METHOD OF OPERATING CONNECTOR UNIT OF ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM

A method of operating a connector unit of an endoscope system, the method including engaging a first engagement portion of a first connector with a second engagement portion of a second connector to electrically connect a first wire to a third wire via a second wire, electrically disconnecting the first wire and the second wire, and detaching the first engagement portion from the second engagement portion. The first connector includes the first wire electrically connected to the second wire. The second connector includes the third wire.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of operating a connector unit, which includes a first connector and a second connector, of an endoscope system, and an endoscope system with a connector unit including a first connector and a second connector.

BACKGROUND

An endoscope is used in such a way that an elongated insertion portion is inserted into a subject for observation of a region that is not visible from the outside, and for insertion of a treatment instrument through a treatment instrument channel of the insertion portion so that various treatments are performed using various treatment instruments protruding beyond an opening at a distal end portion of the treatment instrument channel. When a connector of the endoscope is connected to a processor, the endoscope is supplied with power from the processor, and transmits an image signal to the processor.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2021-183166 discloses a so-called single-use endoscope adapted to be used only once. To connect a reusable endoscope (i.e., a conventional endoscope adapted to be cleaned for reuse) and a single-use endoscope to a common processor, a relay adapter is provided between a connector of the single-use endoscope and the processor.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-18059 discloses a single-use endoscope (i.e., a disposable endoscope) that prevents being reused against an intention of a manufacturer.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Provided is a method of operating a connector unit of an endoscope system of an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method including engaging a first engagement portion of a first connector with a second engagement portion of a second connector to electrically connect a first wire to a third wire via a second wire, electrically disconnecting the first wire and the second wire, and detaching the first engagement portion from the second engagement portion. The first connector includes the first wire electrically connected to the second wire and the second connector includes the third wire.

A connector unit of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first connector, and a second connector configured to be electrically connected to the first connector. The first connector includes a first housing, and a first wire and a second wire located inside the first housing. The first housing includes a first engagement portion, and a first through-hole. The first wire is connected to the second wire and at least a first portion of the second wire is located inside the first housing. The second connector includes a second housing, and a third wire located inside the second housing. The second housing includes a second engagement portion, and a second through-hole. The connector unit has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first engagement portion is engaged with the second engagement portion, and the first wire is electrically connected to the third wire via the second wire. In the second state, the first engagement portion is detached from the second engagement portion, and the first wire is electrically disconnected from the second wire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings based on the embodiments are schematic views. In each drawing, the relationship between the thickness and the width of each portion, the proportions of the thicknesses of the respective portions, and the like differ from the actual ones. Different drawings include portions with different dimensional relationships or portions with different proportions. Illustration of some of the components and assignment of reference signs to some of the components will be omitted.

First Embodiment

An endoscope system9of the present embodiment illustrated inFIGS.1and2includes an endoscope1with a first connector10, a second connector20as a relay adapter, and a peripheral device unit40. The first connector10of the endoscope1and the second connector20form a first connector unit50(hereinafter referred to as a “connector unit50”). The connector unit50comprises the first connector10and the second connector20configured to be electrically connected to the first connector10.

The endoscope1is a so-called single-use endoscope adapted to be used only once.

The endoscope1has a different connection configuration with respect to a processor41from a so-called reusable endoscope that is adapted to be cleaned for repeated use. The second connector20is a relay adapter used to connect the peripheral device unit40(i.e., the processor41) for reusable endoscope and the first connector10of the endoscope1. The second connector20includes a receptacle portion adapted to be connected to the endoscope1, and a plug portion adapted to be connected to a connector41A of the processor41.

The endoscope1includes an elongated insertion portion31adapted to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion35provided at the proximal end of the insertion portion31, and a universal cord36extending from the operation portion35. The proximal end of the universal cord36is provided with the first connector10.

The operation portion35includes a bending operation knob, and a button for operating an endoscope function. The insertion portion31of the endoscope1includes, sequentially arranged from the distal end side, a distal end portion32having an image pickup unit (not illustrated), a bending portion33that is provided at the proximal end of the distal end portion32and is bendable, and an elongated flexible tube36provided at the proximal end of the bending portion33.

The peripheral device unit40includes the processor41, a monitor42, a gas supply device43as a fluid supply device, a keyboard44, and the like that are disposed on a mount. The processor41includes a third connector41A. The processor41controls the entire endoscope system9, and also processes an image signal outputted from the image pickup unit. An image processed by the processor41is displayed on the monitor42. The keyboard44is used for a user to input data into the processor41, for example. The gas supply device43supplies pressurized gas, for example, air, carbon dioxide gas, or nitrogen gas.

The foregoing configuration of the endoscope system9is only exemplary. Thus, the endoscope system of the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing configuration.

To perform a test on a next patient after the single-use endoscope is used, the first connector10of the used endoscope1is removed from the second connector20connected to the processor41, and then, a first connector10of a new endoscope is inserted into the second connector20.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the first connector10is a plug including a plurality of projecting electric contacts12on the front face of a projecting portion11A of a first housing11. The second connector20is a relay adapter including a receptacle having a recess portion21A adapted to receive the projecting portion11A of the first connector10.

The first housing11of the first connector10includes a first through-hole H10. A second housing21of the second connector20includes a second through-hole H20. Each of the first through-hole H10and the second through-hole H20may be provided with a lid for preventing intrusion of foreign matter into the housing.

The first connector10includes an elastic member13with a cantilever structure provided on the outer face of the projecting portion11A. The elastic member13is a leaf spring formed by cutting out a face of the projecting portion11A of the first housing11. In other words, a face of the projecting portion11A is formed of an elastic metal plate, for example.

The elastic member13of the first connector10is provided with a first projection14as a first engagement region or a first engagement portion (i.e., a claw). Further, the elastic member13includes a second recess15as a third engaged region or a third engagement portion (i.e., a bottom closed hole). The second recess15may be a through-hole of the elastic member13. The first engagement portion14can be a first projection, and the second engagement portion23can be a first recess. The first connector10can include the elastic member13, the elastic member13can include the first engagement portion14, and in the first state, the elastic member13biases the first engagement portion14toward the second engagement portion23.

Note that the second recess15, which is the third engaged region or a third engagement portion, of the elastic member13is arranged at a position visible through the second through-hole H20in a state where the first connector10is inserted into the second connector20. The first connector10includes the third engagement portion15, and the wire connector unit17. In the first state, the wire connector unit17is visible through the first through-hole H10from outside of the connector unit50, and the third engagement portion15is visible through the second through-hole H20from outside of the connector unit50. The third engagement portion15can be a recess.

Meanwhile, the bottom face of the recess portion21A of the second connector20is provided with a plurality of recessed electric contacts22. When the first connector10is inserted into the second connector20, each of the plurality of electric contacts12of the first connector10is electrically connected to each of the plurality of electric contacts22of the second connector20. Note that the electric contacts12may be recessed (female), and the electric contacts22may be projecting (male).

The first connector10may include a light guide pipe sleeve adapted to receive illumination light from a light source, and a gas/liquid feeding pipe sleeve adapted to be supplied with a fluid from the gas supply device43. The second connector20may be provided with a light guide output end adapted to be optically coupled to the light guide pipe sleeve of the first connector10, and a gas feeding pipe adapted to be inserted into the gas/liquid feeding pipe sleeve.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the first connector10includes, within the first housing11, a first electric cable or a first wire (i.e., wire)16, a second electric cable or a second wire (i.e., wire)18, and a second connector unit17(hereinafter referred to as “a cable connector unit17” or “a wire connector unit17”) electrically connecting the first electric cable16and the second electric cable18. The first connector10includes the first housing11and the first wire16and the second wire18. The first housing11includes the first engagement portion14, and the first through-hole H10. The first wire16and the second wire18are located inside the first housing11, and the first wire16is connected to the second wire18. At least a first portion of the second wire is located inside the first housing11where the first engagement portion14is located. The first wire16is electrically connected to the second wire18via the wire connector unit17, and the wire connector unit17is located inside the first housing11.

The cable connector unit17includes a plug (a first part)17A and a receptacle (a second part)17B. The plug17A is connected to the first electric cable16extending from the endoscope1. The receptacle17B is connected to one of the plurality of electric contacts12via the second electric cable18. The first electric cable16is electrically connected to the second connector20.

The first electric cable16is one of a plurality of electric cables that transmit/receive signals indispensable for the operation of the endoscope1. For example, the first electric cable16is an image pickup cable that outputs a video signal. The first wire16and the second wire18can be an image pickup cable configured to transmit a video signal.

The second connector20includes a first recess23as a first engaged region or a second engagement portion (i.e., a hole) provided in the inner face of the recess portion21A of the second housing21. When the first connector10is inserted into the second connector20, the first projection14of the first connector10is so-called snap-fitted to the first recess23of the second connector. Thus, the first connector10is mechanically fixed to the second connector20. The second connector20includes a second housing21and a third wire located inside of the second housing21. The second housing21includes the second engagement portion23, and the second through-hole H20. The connector unit50has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first engagement portion14is engaged with the second engagement portion23, and the first wire16is electrically connected to the third wire via the second wire18, and in the second state, the first engagement portion14is detached from the second engagement portion23, and the first wire16is electrically disconnected from the second wire18.

The first projection14of the first connector10is fitted into and caught by the first recess23of the second connector20utilizing the elasticity of the elastic member13that is a leaf spring so that the first projection14and the first recess23engage with each other. Therefore, the first connector10becomes unremovable from the second connector20.

Note that the holding angle (i.e., the angle of the portion to be caught) of the first projection14and the holding angle of the first recess23are 90 degrees. In contrast, the lower side of the wall surface of the second through-hole H20in the second connector20is curved so as to prevent the first projection14from engaging with the second through-hole H20.

The first connector10includes a distal end portion17A1of the plug17A, which is a second engaged region of the cable connector unit17, at a position visible through the first through-hole H10. In other words, the plug17A is not completely inserted into the receptacle17B, and is inserted into the receptacle17B by “half”.

A single-use endoscope may possibly be reused against an intention of a manufacturer. The endoscope system9of the present embodiment is configured such that the first connector10can be removed from the second connector20using a dedicated detachment jig60(seeFIG.7), and when the first connector10is removed from the second connector20, the plug17A of the cable connector unit17is removed from the receptacle17B as described below. Therefore, the endoscope1can no longer output an image pickup signal to the processor41, for example. Thus, the endoscope1cannot be reused.

Method of Operating Connector Unit

A method of operating the connector unit50will be described with reference to a flowchart ofFIG.5.

<Step S10>Attachment of First Connector to Second Connector

As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the first projection14of the first connector10is inserted into the first recess23of the second connector20. Though not illustrated, the elastic member13, which is a leaf spring, elastically deforms in the downward direction inFIG.6. Therefore, the first projection14that is the first engagement region of the first connector10engages with the first recess23that is the first engaged region of the second connector20. The first connector10is unremovably fixed to the second connector20by snap-fit. The first engagement portion14of a first connector10engages with the second engagement portion23of a second connector20. The first connector10includes the first wire16electrically connected to the second wire18, and the second connector20includes the third wire. Engaging the first engagement portion14with the second engagement portion23electrically connects the first wire16to the third wire via the second wire18.

Note that the configurations of the elastic member13, the first projection14, and the first recess23can be appropriately selected from among known configurations as long as the first connector10and the second connector20can engage with each other by snap-fit. For example, although the elastic member13is a leaf spring with an I-shaped cross-section, the elastic member13may be a leaf spring that has a U-shaped cross-section and thus is more elastically deformable. In addition, the elastic member13need not be entirely formed of an elastic material, and only corner portions of the elastic member13may be formed of an elastic material. The shapes of the projection and the recess may also be appropriately selected.

When the first connector10is inserted into the second connector20, the electric contacts12of the first connector10are electrically connected to the electric contacts22of the second connector20.

Note that as illustrated inFIG.6, a first distance L10is longer than a second distance L20. The first distance L10is a distance from a face of an opening of the first through-hole H10to the distal end portion17A1of the plug17A that is the second engaged region. The second distance L20is a distance from a face of an opening of the second through-hole H20to the second recess15that is the third engaged region. In the first state, a minimum distance from the first through-hole H20to the wire connector unit17is the first distance L10, a minimum distance from the second through-hole H20to the third engagement portion15is a second distance L20. The first distance L10is longer than the second distance L20.

The insertion portion31of the endoscope1is inserted into a subject so that observation as well as various treatments using treatment instruments are performed for a region that is not visible from the outside. When the use of the endoscope1is over, transfer of signals between the processor41and the endoscope1terminates.

Note that instead of using the endoscope, it is also possible to perform an operation test on the endoscope system9, for example. In addition, a practice of an operation of attaching and detaching the connector unit50may be performed. During the operation test and the practice of the attaching and detaching operation, the endoscope1is not used. In other words, step S20can be skipped.

The first projection14that is the first engagement region of the first connector10engages with the first recess23that is the first engaged region of the second connector Therefore, in the endoscope system9, even when the use of the endoscope1is over, the first connector10cannot be removed from the second connector20.

To disengage the first connector10and the second connector20, the detachment jig60illustrated inFIG.7is used.

The detachment jig60includes a first member (a first portion of a detachment jig)61and a second member (a second portion of a detachment jig)62that are fixed to a support member63. The first member61has an elongated plate shape with a width W61, has a slit at the distal end of the second member62, and is insertable through the first through-hole H10. The second member62has an elongated plate shape with a width W62, and is insertable through the second through-hole H20. The first member61and the second member62are arranged in parallel. The endoscope system9can include the connector unit50, and the detachment jig60. The detachment jig includes the first portion61and the second portion62, the first portion61of the detachment jig is configured to be inserted into the first though-hole H10to change the connector unit50from the first state to the second state. The second portion62of the detachment jig60is configured to be inserted into the second though-hole H20to change the connector unit50from the first state to the second state. The first portion61of the detachment jig60is configured to electrically disconnect between the first wire16and the second wire18when the first portion61of the detachment jig60is inserted into the first though-hole H10. The second portion62of the detachment jig60is configured to disconnect the first engagement portion14from the second engagement portion23when the second portion62of the detachment jig60is inserted into the second though-hole H20.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the detachment jig60is inserted into the connector unit50. The first member61is inserted through the first through-hole H10, and at the same time, the second member62is inserted through the second through-hole H20. In other words, a gap L60between the first member61and the second member62is the same as a gap LH between the first through-hole H10and the second through-hole H20.

When the first member61is inserted through the first through-hole H10, the first member61engages with the distal end portion17A1of the plug17A that is part of the cable connector unit17. When the second member62is inserted through the second through-hole H20, the second member62engages with the second recess15, which is the third engaged region, of the elastic member13, and presses the elastic member13. As the elastic member13elastically deforms in the downward direction, the first projection14, which is the first engagement region, and the first recess23, which is the first engaged region, are disengaged. The first portion of a detachment jig61is inserted into the first through-hole H10of the first connector10, and the first wire16is separated from the second wire18. The second portion of the detachment jig62is inserted into the second through-hole H20of the second connector20. A distal end portion of the second portion62of the detachment jig60engages with the third engagement portion15of the first connector10. The second portion62of the detachment jig60is moved to separate the first engagement portion14from the second engagement portion23. A distal end portion of the first portion62of the detachment jig60engages with the wire connector unit17. At least a first portion of the second wire18is located inside the first engagement portion10, and the wire connector unit17is located inside the first housing11of the first connector10.

In step S30, the first projection14and the first recess23are disengaged. However, when the detachment jig60is removed, the first projection14and the first recess23would engage with each other again due to the elastic force of the elastic member13. Therefore, before the detachment jig60is removed, the first connector10can be moved from the second connector20to a small degree to a position where the first projection14and the first recess23would not engage with each other again.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the detachment jig60is tilted (i.e., rotated) in a direction in which the second connector20is connected to the processor41.

When the detachment jig60is tilted by an angle θ, the distal end of the second member62, which has been inserted into the connector unit50, moves in the removal direction by a length d2(≈L20A×tanθ). Reference sign “L20A” indicates a length from an opening of the second through-hole H20to the distal end of the second member62. InFIG.9, L20A>>L20, but in the actual connector unit50, L20A≈L20.

Therefore, the first connector10, which includes the second recess15as the third engaged region that engages with the distal end of the second member62, also moves with respect to the second connector20. The length d2is the amount of movement up to the position where the first projection14and the first recess23would not engage with each other again. The length d2is greater than 1 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, for example.

When the detachment jig60is tilted by the angle θ, the distal end of the first member61also moves with respect to the second connector20in the removal direction by a length d1(≈L10×tanθ). Since L10>L20, d1>d2. The distal end of the first member61moves with respect to the cable connector unit17by a length (d1-d2).

Therefore, the plug17A of the cable connector unit17is removed from the receptacle17B. In other words, the length of the plug17A inserted in the receptacle17B is set to less than (d1-d2).

Note that the first distance L10can be greater than 1.5 times and less than 10 times the second distance L20. As long as the detachment jig60is within the foregoing range, unintended fall of the plug17A can be prevented because the length of the plug17A inserted in the receptacle17B is long.

As described above, when the detachment jig60is tilted, the first connector10moves to the position where the first projection14and the first recess23would not engage with each other again, and at the same time, the first electric cable16and the second electric cable18are electrically disconnected. The distal end portion of the detachment jig60is moved to separate a first part17A of the wire connector unit17from a second part17B of the wire connector unit17. The inserted first portion61of the detachment jig60is tilted with respect to the first though-hole H10to separate the first wire16from the second wire18. The inserted second portion62of the detachment jig60is tilted with respect to the second though-hole H20to separate the first engagement portion14from the second engagement portion23.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the detachment jig60is removed from the first through-hole H10and the second through-hole H20. Then, the first connector10is at a position not engaging with the second connector20, and the plug17A is out of the receptacle17B.

<Step S60>Detachment of First Connector from Second Connector

As illustrated inFIG.11, the first connector10is removed from the second connector20. The first wire16is electrically disconnected from the second wire18, and the first engagement portion14is detached from the second engagement portion23. The detaching the first engagement portion14from the second engagement portion23detaches the second wire18from the third wire.

Note that as described above, a subject that performs the method of operating the connector unit50is a user. However, the method may be automatically performed using a machine for attaching and detaching the connector unit50.

The endoscope1removed from the second connector20is not able to output an image pickup signal to the processor41any longer. Since the cable connector unit17is within the first housing11, it would be difficult for the user to insert the plug17A into the receptacle17B again. Therefore, the endoscope system9can prevent the endoscope1from being reused by the user against an intention of a manufacturer.

Since the manufacturer is able to disassemble the endoscope1that has been used and collected, the plug17A can be easily inserted into the receptacle17B. Therefore, the manufacturer may replace, check, and reuse parts of the endoscope1.

The wires of the cable connector unit17are not limited to the foregoing electric cables each including a conductor covered with an insulator as long as such wires are electrically disconnected when the detachment jig60is tilted. The wires of the cable connector unit17may be some of wires of a flexible wiring board, or some of wires of a rigid wiring board. The wire connector unit may be a unit in which part (i.e., a plug or a receptacle) of a connector is connected to a circuit board, other than the foregoing cable connector unit.

Note that as illustrated inFIG.12A, in the endoscope system9, the width W10of the first through-hole H10is greater than the width W20of the second through-hole H20. The width W61of the first member61is slightly smaller than the width W10of the first through-hole H10. The width W62of the second member62is slightly smaller than the width W20of the second through-hole H20.

The first member61is not insertable through the second through-hole H20. Therefore, the user is not able to insert the first member61through the second through-hole H20to disengage the first connector10and the second connector20.

As illustrated inFIG.12B, the shape of the first through-hole H10may be different from the shape of the second through-hole H20. The first member61is not flat but is curved. The first through-hole H10has a first shape, the second through-hole H20has a second shape, and the first shape is different from the second shape in one or more of geometry, size, and orientation.

Modifications of First Embodiment

An endoscope system of a modification is similar to the endoscope system9, and thus has the same effects as the endoscope system9. Therefore, components with the same function are denoted by the same reference sign, and repeated description will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.13, in an endoscope system9A (i.e., a connector unit50A) of the present modification, a first engagement region of a first connector10A is a recess14A. A first engagement region of a second connector20A is a projection23A. When the recess14A, which is the first engagement region, and the projection23A, which is the first engaged region, engage with each other, the first connector10A is unremovable from the second connector20. The first engagement portion14can be a first recess, and the second engagement portion23can be a first projection.

When the first connector10A is inserted into the second connector20A, there is no possibility that the first engagement region of the first connector10A will engage with the through-hole H20of the second connector20A. Therefore, the endoscope system9A has higher workability than the endoscope system9.

As illustrated inFIG.14, in an endoscope system9B (i.e., a connector unit50B) of the present modification, a second engaged region17A2of a cable connector unit17of a first connector10B is a ring-shaped projection provided on the outer face of a plug17A.

In the endoscope system of the present disclosure, all of the engagement regions and all of the engaged regions may be either recesses or projections as long as such regions can engage with each other. For example, the third engaged region of the first connector may be a projection, and the second engaged region may be a recess in the outer face of the plug17A.

Second Embodiment

An endoscope system9C of the present embodiment is similar to the endoscope system9, and thus has the same effects as the endoscope system9. Therefore, components with the same function are denoted by the same reference sign, and repeated description will be omitted.

In the endoscope system9C illustrated inFIG.15, a second connector20C (41C) is included in the processor41. In other words, the first connector10of the endoscope1is inserted into the second connector20C of the processor41. The connector unit50can include a relay adapter. The second connector20is provided at the relay adapter, and the relay adapter is configured to electrically connect the endoscope1and the processor41. The endoscope system9can include the connector unit50, the processor41, and the second connector20C is located at the processor41.

In the foregoing embodiments, the endoscope1is a single-use endoscope that is discarded after being used only once, but may be a reusable endoscope that is used repeatedly. Although the endoscope1is a flexible scope that has flexibility in the insertion portion31, the endoscope1may be a rigid scope including a rigid straight pipe as the insertion portion. Further, the endoscope1and the like are not limited to the ones for medical use, and may be the ones for industrial use. The endoscope is a single-use endoscope that is disposed of after being used once.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment explained above. Various changes, alterations, and the like are possible within a range not changing the gist of the disclosure.

Example 1. A method of operating a connector unit of an endoscope system, the connector unit including:a first connector of an endoscope, and a second connector configured to electrically connect the first connector and a processor, whereinthe first connector includes a first housing including a first through-hole, and the second connector includes a second housing including a second through-hole, andthe first connector includes, within the first housing, a wire connector unit configured to electrically connect a first wire extending from the endoscope and a second wire connected to the second connector,the method comprising:attaching the first connector to the second connector, and engaging a first engagement region of an elastic member of the first connector with a first engaged region of the second connector, thereby causing the first connector to become undetachable from the second connector;inserting a first member of a detachment jig through the first through-hole to engage the first member with a second engaged region of the wire connector unit, and simultaneously, inserting a second member of the detachment jig through the second through-hole to engage the second member with a third engaged region of the elastic member, so that the second member presses the elastic member to disengage the first engagement region and the first engaged region;tilting the detachment jig to cause the first connector to move to a position where the first engagement region and the first engaged region do not engage with each other again, and simultaneously, electrically disconnecting the first wire and the second wire; andremoving the detachment jig from the first through-hole and the second through-hole, and detaching the first connector from the second connector.

Example 2. The method of operating the connector unit of the endoscope system according to Example 1, wherein the first member is not insertable through the second through-hole.

Example 3. The method of operating the connector unit of the endoscope system according to Example 1, whereinthe first engaged region is a first recess in an inner face of the second housing,the second engaged region is part of a plug of the wire connector unit, andthe third engaged region is a second recess in the elastic member13.

Example 4. The method of operating the connector unit of the endoscope system according to Example 1, wherein in a state where the first connector is attached to the second connector, a first distance from the first through-hole to the second engaged region is longer than a second distance from the second through-hole to the third engaged region.

Example 5. The method of operating the connector unit of the endoscope system according to Example 1, wherein the first wire is an image pickup cable configured to output a video signal.

Example 6. The method of operating the connector unit of the endoscope system according to Example 1, wherein the second connector is included in a relay adapter, the relay adapter being configured to electrically connect the endoscope and the processor.

Example 7. The method of operating the connector unit of the endoscope system according to Example 1, wherein the second connector is included in the processor.

Example 8. The method of operating the connector unit of the endoscope system according to Example 1, wherein the endoscope is a single-use endoscope adapted to be discarded after being used only once.

Example 9. An endoscope system comprising:an endoscope including a first connector; anda second connector configured to electrically connect the first connector and a processor, whereinthe first connector includes a first housing including a first through-hole, and the second connector includes a second housing including a second through-hole,when the first connector is attached to the second connector, a first engagement region of the first connector engages with a first engaged region of an elastic member of the second connector, so that the first connector becomes undetachable from the second connector, andthe first connector includes, within the first housing, a wire connector unit configured to electrically connect a first wire extending from the endoscope and a second wire connected to the second connector.

Example 10. The endoscope system according to Example 9, further comprising a detachment jig for disengaging the first connector and the second connector, whereinin a state where the first connector is attached to the second connector, the wire connector unit of the first connector includes a second engaged region engaging with a first member of the detachment jig at a position visible through the first through-hole, andthe elastic member of the first connector includes a third engaged region engaging with a second member of the detachment jig at a position visible through the second through-hole.

Example 11. The endoscope system according to Example 10, whereinthe first engagement region is a first projection provided on an elastic member with a cantilever structure provided on an outer face of the first housing, andthe first engaged region is a first recess in an inner face of the second housing.

Example 12. The endoscope system according to Example 10, whereinthe third engaged region is a second recess in the elastic member, andthe second engaged region is a third recess in a plug of the wire connector unit.

Example 13. The endoscope system according to Example 10, wherein in a state where the first connector is attached to the second connector, a first distance from the first through-hole to the second engaged region is longer than a second distance from the second through-hole to the third engaged region.

Example 14. The endoscope system according to Example 10, whereinthe first member is insertable through the first through-hole, andthe second member is insertable through the second through-hole, but the first member is not insertable through the second through-hole.

Example 15. The endoscope system according to Example 9, wherein the first wire is an image pickup cable configured to output a video signal.

Example 16. The endoscope system according to Example 9, wherein the second connector is included in a relay adapter, the relay adapter being configured to electrically connect the endoscope and the processor.

Example 17. The endoscope system according to Example 9, wherein the second connector is included in the processor.

Example 18. The endoscope system according to Example 9, wherein the endoscope is a single-use endoscope adapted to be discarded after being used only once.