the operation unit main body 46, and the proximal end side of the wire 38 is fixed to this fixing unit 82. Thereby, the upright operation lever 20 and the wire 38 are connected via the wire fixing mechanism 78. The wire fixing mechanism 78 will be described later.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the gripping portion 48 of the hand operation unit 22 is provided with a treatment tool introduction port 64 for introducing a treatment tool. A treatment tool (not shown) introduced with the tip portion as the leading end from the treatment tool introduction port 64 is inserted into the treatment tool channel 37 shown in FIG. 2 and led out to the outside from the treatment tool outlet 60. Examples of the treatment tool include a biopsy forceps having a cup capable of collecting biological tissue at the tip portion, a knife for EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy), or a contrast tube.

[0039] Next, the structure of the tip portion 30 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

[0040] First, the tip portion main body 32 will be described.

[0041] The tip body 32 is formed in a substantially L shape when viewed from the Z(+)-direction side, and includes a base end wall portion 65 and a partition wall 68. The partition wall 68 is made of, for example, a metal material having corrosion resistance, and protrudes in the Y(+)-direction. When the tip cap 34 is attached to the tip body 32, a riser accommodation space 66 is defined by the partition wall 68 and the tip cap 34. A through-hole 61 is formed in the tip body 32, and a wire 38 is inserted through the through-hole 61. Since FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, the riser accommodation space 66 formed after attaching the tip cap 34 to the tip body 32 is shown in the tip cap 34.

[0042] On the upper surface 68A on the Z(+)-side of the partition wall 68, an illumination window 74 and an observation window 76 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-direction. The illumination window 74 can irradiate illumination light to the visual field area in the Z(+)-direction, and the observation window 76 can observe the visual field area in the Z(+)-direction. Note that an air and water supply nozzle 58 is provided in the tip body 32 toward the observation window 76, and the observation window 76 is cleaned by air and water jetted from the air and water supply nozzle 58.

[0043] Next, the tip cap 34 will be described.

[0044] The tip cap 34 is made of a material having elastic force, for example, a rubber material or a resin material. Examples of the resin material include polysulfone and polycarbonate.

[0045] The tip cap 34 includes a main body portion 34B whose tip side is sealed and which is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a substantially rectangular opening 34A is formed in a part of the main body portion 34B. The opening 34A is opened in the Z(+)-direction. The tip surface portion 34D is connected to the main body portion 34B and is provided on the tip side in the Y(+)-direction of the tip cap 34. The tip surface portion 34D covers the tip surface on the Y(+)-direction side of the tip body 32. The tip surface portion 34D and the main body portion 34B make the tip cap 34 have an overall substantially bottomed cylindrical shape.

[0046] A bearing 34C that rotatably supports the stand 36 is provided inside the tip cap 34. The bearing 34C is configured as a plate-like body that has a height in the Z(+) direction and extends in the Y(+) direction.

[0047] The stand 36 has a rotation shaft 36B along the X direction, and this rotation shaft 36B is rotatably supported in a through hole (not shown) of the bearing 34C. As a result, the stand 36 rotates about the rotation shaft 36B, and its posture is changed between a lying position (see FIG. 2) and an upright position.

[0048] A distal end of a wire 38 is connected to the stand 36. The wire 38 is connected to the distal end of the stand 36, on the opposite side to the side where the rotation axis 36B is formed, and at a position adjacent to the treatment tool guiding surface 36A.

[0049] The tip cap 34 configured in this manner is a type to which the stand 36 is attached in advance, and the wire 38 is also connected in advance to the stand 36. When the treatment with the endoscope 10 is completed, the tip cap 34 in this example is removed from the tip body 32 and discarded, for example, as a disposable item together with the stand 36 and the wire 38. The stand 36 may be attached to the tip body 32 instead of the tip cap 34.

[0050] Hereinafter, a description will be given of the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. The wire fixing mechanism 78 has the sliding lever 80 and the fixing unit 82 as described above.

[0051] First, a configuration and a procedure for mounting the fixing unit 82 to the operation portion main body 46 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 8. Fig. 3 to Fig. 8 are perspective views each showing an enlarged view of a portion on the base end side of the operation portion main body 46.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical connection portion 25 with a lead-out port 23 for leading out the proximal end side of the wire 38 is provided on the proximal end surface 46A of the operation unit main body 46. This connection portion 25 protrudes in the Y(-) direction from the proximal end surface 46A, and the proximal end side of the wire 38 protrudes in the Y(-) direction from the lead-out port 23. Note that the wire 38 protrudes from a position eccentric with respect to the axis 25A of the connection portion 25.

[0053] The wire 38 includes a long wire main body 38A and a locked portion 39 that is located on the proximal end side of the wire main body 38A and has an outer shape larger than that of the wire main body 38A. In FIG. 3, a cylinder is illustrated as the shape of the locked portion 39, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a sphere may be used as long as the outer shape is larger than that of the wire main body 38A. In the following description, when the wire 38 is described, it mainly refers to the wire main body 38A.

[0054] Here, the protruding length of the wire 38 protruding from the connection portion 25 will be briefly described. FIG. 4 shows a wire 38 having a longer protruding length than the wire 38 shown in FIG. 3. The wires 38 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 both have the same length, but the reason for the different protruding lengths of such wires 38 having the same length is due to the state of the flexible portion 26 (see FIG. 1) or the curved portion 28.

[0055] That is, when the flexible portion 26 is in a loop state or the curved portion 28 is in a curved state, the wire channel 40 (see FIG. 2) through which the wire 38 is inserted extends and the insertion path of the wire 38 becomes longer. For this reason, the wire 38 becomes relatively shorter with respect to the insertion path of the wire 38, and as a result, the shorter protruding length shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. On the other hand, when the flexible portion 26 or the curved portion 28 is in a straight state, the wire channel 40 does not extend, and as a result, the longer protruding length shown in FIG. 4 is obtained. Note that the wire fixing mechanism 78 in this example is configured to be able to fix the wire 38 without being affected by the protruding length of the wire 38, and this configuration will be described later.

[0056] Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the wire fixing mechanism 78 is attached to the operation unit main body 46 shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0057] First, as shown in FIG. 5, the fixing unit 82 is opposed to the locked portion 39 of the wire 38. At this time, in the Y-axis direction parallel to the wire axis direction, the open end 84A of the cam groove 84 provided in the fixing unit 82 is aligned with the cam pin 86 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 25. This cam groove 84 is formed to be inclined from the open end 84A toward the Y(-) direction.

[0058] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, while advancing the fixing unit 82 in the Y(+) direction toward the connecting portion 25, the locked portion 39 and the wire 38 are housed inside the fixing unit 82. Hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "wire housing operation".

[0059] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when the cam pin 86 is housed in the open end 84A of the cam groove 84 (see FIG. 5), the fixing unit 82 is rotated in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow B from the state of FIG. 7 with the axis 25A (see FIG. 4) eccentric from the wire 38 as the rotation axis. In this case, the sliding lever 80 is rotated to rotate the fixing unit 82. Then, due to the guiding action of the cam groove 84 and the cam pin 86, the fixing unit 82 is pushed in the Y(+) direction. And in the posture of FIG. 8 where the cam pin 86 reaches the end of the cam groove 84, the fixing unit 82 is attached to the operation unit main body 46 via the connecting portion 25. Hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "rotational attachment operation". Therefore, the fixing unit 82 is attached to the operation unit main body 46 by going through the above "wire housing operation" and "rotational attachment operation". Note that the above "wire housing operation" and "rotational attachment operation" can be executed by one action.

[0060] Here, the rotation operation of the sliding lever 80 performed during the "rotational attachment operation" is an operation of rotating it to one side in the first rotation direction around the axis 25A corresponding to the first direction parallel to the wire axis direction. Therefore, it corresponds to the first rotation operation of the present invention.

[0061] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the configuration and procedure for connecting the sliding lever 80 to the upright operation lever 20 side will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the proximal end side of the operation unit main body 46.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, the operation unit main body 46 has a link member 88 connected to the upright operation lever 20. This link member 88 is provided so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis of the upright operation lever 20, and is rotated in the same direction in conjunction with the rotation operation of the upright operation lever 20. An opening 90 is formed in the link member 88, and the sliding lever 80 is detachably connected to the upright operation lever 20 via the link member 88 by engaging a claw portion 92 provided on the sliding lever 80 with the opening 90. This claw portion 92 functions as the lever connecting portion of the present invention.

[0063] On the other hand, the sliding lever 80 is rotatably connected to the fixed unit 82 via a first shaft 94 that can be selectively switched and a second shaft 96 shown by a broken line. Although details will be described later, when the sliding lever 80 shown in FIG. 8 is pushed down in the direction indicated by arrow C toward the link member 88, the sliding lever 80 first rotates about the first shaft 94 as the rotation axis and approaches the link member 88 as shown in FIG. 9. After that, when the above-described pushing-down operation is continued, the sliding lever 80 rotates about the second shaft 96 as the rotation axis, and the claw portion 92 engages with the opening 90 (see FIG. 9) as shown in FIG. 10. Hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "lever connection operation". Therefore, the sliding lever 80 is connected to the upright operation lever 20 side through the above-described "wire housing operation", "rotational mounting operation", and "lever connection operation". Thus, the wire fixing mechanism 78 is attached to the operation unit main body 46. FIG. 10 is a front view of the operation unit main body 46 as viewed from the X(+) direction side.

[0064] Here, the axial centers of the first shaft 94 and the second shaft 96 are orthogonal to the axial center 25A (see FIG. 7). And since the rotation operation of the sliding lever 80 performed during the "lever connection operation" is an operation of rotating it to one side in the second rotation direction centered on the second direction orthogonal to the axial center 25A, it corresponds to the second rotation operation of the present invention.

[0065] In addition, FIG. 10 shows a state in which the raising operation lever 20 is located at the lowering operation position. That is, the wire fixing mechanism 78 of this example is connected to the raising operation lever 20 located at the lowering operation position via a link member 88. Also, as will be described in detail later, the engaged portion 39 of the wire 38 (see FIG. 4) is fixed to the fixed unit 82 through the above-mentioned "wire storing operation", "rotation mounting operation" and "lever connecting operation". In addition, in the embodiment, as one of the preferable aspects, the lever connecting operation is performed at the lowering operation position, but this is not limited thereto, and the lever connecting operation may be performed at a position other than the lowering operation position. For example, the lever connecting operation may be performed at the raising operation position, or between the raising operation position and the lowering operation position.

[0066] In Fig. 10, when the attitude of the stand 36 (see Fig. 2) is changed by rotating the standing operation lever 20, the standing operation lever 20 in Fig. 10, which is located at the lowering operation position, is rotated in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow U (see Fig. 10) toward the standing operation position shown in Fig. 11. Then, the link member 88 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the sliding lever 80 connected to the link member 88 moves in the Y(-) direction, and the fixed unit 82 connected to the sliding lever 80 moves in the Y(-) direction. Since the engaged portion 39 of the wire 38 (see Fig. 2) is fixed to this fixed unit 82, the wire 38 is pulled in the Y(-) direction by the above-mentioned rotating operation of the standing operation lever 20. As a result, the attitude of the stand 36 connected to the tip of the wire 38 is changed from the lowering position in Fig. 2 to the standing position.

[0067] Conversely, when the upright stand 36 is to be laid down, the upright operation lever 20 shown in FIG. 11, which is in the upright operation position, is rotated in the clockwise direction indicated by arrow D (see FIG. 11) toward the laid-down operation position shown in FIG. 10. Then, the link member 88 (see FIG. 9) rotates in the clockwise direction, the sliding lever 80 connected to the link member 88 moves in the Y(+) direction, and the fixed unit 82 connected to the sliding lever 80 moves in the Y(+) direction. As a result, the wire 38 is pushed in the Y(+) direction, and the posture of the upright stand 36 is changed from the upright position to the laid-down position shown in FIG. 2.

[0068] When releasing the connection state between the sliding lever 80 and the link member 88, as shown in FIG. 10, the lock release member 98 protruding from the tip of the sliding lever 80 is pushed into the link member 88 in the direction of arrow E. Thereby, the claw portion 92 is pushed by the lock release member 98 and retracts from the opening portion 90, enabling the release of the above connection state.

[0069] Next, the fixed unit 82 will be described. FIG. 12 is a front view of the fixed unit 82.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 12, the fixed unit 82 has a wire catch 100 that detachably locks and fixes the base end side of the wire 38, and a catch guide 102 that guides the wire catch 100 in the wire axis direction (Y-axis direction) of the wire 38. The wire catch 100 has a catch body 104 and a fixing member 106. Although details will be described later, among the constituent members of the fixed unit 82, the member that moves in the Y-axis direction due to the operation of the above sliding lever 80 (lever connection operation and driving operation of the upright stand 36) is the wire catch 100, and the catch guide 102 does not move.

[0071] The catch guide 102 is provided with a cylindrical connecting portion 108 having a cam groove 84 at the end on the Y(+) direction side, and this connecting portion 108 is connected to the connecting portion 25 of the operation unit main body 46 (see FIG. 6). Further, a cap 107 is attached to the end on the Y(-) direction side of the catch guide 102. Claw portions 110, 110 are formed on both walls of this cap 107, and the cap 107 is detachably attached to the catch guide 102 by engaging the claw portions 110, 110 with the grooves 112, 112 on both walls of the catch guide 102.

[0072] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the main part when the cap 107 is removed from the catch guide 102 shown in FIG. 12.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 13, the catch guide 102 has a catch guide groove 114 extending in the wire axis direction at the center, and the first shaft 94 is slidably engaged and guided along this catch guide groove 114. This first shaft 94 is a shaft that constitutes one of the rotation axes of the sliding lever 80 as described above, and is fixed to the catch body 104. This first shaft 94 functions as the catch body axis of the present invention. Further, the lever bearing hole 80A (see FIG. 14) of the sliding lever 80 is rotatably engaged with the first shaft 94.

[0074] Here, once, the configuration of the sliding lever 80 will be described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the main part of the sliding lever 80.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 14, the sliding lever 80 has a pair of plate-like portions 120, 120 that sandwich and hold the fixed unit 82 (see FIG. 5), and a lever main body 122 integrated with the plate-like portions 120, 120.

[0076] On the inner surfaces of the plate-like portions 120, 120 facing each other, a second shaft 96, which is one of the rotation shafts of the sliding lever 80, is provided, and this second shaft 96 protrudes toward the surface 102A of the catch guide 102 shown in FIG. 13. Further, on the plate-like portions 120, 120, substantially L-shaped cam grooves 124 are formed at positions facing each other, and a pin 126 provided on a fixing member 106 (see FIG. 13) is engaged with the cam grooves 124. This pin 126 functions as the fixing member shaft of the present invention. The cam groove 124 will be described later.

[0077] Further, bosses 121 are provided on the inner surfaces of the plate-like portions 120, 120 facing each other, and these bosses 121 protrude toward the surface 102A of the catch guide 102 shown in FIG. 13. Further, on the surface 102A, a boss hole 103 with which the boss 121 elastically engages is formed. Therefore, when the boss 121 engages with the boss hole 103, the sliding lever 80 is held in the posture shown in FIGS. 5 to 8. Further, by releasing the engagement state of the boss 121 with respect to the boss hole 103, the rotation operation of the sliding lever 80 is permitted. This boss 121 functions as the first lever contact portion of the present invention.

[0078] Further, on the surface 102A of the catch guide 102, a first restricting surface 105 with which the boss 121 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 13 can abut is formed. This first restricting surface 105 abuts on the boss 121 to restrict the movement of the sliding lever 80 when the pin 126 is present in a first cam groove portion 125A (see FIG. 21) of the cam groove 124 described later. By this first restricting surface 105, the sliding lever 80 can rotate about the first shaft 94. Further, the first restricting surface 105 is constituted by an arcuate surface centered on the first shaft 94. Thereby, the sliding lever 80 can rotate smoothly about the first shaft 94.

[0079] Further, a second regulating surface 116 is formed on the surface 102A of the catch guide 102. This second regulating surface 116 is a surface that can contact the second shaft 96 when the above regulation of the sliding lever 80 by the first regulating surface 105 is released. That is, the first regulating surface 105 is formed only up to a position corresponding to the position where the second shaft 96 contacts the second regulating surface 116, and the regulation is released when the second shaft 96 contacts the second regulating surface 116. Note that the release of the regulation of the sliding lever 80 by the first regulating surface 105 may be performed simultaneously with the contact of the second shaft 96 with the second regulating surface 116, or may be performed before or after the contact of the second shaft 96 with the second regulating surface 116. Further, the second regulating surface 116 contacts the second shaft 96 and restricts the movement of the sliding lever 80 when the pin 126 is present in a second cam groove portion 125B (see FIG. 21) of the cam groove 124 described later. By this second regulating surface 116, the sliding lever 80 can rotate about the second shaft 96 while moving the second shaft 96 along the second regulating surface 116. This second shaft 96 functions as a second lever contact portion of the present invention.

[0080] The second regulating surface 116 is formed to be inclined in the Y(+) direction from the catch guide groove 114 toward the outside of the catch guide 102. When the second shaft 96 contacts and moves on the second regulating surface 116, the rotation axis of the sliding lever 80 is switched from the first shaft 94 to the second shaft 96 during the "lever connection operation (second rotation operation)" by the sliding lever 80.

[0081] Here, the rotation axis switching operation will be described. In the first half of the "lever connection operation", the sliding lever 80 rotates about the first axis 94 as the rotation axis. At this time, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 13, the second axis 96 moves from the position on the left side with respect to the second regulation surface 116 toward the second regulation surface 116. Then, at the end of the first half of the "lever connection operation", the regulation of the boss 121 by the first regulation surface 105 is released, the second axis 96 abuts against the second regulation surface 116, and the second regulation surface 116 regulates the movement of the sliding lever 80. Then, in the second half of the "lever connection operation", since rotation about the second axis 96 becomes possible, the sliding lever 80 rotates about the second axis 96 as the rotation axis. The above is the switching operation described above.

[0082] Next, the catch body 104 of the wire catch 100 will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state immediately before the wire fixing mechanism 78 is attached to the operation unit main body 46. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing unit 82 taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the catch body 104 has a cylindrical portion 130, a pair of first axes 94, 94 projecting from the cylindrical portion 130 in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the cylindrical portion 130 (coinciding with the axis 25A which is the rotation axis of the fixing unit 82), and a guide portion 132 projecting from the cylindrical portion 130 in the Y(-) direction. A catch body groove 133 extending in the wire axis direction is formed in the guide portion 132. The catch body groove 133 is provided at a position overlapping the catch guide groove 114, and a pin 126 (see FIG. 13) is inserted therein. This pin 126 is a cam pin engaged with the cam groove 124 of the sliding lever 80, and by being guided by the cam groove 124, it can move forward and backward along the catch body groove 133.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 16, the cylindrical portion 130 has a locking hole 137 through which the locked portion 39 (see FIG. 17) can be inserted and locked. This locking hole 137 is formed as a through hole penetrating in the Y-axis direction with respect to the cylindrical portion 130.

[0085] The locking hole 137 has a first hole 134 sized to allow the locked portion 39 to pass through, and a second hole 136 sized larger than the outer shape of the wire body 38A and smaller than the outer shape of the locked portion 39, and the first hole 134 and the second hole 136 have a continuous opening shape.

[0086] Also, the locking hole 137 is provided at a position eccentric from the axis 25A which is the rotation axis of the fixing unit 82, and the first hole 134 and the second hole 136 are continuously formed along the rotation locus centered on the axis 25A. Note that the eccentricity of the locking hole 137 with respect to the axis 25A is set to be substantially equal to the eccentricity of the wire 38 with respect to the axis 25A shown in FIG. 4.

[0087] According to the catch body 104 configured as described above, during the "wire housing operation" (see FIG. 6), the locked portion 39 is housed in the first hole 134. Then, the locked portion 39 passes through the first hole 134 and protrudes from the first hole 134 to the outside as shown in FIG. 17. And at the end of the "wire housing operation" (see FIG. 7), as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 18, the wire 38 protrudes in the Y(-) direction from the first hole 134.

[0088] Thereafter, during the "rotational mounting operation (first rotation operation)" by the sliding lever 80 (see FIG. 7), the catch body 104 rotates in the direction of arrow B about the axis 25A together with the catch guide 102, so that the first hole 134 moves away from the wire 38. And at the end of the "rotational mounting operation", as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 19, the wire 38 is housed in the second hole 136. By this operation, the locked portion 39 is inserted into the locking hole 137, and the fixing unit 82 of the wire fixing mechanism 78 is mounted on the operation unit main body 46. That is, according to the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the embodiment, the insertion of the locked portion 39 into the locking hole 137 is made possible by mounting the wire fixing mechanism 78 on the operation unit main body 46.

[0089] FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing an example of the positional relationship between the catch body 104 and the fixing member 106 at the end of the "rotational mounting operation" shown in FIG. 19.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 20, the fixing member 106 is disposed on the Y(-) direction side with respect to the catch main body 104. An opening 135 capable of receiving the engaged portion 39 is formed in the fixing hole 138 formed in the end surface 106A on the Y(+) direction side of the fixing member 106.

[0091] The fixing hole 138 is formed at a position facing the second hole 136 shown in FIG. 19 in the Y-axis direction, and has a bottom portion 138A that engages with the engaged portion 39 inside. Further, the fixing hole 138 has a conical guide surface 139 that tapers from the opening 135 toward the bottom portion 138A. This guide surface 139 is not essential, but it is preferable to provide it in the fixing hole 138 from the viewpoint of smoothly guiding the engaged portion 39 to the bottom portion 138A. As shown in FIG. 20, at the end of the "rotational mounting operation" (i.e., before the start of the "lever connection operation"), the engaged portion 39 is not engaged with the bottom portion 138A and is positioned at a position separated from the bottom portion 138A toward the Y(+) direction side.

[0092] FIG. 21 is a front view of the wire fixing mechanism 78 at the end of the "rotational mounting operation" shown in FIG. 19, and is a view showing the plate-shaped portion 120 of the sliding lever 80 in a perspective manner.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 21, at the end of the "rotational mounting operation", the boss 121 is fitted into the boss hole 103, the second shaft 96 is positioned above the left side in FIG. 21 with respect to the second regulating surface 116, and the pin 126 is positioned at the right end 124A of the cam groove 124.

[0094] Here, the cam groove 124 will be described. The cam groove 124 has a shape in which a linear first cam groove portion 125A and a curved second cam groove portion 125B are continuous. The first cam groove portion 125A has a function of changing the relative distance between the catch main body 104 and the fixing member 106 by moving the fixing member 106 in the Y-axis direction in cooperation with the pin 126. Further, the second cam groove portion 125B has a function of maintaining the relative distance between the catch main body 104 and the fixing member 106 by moving the fixing member 106 in the Y-axis direction integrally with the catch main body 104.

[0095] Specifically, when starting the "lever connection operation (second rotation operation)" from the state of FIG. 21, as shown in FIG. 22, the boss 121 disengages from the boss hole 103 and is guided by the first regulating surface 105, and the sliding lever 80 rotates clockwise on FIG. 22 with the first shaft 94 as the rotation axis. Then, by this rotation, the pin 126 moves along the first cam groove portion 125A. By this movement, the fixing member 106 moves in the Y(+) direction and approaches the catch body 104. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, during the "lever connection operation", the bottom portion 138A of the fixing hole 138 of the fixing member 106 engages with the engaged portion 39.

[0096] Then, when continuing the "lever connection operation" from the positions of FIGS. 22 and 23, the pin 126 moves along the first cam groove portion 125A, so that the fixing member 106 further moves in the Y(+) direction. As a result, the wire 38 is pushed into the Y(+) direction by the fixing member 106.

[0097] Then, as shown in FIG. 24, when the second shaft 96 abuts against the second regulating surface 116, that is, when the first half of the "lever connection operation" ends, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 25, the fixing member 106 abuts against the cylindrical portion 130 of the catch body 104. At this time, the regulation of the boss 121 by the first regulating surface 105 is released. As a result, the engaged portion 39 is locked to the second hole 136 of the catch body 104, and the engaged portion 39 is sandwiched between the fixing hole 138 and the end surface 130A on the Y(-) side of the cylindrical portion 130. Thereby, the locking state between the engaged portion 39 and the second hole 136 is fixed by the fixing member 106, and the engaged portion 39 is reliably fixed to the fixing unit 82. That is, according to the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the embodiment, the locking of the engaged portion 39 to the locking hole 137 and the fixing of the locking state between the engaged portion 39 and the locking hole 137 can be achieved by rotating the sliding lever 80.

[0098] Here, the position of the fixing member 106 shown in FIG. 25 is the fixed position, and the position of the fixing member 106 shown in FIG. 20 is the release position. The fixing member 106 is movable between the fixed position and the release position. And the wire fixing mechanism 78 enables the movement of the fixing member 106 to the fixed position by means of a "lever connection operation (second rotation operation)".

[0099] Also, at the above-mentioned fixed position, since the locked portion 39 is engaged with the bottom portion 138A of the fixing hole 138, the movement of the wire 38 in a direction orthogonal to the wire axis direction is restricted by the bottom portion 138A. Thereby, at the above-mentioned fixed position, the movement of the wire 38 from the second hole 136 to the first hole 134 is blocked, so that the above-mentioned locked state can be maintained. Here, the inner wall surface of the bottom portion 138A functions as the restricting surface of the present invention. The inner wall surface of the bottom portion 138A is at least a part of the inner wall surface of the fixing hole 138.

[0100] On the other hand, when starting the latter half of the "lever connection operation" from the position of FIG. 24, since the restriction of the boss 121 by the first restricting surface 105 is released, as shown in FIG. 26, the second shaft 96 moves along the second restricting surface 116 while the sliding lever 80 rotates clockwise about the second shaft 96 as the rotation center. By this operation, the catch body 104 moves in the Y(-) direction via the first shaft 94, and the pin 126 moves along the second cam groove portion 125B, so that the fixing member 106 moves in the Y(-) direction integrally with the catch body 104. By this operation, the wire 38 pushed in the Y(+) direction is pulled up in the Y(-) direction.

[0101] Then, the "lever connection operation" ends at the toppling operation position of FIG. 27 where the claw portion 92 of the sliding lever 80 is connected to the link member 88 (see FIG. 10), and the above-mentioned movement of the catch body 104 and the fixing member 106 stops. That is, according to the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the embodiment, the connection between the claw portion 92 of the sliding lever 80 and the link member 88 is made possible by rotating the sliding lever 80.

[0102] Also, at the end of the "lever connection operation", the proximal end of the wire 38 is pulled up to the folding operation position by the upright operation lever 20. Also, the pin 126 is located at the left end 124B of the cam groove 124. The above is an outline of the operations of the catch main body 104 and the fixing member 106.

[0103] As described above, the rotation operation of the sliding lever 80 of the embodiment includes a "rotation mounting operation (first rotation operation)" and a "lever connection operation (second rotation operation)". By combining the first rotation operation and the second rotation operation, the locking of the locked portion 39 to the locking hole 137, the fixing of the locked state between the locked portion 39 and the locking hole 137, and the connection between the claw portion 92 of the sliding lever 80 and the link member 88 can be performed.

[0104] Therefore, according to the endoscope 10 having the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the embodiment, the insertion of the locked portion 39 into the locking hole 137 can be made possible by mounting the fixing unit 82 on the operation unit main body 46, and the locking of the locked portion 39 to the locking hole 137, the fixing of the locked state between the locked portion 39 and the locking hole 137, and the connection between the claw portion 92 of the sliding lever 80 and the link member 88 can be made possible by the rotation operation of the sliding lever 80. Thus, the wire 38 can be securely fixed to the wire fixing mechanism 78 with a simple operation.

[0105] Next, an example of the procedure for removing the wire fixing mechanism 78 from the operation unit main body 46 will be described.

[0106] First, the sliding lever 80 is reversely rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation operation during the "lever connection operation (second rotation operation)". By this reverse rotation operation, the connection between the sliding lever 80 and the link member 88 can be released, and the fixed state of the locked state between the locked portion 39 and the locking hole 137 can be released. Here, since the above reverse rotation operation is an operation of rotating the sliding lever 80 to the other side opposite to one side in the second rotation direction, it corresponds to the third rotation operation of the present invention.

[0107] Next, reverse-rotate the sliding lever 80 in the direction opposite to the rotation operation during the "rotational attachment operation (first rotation operation)". By this reverse-rotation operation, the locking between the locked portion 39 and the locking hole 137 can be released. After this, the fixed unit 82 is detached from the operation unit main body 46. As a result, the insertion of the locked portion 39 into the locking hole 137 is released, and the wire fixing mechanism 78 can be removed from the operation unit main body 46. Here, since the above reverse-rotation operation is an operation of rotating the sliding lever 80 to the other side opposite to one side in the first rotation direction, it corresponds to the fourth rotation operation of the present invention.

[0108] As described above, the reverse-rotation operation of the sliding lever 80 of the embodiment includes the third rotation operation and the fourth rotation operation. By the combination of the third rotation operation and the fourth rotation operation, the connection between the sliding lever 80 and the link member 88 can be released, the fixed state of the locked state between the locked portion 39 and the locking hole 137 can be released, and the locking between the locked portion 39 and the locking hole 137 can be released. Further, the wire fixing mechanism 78 can move the fixing member 106 from the fixed position to the release position by the above third rotation operation.

[0109] Hereinafter, the operating range of the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the embodiment will be described.

[0110] The operating range of the wire fixing mechanism 78 has a "wire fixing range" in which the wire catch 100 operates by the "lever connection operation" of the sliding lever 80 and a "driving range" in which the wire catch 100 operates by the rotation operation of the standing operation lever 20. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the above "wire fixing range" and "driving range".

[0111] As described above, even if the wires 38 have the same length, the protruding length of the wire 38 protruding from the connecting portion 25 differs depending on the state of the flexible portion 26 or the curved portion 28 (see FIG. 1). According to FIG. 28, even if the protruding length of the wire 38 is long (see XXVIIIA in FIG. 28) or short (see XXVIIIB in FIG. 28), the wire catch 100 operates in the "wire fixing range", so that the wire catch 100 locks the locked portion 39 into the locking hole 137 and fixes the locked state between the locked portion 39 and the locking hole 137, and therefore the wire is reliably fixed to the wire fixing mechanism 78.

[0112] Therefore, according to the wire fixing mechanism 78 of the embodiment, the wire 38 can be fixed reliably regardless of the protruding length of the wire 38.

[0113] In the embodiment, the wire fixing mechanism 78 can pull up the base end of the wire 38 to the lowering operation position by the standing operation lever 20, regardless of the extension length of the wire 38, by the wire catch 100 operating within the "wire fixing range". This makes it possible to keep the positional relationship between the position of the standing platform 36 and the position of the standing operation lever 20 constant, regardless of the extension length of the wire 38.

[0114] Next, we will explain a preferred embodiment of the wire fixing mechanism 78. This wire fixing mechanism 78 is equipped with a tip cap removal jig.

[0115] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the wire-fixing mechanism 78 as viewed from the side of the cap 107. As shown in Figure 29, the cap 107 of the wire-fixing mechanism 78 includes a tip cap removal jig 200. The tip cap removal jig 200 is provided in the cap 107 and includes an accommodation space portion 204 having an opening 206 at one end, an engagement release portion 208 provided in the cap 107, and a holding portion 210 provided in the jig body.

[0116] The accommodation space portion 204 is formed inside the cap 107 and has an opening 206 at one end. The accommodation space portion 204 has a size and shape capable of accommodating the tip cap 34 through the opening 206. The size and shape of the accommodation space portion 204 can be defined by the inner wall of the cap 107.

[0117] The unlocking portion 208 is provided in the accommodation space portion 204 of the cap 107. When the tip portion main body 32 with the tip cap 34 attached is accommodated in the accommodation space portion 204, the unlocking portion 208 releases the locking (see FIG. 44) between the locking portion 190 of the tip cap 34 and the stopper portion 177 of the tip portion main body 32 described later. When the locking between the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32 is released, the tip cap 34 can be removed from the tip portion main body 32.

[0118] The holding portion 210 is provided in the accommodation space portion 204 of the cap 107. In a state where the locking between the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32 is released, the holding portion 210 holds the tip cap 34. The holding portion 210 has a role of holding the tip cap 34 to the cap 107. Therefore, when the cap 107 is moved in a direction away from the tip portion main body 32, the tip cap 34 can be pulled out from the tip portion main body 32 integrally with the cap 107.

[0119] In the tip cap removal jig 200 of FIG. 29, the unlocking portion 208 and the holding portion 210 are provided at positions facing each other with the accommodation space portion 204 interposed therebetween. However, it is not limited to this position.

[0120] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the cap 107 including the tip cap removal jig 200 cut along a plane parallel to the central axis CL and passing through the unlocking portion 208 and the holding portion 210.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 30, the cap 107 includes an accommodation space portion 204, an unlocking portion 208, a holding portion 210, and an opening portion 224, which constitute the tip cap removal jig 200.

[0122] The locking release portion 208 is provided in the accommodation space portion 204 of the cap 107, extends toward the opening portion 206, and has a tapered shape as it extends toward the opening portion 206. As will be described later, the locking release portion 208 is inserted into the third opening portion 185 (see FIG. 32) of the tip cap 34 to release the locking between the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32.

[0123] The holding portion 210 is provided in the accommodation space portion 204 of the cap 107, extends toward the opening portion 206, and includes a claw portion 214 on the side facing the opening portion 206. The claw portion 214 protrudes toward the central axis CL. The holding portion 210 is supported in a cantilever manner on the side opposite to the opening portion 206, and due to the elastic deformation of the holding portion 210, the claw portion 214 can be displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow as a free end (see FIG. 43).

[0124] Further, the claw portion 214 has an inclined surface on the side of the opening portion 206 and a flat surface on the side opposite to the opening portion 206. The inclined surface approaches the central axis CL as it moves away from the opening portion 206. On the other hand, the flat surface is substantially orthogonal to the central axis CL. The holding portion 210 shown in FIG. 30 has a structure that can be snap-fitted to the tip cap 34 as will be described later.

[0125] The cap 107 has an opening portion 224 that opens into the accommodation space portion 204 on the side of the other end opposite to the opening portion 206 at one end. The opening portion 224 is formed to have a size that allows the tip cap 34 to be discharged from the accommodation space portion 204 to the outside.

[0126] Next, the structures of the tip portion main body 32 and the tip cap 34 in which the tip cap removal jig 200 provided on the cap 107 is preferably used will be described.

[0127] <Tip portion main body> FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the tip portion 30, and FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the tip portion 30 seen from an angle different from FIG. 31. The tip portion 30 is composed of a tip portion main body 32 and a tip cap 34.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 32, two stopper portions 177 are formed on the base end wall portion 65 of the tip end portion main body 32 in the X(+) direction opposite to the partition wall 68. The two stopper portions 177 are arranged along the Z direction. A groove portion 178 is defined by the two stopper portions 177.

[0129] A locking portion 190 provided on the tip cap 34 described later is locked to the two stopper portions 177. The Y(-) direction side of the stopper portion 177 includes a plane substantially orthogonal to the Y direction. On the other hand, the Y(+) direction side of the stopper portion 177 includes an inclined surface so that the locking portion 190 can easily climb over when the tip cap 34 is attached to the tip end portion main body 32.

[0130] <Tip cap> FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the tip cap 34 from which the standing base 36 and the wire 38 are removed. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the tip cap 34 from which the wire 38 is removed, seen from the base end side.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 31 to 34, the tip cap 34, the standing base 36, and the wire 38 are attached to the tip end portion main body 32 before use (treatment, inspection, etc.) of the endoscope 10. The tip cap 34, the standing base 36, and the wire 38 are so-called disposable items that are removed from the tip end portion main body 32 and discarded after the completion of their use.

[0132] The tip cap 34 has a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape and is detachably attached to the tip end portion main body 32. When the tip cap 34 is attached to the tip end portion main body 32, it forms a standing base accommodation space 66 (see FIGS. 31 and 32) for accommodating the standing base 36 together with the base end wall portion 65 and the partition wall 68. Since FIGS. 31 and 32 are exploded perspective views, the standing base accommodation space 66 formed after attaching the tip cap 34 to the tip end portion main body 32 is shown in the tip cap 34.

[0133] The distal cap 34 has a main body portion 180, a first opening 181 formed in the main body portion 180, a distal end face portion 182, a second opening 183, a groove portion 184, and a third opening 185 (see FIG. 32), a bearing 186, and a wall member 187 (see FIG. 33).

[0134] The main body portion 180 has a substantially cylindrical shape and constitutes a wall that surrounds the treatment tool outlet 60 and the partition wall 68.

[0135] When the distal end portion 30 is viewed from the Z(+)-direction side of the distal end portion 30, the first opening 181 exposes the upright base housing space 66 and the upper surface of the partition wall 68 (such as the illumination window 74 and the observation window 76). As a result, it becomes possible to lead out the treatment tool from the upright base housing space 66 in the Z(+)-direction side, and to illuminate and photograph the subject as described above.

[0136] The main body portion 180 is opened by the first opening 181. The main body portion 180 does not need to be closed over the entire circumference. On the other hand, it is preferable that the proximal end side of the main body portion 180 is a closed ring shape so as to surround the distal end portion main body 32 in the circumferential direction.

[0137] The distal end face portion 182 is connected to the main body portion 180 and is provided on the distal end side in the Y(+)-direction of the distal cap 34. The distal end face portion 182 covers the distal end face on the Y(+)-direction side of the distal end portion main body 32. The distal end face portion 182 and the main body portion 180 make the distal cap 34 have a generally bottomed cylindrical shape as a whole. A second opening 183 that exposes the upright base housing space 66 is formed in the distal end face portion 182 when viewed from the distal end side of the distal cap 34 (when the distal cap 34 is viewed from the position on the Y(+)-direction side of the distal cap 34). Note that the second opening 183 may not be formed.

[0138] The groove portion 184 is formed along the Y direction from the distal end side to the proximal end side outside the X(+)-direction side of the main body portion 180 (see FIG. 32). The third opening 185 is formed on the proximal end side (Y(-)-direction side) of the groove portion 184. The third opening 185 is disposed at a position facing the groove portion 178 of the proximal end wall portion 65 when the distal cap 34 is attached to the distal end portion main body 32.

[0139] The bearing 186 (see FIGS. 33 and 34) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip cap 34 that defines the bottom surface (Z(-) direction side) of the upright base accommodation space 66, and holds the upright base 36 rotatably between the fallen position and the upright position via the rotating shaft 188 (see FIG. 34).

[0140] As shown in FIG. 33, the wall member 187 has a shape that extends in the Y(+) direction at a position on the X(+) direction side with respect to the bearing 186 inside the main body portion 180. The wall member 187 protrudes in the X(-) direction with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 180. When viewed from the Z(+) direction side position of the tip portion 30, the wall member 187 at least partially overlaps the locus of the wire 38 (not shown). That is, the wall member 187 is formed at a position that fills the gap on the Z(-) direction side of the locus of the wire 38. Thereby, the wall member 187 can prevent the tip of the treatment tool from entering into this gap.

[0141] The wall member 187 is provided with a locking portion 190 at the proximal end side that is locked to the stopper portion 177 of the proximal end wall portion 65 (see FIGS. 33 and 34). The locking portion 190 is a mounting member that can be locked to the stopper portion 177 of the tip portion main body 32 when the tip cap 34 is mounted on the tip portion main body 32. The locking portion 190 is arranged so as not to overlap the third opening 185. The wall member 187 is fixed to the bearing 186 together with the upright base 36 by the rotating shaft 188. Since the wall member 187 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 180, it is not exposed outside the tip cap 34.

[0142] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the wall member 187 as seen from the proximal end side, which is an enlarged view. The locking portion 190 extends from the wall member 187 toward the X(+) direction side, further extends toward the Y(-) direction side, and includes two support members 191 having an L-shaped configuration when viewed from the Z(+) direction side. The two support members 191 are arranged to be spaced apart in the Z direction so as not to overlap the third opening 185 (see FIG. 34). The two support members 191 each have a claw portion 192 extending toward the X(-) direction side at the proximal end side thereof. The Y(+) direction side of the claw portion 192 is configured by a plane substantially orthogonal to the Y direction. On the other hand, the Y(-) direction side of the claw portion 192 is configured by an inclined surface that gradually extends toward the Y(-) direction as it extends from the X(-) direction toward the X(+) direction. A connecting member 193 for connecting the two support members 191 is provided.

[0143] The two support members 191 are cantilever-supported by the wall member 187, and the two support members 191 are elastically deformable with this support portion as a fulcrum. The two claw portions 192 are free ends and are displaceable in the X direction as shown by the arrow.

[0144] <Mounting of the tip cap and the tip portion main body> Next, the mounting of the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32 will be described. In FIGS. 36 to 40, for ease of understanding, the main body portion 180 of the tip cap 34 is appropriately shown by a virtual line, and the standing base 36 is omitted.

[0145] FIG. 36 shows a state before the tip cap 34 is mounted on the tip portion main body 32. When mounting the tip cap 34 on the tip portion main body 32, the positions of the groove portion 184 of the tip cap 34 and the stopper portion 177 of the proximal end wall portion 65 are adjusted. Next, as shown by the arrow, the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32 are moved in a direction relatively approaching each other along the Y direction.

[0146] Figure 37 shows the state just before the locking portion 190 of the wall member 187 is locked to the stopper portion 177 of the base end wall portion 65. When the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32 are brought closer from the state of Figure 36, as shown in Figure 37, the tip portion main body 32 is accommodated in the space portion of the tip cap 34 and approaches the position where the locking portion 190 and the stopper portion 177 come into contact. Figure 38 is a view of the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32 in the state of Figure 37 as seen from the Z(+) direction side. As shown in Figure 38, it approaches the position just before the claw portion 192 of the locking portion 190 comes into contact with the stopper portion 177. The claw portion 192 of the locking portion 190 is not locked to the stopper portion 177. There is a position where the inclined surface on the Y(+) direction side of the stopper portion 177 and the inclined surface of the claw portion 192 face each other.

[0147] Figure 39 shows the state where the locking portion 190 of the wall member 187 is locked to the stopper portion 177 of the base end wall portion 65. When the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32 are further brought closer from the state of Figure 38, the locking portion 190 is locked to the stopper portion 177. Figure 40 is a view of the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32 in the state of Figure 39 as seen from the Z(+) direction. As the relative movement along the Y direction between the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32 occurs, the claw portion 192 of the locking portion 190 comes into contact with the stopper portion 177.

[0148] As described above, the claw portion 192 is provided on the support member 191 that is cantilever-supported. Therefore, when the tip cap 34 is moved toward the tip portion main body 32, due to the elastic deformation of the support member 191, the claw portion 192 moves in the X(+) direction, and the side of the inclined surface of the claw portion 192 rides over the inclined surface of the stopper portion 177. When the tip cap 34 is moved to the mounting position with respect to the tip portion main body 32, the two claw portions 192 of the locking portion 190 overcome the two stopper portions 177, the elastic deformation of the support member 191 returns to the original state, and the claw portion 192 moves in the X(-) direction. The claw portion 192 is locked to the stopper portion 177. When the claw portion 192 overcomes the stopper portion 177, a clicking feeling occurs, so the operator can recognize that the tip cap 34 is attached to the tip portion main body 32.

[0149] Since the flat surface on the Y(-) direction side of the stopper portion 177 and the flat surface on the Y(+) direction side of the claw portion 192 of the locking portion 190 are locked, the tip cap 34 is restricted from moving in the Y(+) direction relative to the tip body 32, and the tip cap 34 is prevented from falling off from the tip body 32. According to the structure of the tip cap 34 and the tip body 32 described above, the surgeon can easily attach the tip cap 34 and the tip body 32.

[0150] <Removing the tip cap from the tip body> After the tip cap 34 is attached to the tip body 32, the tip 30 of the endoscope 10 shown in Fig. 1 is inserted into the subject. The treatment tool is directed in a desired direction of extraction inside the subject by the stand 36 of the tip 30.

[0151] After the procedure is completed, the tip cap 34 is removed and the tip body 32 is washed. Therefore, the tip cap 34 is required to be easily removable from the tip body 32 and to prevent damage or load from being applied to the endoscope 10 during removal.

[0152] Next, a procedure for removing the end cap 34 using the end cap removal tool 200 provided on the cap 107 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0153] FIG. 41 shows the state before the tip 30 is inserted into the tip cap removal tool 200. As described above, the tip cap 34 is attached to the tip body 32 with the locking portion 190 locked to the stopper portion 177. The tip 30 and the cap 107 are moved in a direction in which they approach each other relatively along the Y direction as shown by the arrow. It is preferable that the wire fixing mechanism 78 has, for example, an index 213 indicating the direction in which the tip cap 34 is accommodated in the accommodation space 204. The index 213 can guide the tip cap 34 to be inserted into the tip cap removal tool 200 in the correct direction. The index 113 is not particularly limited as long as it can be recognized by the surgeon, such as by printing or unevenness. The index 213 can be provided not only in one place but also in multiple places.

[0154] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the procedure for removing the tip cap 34. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the tip 30 and the cap 107 in the state of FIG. 41, cut by a plane perpendicular to the Z direction and passing through the unlocking portion 208 and the holding portion 210. For ease of understanding, the stand 36 and the wire 38 are omitted, and only the cap 107 of the wire fixing mechanism 78 is shown. Since the tip 30 is not housed in the tip cap removal jig 200, the tip cap 34 is in a state where it is attached to the tip body 32, that is, the locking portion 190 is locked to the stopper portion 177. As shown in the upper view of FIG. 42, a protrusion 220 is provided at the end on the base end side of the tip cap 34 to facilitate the engagement of the claw portion 214 of the holding portion 210 by snap fit.

[0155] Figure 43 shows the state just before the locking release portion 208 releases the lock between the tip cap 34 and the tip body 32, with the tip cap 34 of the tip portion 30 accommodated in the accommodation space 204 of the tip cap removal jig 200 provided on the cap 107.

[0156] As described above, the tip cap 34 is provided with a groove 184 along the Y direction. As shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 43, when the tip portion 30 is inserted into the tip cap removal jig 200 with the circumferential angles of the tip portion 30 and the tip cap removal jig 200 roughly aligned, the lock release portion 208 slidably engages with the groove 184 of the tip cap 34 and moves along the groove 184 toward the third opening 185. This allows fine adjustment of the positions of the tip portion 30 and the tip cap removal jig 200, and alignment is performed while the tip cap removal jig 200 is guided. The groove 184 of the tip cap 34 functions as a guide portion, and the lock release portion 208 functions as a guided portion. Although the case where the lock release portion 208 also serves as a guided portion has been described, a guided portion can be provided separately from the lock release portion 208. The lock release portion 208 is guided to the third opening 185 as shown in the lower diagram.

[0157] As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 43, when the holding portion 210 and the tip cap come into contact with each other, the holding portion 210 elastically deforms in the X(-) direction and moves toward the protruding portion 220 along the outer circumferential surface of the tip cap .

[0158] Figure 44 shows a state in which the tip cap 34 of the tip portion 30 is accommodated in the accommodation space portion 204 of the cap 107, the locking release portion 208 releases the lock between the tip cap 34 and the tip portion main body 32, and the holding portion 210 holds the end of the tip cap 34.

[0159] As shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 44, the unlocking portion 208 passes through the third opening 185 of the tip cap 34 and the groove portion 178 of the base end wall portion 65, and comes into contact with the connecting member 193 connecting the claw portion 192. Since the unlocking portion 208 is thicker on the Y(+) direction side, it moves the connecting member 193 in the X(+) direction as it moves in the Y(-) direction. As a result, the support member 191 (not shown) is elastically deformed in the X(+) direction, and the claw portion 192 of the locking portion 190 locked to the stopper portion 177 moves in the X(+) direction, and the locking between the locking portion 190 and the stopper portion 177 is released. That is, the locking between the tip cap 34 and the tip body 32 is released.

[0160] As shown in the upper diagram of Fig. 44, the holding portion 210 climbs over the protruding portion 220, the elastic deformation of the holding portion 210 returns to its original state (X(+) direction), and the claw portion 214 engages with the end of the tip cap 34 by snap-fit. The holding portion 210 of the embodiment is configured to be hooked onto the tip cap. When the claw portion 214 engages, it climbs over the protruding portion 220 and engages by snap-fit, so the surgeon can feel a clicking sensation and recognize that the tip portion 30 has been inserted to a predetermined position in the tip cap removal jig 200 (cap 107). The clicking sensation prevents the surgeon from pushing the tip portion 30 in more than necessary.

[0161] Here, the positional relationship between the locking release part 208 and the holding part 210 is preferably such that (1) the locking between the tip cap 34 and the tip body 32 by the locking release part 208 and the holding of the tip cap 34 by the holding part 210 are simultaneously performed, or (2) the locking between the tip cap 34 and the tip body 32 by the locking release part 208 is performed first, and the tip cap 34 is held by the holding part 210 later. When the locking release part 208 and the holding part 210 have the above-mentioned positional relationship, the tip cap 34 can be reliably removed from the tip body 32.

[0162] Fig. 45 is a diagram showing the state in which the tip cap 34 has been pulled out from the tip body 32 together with the cap 107. In Fig. 44, the unlocking portion 208 is in an unlocked state in which the locking of the locking portion 190 with respect to the tip body 32 is released, and the holding portion 210 is in a held state in which it is held by the tip cap 34. In this state, when the cap 107 and the tip body 32 are moved in a direction away from each other in the Y direction, the tip cap 34 can be removed from the tip body 32 with the tip cap 34 housed in the housing space 204. The tip cap 34 can be removed without applying a load to the tip body 32. The tip cap 34 can be easily removed even if it is soiled with body fluids.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 45, the tip cap 34 is accommodated in the accommodation space 204 of the cap 107, and the tip cap 34 is held by the holding part 210 on the side of the opening 206. When the tip cap 34 is removed from the tip body 32 using the wire fixing mechanism 78 as shown in FIG. 41, the catch guide 102 and the cap 107 are engaged as shown in FIG. 45. To remove the tip cap 34 from the accommodation space 204, it is necessary to remove the tip cap 34 through the opening 206. However, the holding part 210 restricts the movement of the tip cap 34 to the opening 206. Therefore, by removing the catch guide 102 from the cap 107, the opening part 224 of the cap 107 is exposed. As a result, the tip cap 34 can be removed from the cap 107 through the opening part 224. When it is not necessary to remove the tip cap 34 from the cap 107, a bottom part (not shown) that closes the accommodation space 204 may be used instead of the opening part 224.

[0164] Next, a preferred embodiment of the tip cap removal jig 200 will be described. Figure 46 is a perspective view of the cap 107 as viewed from the opening 206 side. As shown in Figure 46, a restricting portion 222 is provided in the accommodation space 204. The restricting portion 222 restricts the tip cap 34 (tip portion 30) from being inserted into the tip cap removal jig 200 from an incorrect circumferential direction. The restricting portion 222 allows the surgeon to recognize that the insertion direction in the circumferential direction is incorrect.

[0165] Figure 47 is a diagram for explaining a case where the tip cap removal jig 200 and the tip portion 30 are inserted at a correct insertion angle (Figure 47(A)), and a case where the tip cap removal jig 200 and the tip portion 30 are attached at an incorrect insertion angle (Figure 47(B)). Figure 47 is a diagram of the tip portion 30 and the tip cap removal jig 200 viewed from the Y(+) direction side.

[0166] 47(A), when inserted at the correct insertion angle, the lock release portion 208 is inserted into the groove portion 184 as described above, and the tip portion 30 is guided and accommodated in the tip cap removal jig 200. Since the restricting portion 222 does not contact either the tip portion body 32 of the tip portion 30 or the tip cap 34, the tip portion 30 can move to a predetermined position in the accommodation space 204.

[0167] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 47(B), even if the insertion direction of the tip cap 34 and the tip cap removal jig 200 is incorrect, the lock release part 208 can pass through the side of the first opening 181 of the tip cap 34, so the tip cap removal jig 200 and the tip part 30 can be inserted. As a result, the surgeon may recognize that the tip cap 34 has been inserted into the tip cap removal jig 200 in the correct insertion direction due to the guide function when the lock release part 208 is inserted into the groove part 184. If the tip cap 34 is inserted into the accommodation space part 204 in this state, a load may be applied to the tip part 30, etc. Therefore, by providing a restricting part 222 in the accommodation space part 204, the restricting part 222 comes into contact with the tip cap 34 and restricts the tip cap 34 from moving into the tip cap removal jig 200.

[0168] 48, if the insertion direction in the circumferential direction between the tip cap 34 and the tip cap removal jig 200 is incorrect, the restricting portion 222 (not shown) prevents the tip portion 30 from being inserted to a predetermined position in the tip cap removal jig 200. Since the tip portion 30 does not move toward the tip cap removal jig 200, the surgeon can notice that the insertion direction is incorrect midway.

[0169] Next, another embodiment of the tip cap removal jig will be described. Note that the same components as those of the tip cap removal jig described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description may be omitted. Figure 49 is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap removal jig 300, showing the state immediately before the tip cap 34 is inserted into the tip cap removal jig 300.

[0170] As shown in Fig. 49, a notch 226 is formed in the outer circumferential surface on the X(-) direction side of the tip cap 34. As shown in the enlarged view, the notch 226 has a rectangular shape in cross section.

[0171] The tip cap removal jig 300 has a holding portion 228 that protrudes towards the housing space 204. As shown in the enlarged view, the holding portion 228 has an inclined surface on the opening 206 side, and a flat surface on the opposite side to the opening 206. The inclined surface approaches the central axis CL as it moves away from the opening 206. On the other hand, the flat surface is approximately perpendicular to the central axis CL.

[0172] When the tip cap removal jig 300 is moved to a predetermined position relative to the tip portion 30, the locking portion 208 releases the locking portion 190 from the stopper portion 177 (not shown), and simultaneously with or after the locking is released, the holding portion 228 is inserted into the cutout portion 226 to hold the tip cap 34.

[0173] When the tip cap 34 is removed from the tip body 32 , the flat surface of the holding portion 228 is hooked onto the notch portion 226 of the tip cap 34 , and the tip cap 34 is removed from the tip body 32 together with the cap 107 .

[0174] Next, another embodiment of the tip cap removal jig will be described. The same components as those of the tip cap removal jig described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description may be omitted. Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap removal jig 400, showing the state immediately before the tip cap 34 is inserted into the tip cap removal jig 400 and the state after the tip cap 34 is inserted into the tip cap removal jig 400.

[0175] 50(A), the tip cap removal jig 400 has two holding parts 230 that protrude towards the housing space 204. The two holding parts 230 are provided at positions facing each other across the housing space 204, and each holding part 230 has a semi-elliptical shape that protrudes towards the central axis CL.

[0176] As shown in Figure 50 (B), when the tip cap removal jig 400 is moved to a predetermined position relative to the tip portion 30, the locking portion 208 releases the locking between the locking portion 190 and the stopper portion 177 (not shown), and simultaneously with or after the locking is released, the two holding portions 230 grasp the tip cap 34 from both sides, thereby holding the tip cap 34.

[0177] When removing the tip cap 34 from the tip body 32, the holding part 230 grips the tip cap 34, so that the tip cap 34 is held in the accommodation space 204 and is removed together with the cap 107 from the tip body 32. The tip cap removal jig 400 does not require the provision of projections and recesses for hooking, as the holding parts 210 and 228 do, on the outer peripheral surface of the tip cap 34.

[0178] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the wire fixing mechanism 78 includes a tip cap removal tool (200, 300, 400) is shown as a preferred aspect, but this is not limited thereto, and the tip cap removal tool may be provided on another attachment part that is removably attached to the operating section of the endoscope.

[0179] Although an example in which the endoscope according to the present invention is applied to a duodenoscope has been described above, the technology of the present invention is not limited to duodenoscopes, but can also be applied to other endoscopes, such as colonoscopes and small intestine scopes. In addition, the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0180] <Additional Notes> As will be understood from the detailed description of the embodiments above, this specification includes disclosure of various technical ideas including the inventions described below.

[0181] <Appendix 1> an endoscope comprising an operating section provided with an operating member, an endoscope insertion section provided on the tip side of the operating section and inserted into a subject, a tip body provided on the tip side of the insertion section of the endoscope, a tip cap that is detachable from the tip body and has a locking section for attachment that can be engaged with the tip body when attached to the tip body, and an attachment part that is detachably attached to the operating section, wherein the attachment part comprises a storage space portion with an opening at one end, an unlocking section provided on the cap, and a holding section provided on the cap, and when the tip cap is stored in the storage space portion, the unlocking section enters an unlocked state in which the locking section with respect to the tip body is released, and the holding section enters a held state in which it is held by the tip cap, so that the attachment part becomes one with the cap and the tip cap can be pulled out from the tip body.

[0182] <Appendix 2> An endoscope as described in Appendix 1, wherein the attachment part has a bottom portion that closes the storage space portion on the other end side opposite the one end.

[0183] <Appendix 3> An endoscope as described in Appendix 1, wherein the attachment part has an opening portion that opens into the storage space portion on the other end side opposite the one end.

[0184] <Appendix 4> An endoscope as described in Appendix 1, wherein the opening portion is formed to a size that enables the tip cap pulled out of the tip body to be expelled from the storage space portion to the outside.

[0185] <Appendix 5> An endoscope as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the tip cap has a guide portion, the attachment part has a guided portion that can engage with the guide portion, and when the tip cap is accommodated in the accommodation space portion, the guided portion engages with and is guided by the guide portion, thereby aligning the release portion and the engagement portion.

[0186] <Appendix 6> An endoscope as described in any one of appendixes 1 to 5, wherein the attachment part has a regulating portion that prevents the tip cap from being inserted from an incorrect direction in the circumferential direction.

[0187] <Appendix 7> The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the holding portion is hooked onto the tip cap. .

[0188] <Appendix 8> An endoscope as described in Appendix 1, wherein the holding portion engages with the tip cap by a snap fit.

[0189] <Appendix 9> An endoscope as described in any one of appendix 1 to 6, wherein the holding portion grasps the tip cap.

[0190] <Appendix 10> An endoscope as described in any one of appendixes 1 to 9, wherein the attachment part has an index indicating the accommodation direction of the tip cap relative to the accommodation space portion.

[0191] <Appendix 11> 11. An endoscope as described in any one of appendix 1 to 10, wherein the attachment parts are disposable.

[0192] <Appendix 12> An endoscope as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 11, wherein the positional relationship between the locking release portion and the holding portion is such that the locking between the tip cap and the tip body by the locking release portion and the holding of the tip cap by the holding portion are simultaneous, or the locking between the tip cap and the tip body by the locking release portion is released first and the tip cap is held by the holding portion later. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 10 Endoscopy 12 Endoscope System 14. Processor device for endoscope 15 Light source device 15A Processor Side Connector 16 Image Processing Device 18 Display 20 Standing operation lever 22 Handheld operation unit 23 Outlet 24 Insertion section 25 Connection 25A shaft center 26 Soft part 28 Curved section 30 Tip 32 Tip body 34 Tip cap 34A opening 34B Main body 34C Bearing 34D Tip surface section 36 Treatment tool stand (stand) 36A Treatment tool guide surface 36B Rotating shaft 37 Treatment tool channel 38 Standing Wire (Wire) 38A Wire Body 39 Locked part 40 Wire Channel 42 Air and water supply tube 44 Cable Pass-Through Channel 45 Insertion Channel 46 Operation unit body 46A Proximal surface 48 Gripping part 50 Anti-break tube 52 Universal Cable 54 Connector device 57 Air / water supply button 58 Air and water supply nozzle 59 Suction button 60 Treatment tool outlet 61 Through hole 62 Angle knob 64 Treatment tool inlet 65 Proximal wall 66 Standing platform storage space 68 Bulkhead 68A Top 74 Lighting window 76 Observation window 78 Wire fixing mechanism 80 Sliding lever 80A Lever bearing hole 82 Fixed Unit 84 Cam groove 84A Open end 86 Campin 88 Link member 90 Opening 92 Claw 94 1st axis 96 2nd axis 98 Unlocking member 100 Wire Catch 102 Catch Guide 102A surface 103 Boss hole 104 Catch body 105 First Regulatory Surface 106 Fixing member 106A End face 107 Cap 108 Connection 110 Claw part 112 Groove 114 Catch guide groove 116 Second Regulatory Surface 120 Plate-shaped part 121 Boss 122 Lever body 124 Cam groove 124A Right end 124B Left end 125A First cam groove 125B Second cam groove 126 pins 130 Cylinder 130A end face 132 Guide part 133 Catch body groove 134 Hole 1 135 Opening 136 2nd hole 137 Locking hole 138 fixing hole 138A bottom 139 Guide Surface 177 Stopper part 178 Groove 180 Main body 181 First Opening 182 Tip surface section 183 Second Opening 184 Groove 185 3rd Opening 186 Bearings 187 Wall components 188 Rotational Axis 190 Locking part 191 Support member 192 Claw part 193 Connecting members 200 Tip cap removal tool 204 Storage space 206 Opening 208 Unlocking part 210 Holding part 213 indicators 214 Claw 220 Protrusion 222 Regulatory Department 224 Open area 226 Notch 228 Holding part 230 Holding part 300 Tip cap removal tool 400 Tip cap removal tool Ax long axis direction CL center axis

Claims

1. An operation unit provided with an operation member, An insertion unit provided on the distal end side of the operation unit and inserted into a subject, A treatment tool upright base provided at the distal end of the insertion unit, An upright operation wire having a proximal end side connected to the treatment tool upright base and being pushed and pulled according to the operation of the operation member to operate the treatment tool upright base, A wire fixing mechanism for fixing the proximal end side of the upright operation wire, Comprising, The operation unit has a link member that operates in conjunction with the operation of the operation member, The wire fixing mechanism, A wire catch for detachably locking and fixing the proximal end side of the upright operation wire, A catch guide for guiding the wire catch in the wire axial direction of the upright operation wire, A sliding lever that operates in conjunction with the operation of the operation member to move the wire catch forward and backward in the wire axial direction, and has a lever connection portion that can be detachably connected to the link member. The sliding lever can be rotated when the connection between the link member and the lever connection portion is released, Having, The upright operation wire is located on the proximal end side of a long wire body and has a locked portion formed with an outer shape larger than that of the wire body, The wire catch has a locking hole through which the locked portion can be inserted and locked, The wire fixing mechanism enables the insertion of the locked portion into the locking hole by attaching the wire fixing mechanism to the operation unit, and enables the locking of the locked portion to the locking hole, the fixing of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole, and the connection between the lever connection portion and the link member by rotating the sliding lever. Configured as such, Endoscope.

2. The wire fixing mechanism enables the release of the connection between the lever connection portion and the link member, the release of the fixed state of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole, and the release of the locking of the locked portion to the locking hole by rotating the sliding lever in the reverse direction to the rotation operation. The release of the insertion of the locked portion into the locking hole is enabled by detaching the wire fixing mechanism from the operation unit. Configured as such, The endoscope according to Claim 1.

3. The rotational operation of the sliding lever includes a first rotational operation of rotating the sliding lever to one side in a first rotational direction about a first direction parallel to the wire axis direction, and a second rotational operation of rotating the sliding lever to one side in a second rotational direction about a second direction perpendicular to the first direction after the first rotational operation is performed. By combining the first rotational operation and the second rotational operation, locking of the locked portion with respect to the locking hole, fixing of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole, and connection between the lever connecting portion and the link member are executed. The endoscope according to claim 2.

4. The reverse rotational operation of the sliding lever includes a third rotational operation of rotating the sliding lever to the other side opposite to the one side in the second rotational direction, and a fourth rotational operation of rotating the sliding lever to the other side opposite to the one side in the first rotational direction after the third rotational operation is performed. By combining the third rotational operation and the fourth rotational operation, disconnection of the connection between the lever connecting portion and the link member, release of the fixed state of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole, and release of the locking of the locked portion with respect to the locking hole are executed. The endoscope according to claim 3.

5. The wire catch has a fixing member that fixes the locked state between the locked portion inserted into the locking hole and the locking hole. The fixing member is movable between a fixing position that fixes the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole and a release position that releases the fixing of the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole. The wire fixing mechanism is configured such that the movement of the fixing member to the fixing position is enabled by the second rotational operation, and the movement of the fixing member to the release position is enabled by the third rotational operation. The endoscope according to claim 4.

6. The wire catch has a catch body in which the locking hole is formed. The fixing member is movable in the wire axis direction in conjunction with the second rotational operation. When the second rotational operation is performed, the fixing member moves to the fixing position, and the locked state between the locked portion and the locking hole is fixed by the fixing member. Further, with the fixed state of the locked state maintained, the fixing member and the catch body move integrally to the proximal end side in the wire axis direction to pull up the standing operation wire. The endoscope according to claim 5.

7. The catch guide has a catch guide groove extending in the wire axis direction. The catch body has a catch body axis engaged and guided in the catch guide groove, and a catch body groove provided at a position overlapping the catch guide groove and extending in the wire axis direction. The fixing member has a fixing member axis inserted into the catch body groove and movable back and forth along the catch body groove. The sliding lever has a lever bearing hole rotatably connected to the catch body axis, and a cam groove in which the fixing member axis is slidably engaged. The cam groove has a shape in which a linear first cam groove portion and a curved second cam groove portion are continuous. The first cam groove portion changes the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member, and the second cam groove portion maintains the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member. The endoscope according to claim 6.

8. The sliding lever has a first lever contact portion. The catch guide has a first regulating surface against which the first lever contact portion can contact. When the fixing member axis is present in the first cam groove portion, the first regulating surface contacts the first lever contact portion to regulate the movement of the sliding lever, enabling the sliding lever to rotate about the catch body axis and changing the relative distance between the catch body and the fixing member. The endoscope according to claim 7.

9. The first regulating surface is constituted by an arcuate surface centered on the catch body axis. The endoscope according to claim 8.

10. The sliding lever has a second lever contact portion at a position different from the first lever contact portion. The catch guide has a second regulating surface against which the second lever contact portion can contact when the regulation of the sliding lever by the first regulating surface is released. When the fixing member axis is present in the second cam groove portion of the cam groove, the second regulating surface contacts the second lever contact portion to regulate the movement of the sliding lever, enabling the sliding lever to rotate about the second lever contact portion while moving the second lever contact portion along the second regulating surface and moving the catch body and the fixing member integrally. The endoscope according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The locking hole has an opening shape in which a first hole having a size that allows the locked portion to be inserted therethrough and a second hole having a size larger than the outer shape of the wire body and smaller than the outer shape of the locked portion are continuous. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The wire catch is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis eccentric from the standing operation wire. The locking hole is provided at a position eccentric from the rotation axis, and the first hole and the second hole are continuously formed along a rotation locus centered on the rotation axis. The endoscope according to claim 11.

13. A tip body provided at the tip of the insertion portion, A tip cap that is detachable from the tip body and is provided with a locking portion for locking to the tip body when attached to the tip body. The catch guide includes a cap at an end. The cap is configured to include a tip cap removal jig. The tip cap removal jig includes a storage space portion provided in the cap and having an opening at one end, a locking release portion provided in the cap, and a holding portion provided in the cap. When the tip cap is accommodated in the accommodation space portion, the locking release portion is in a locking release state in which the locking of the locking portion to the tip body is released, and the holding portion holds the tip cap. Thus, the tip cap can be pulled out from the tip body integrally with the cap. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images