Patent Publication Number: US-2022233058-A1

Title: Endoscope cap, endoscope and method of manufacturing endoscope cap

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/568,748, filed Oct. 25, 2017, which is the national phase under 35 U. S. C. § 371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2017/025966, filed Jul. 18, 2017, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-141763, filed Jul. 19, 2016, and to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-141764, filed Jul. 19, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an endoscope cap, an endoscope and a method of manufacturing an endoscope cap. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An endoscope having an elevator at the distal end of a channel passing through the inside of an insertion part has been used. The elevator is used to bend a treatment tool or the like inserted into the channel and to guide the tool to have a desired orientation. 
     An endoscope provided with a wall between an elevator and an elevating wire which moves the elevator is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H8-56900 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 1). An endoscope having an elevator mounted to a cap which is detachable from the distal end of an insertion part is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-17655 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 2). 
     An endoscope in which an elevator, an elevating wire and a cap covering the elevator are detachable from an insertion part is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H6-315458 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 3). 
     SUMMARY 
     The endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 takes a lot of work in cleaning because of its complicated structure around the elevator. The endoscopes disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 require a lot of trouble in attachment and detachment of the cap. 
     According to an aspect, an object is to provide an endoscope cap with an elevator which is easily attached to and detached from the distal end of an endoscope. 
     An endoscope cap attachable to and detachable from an endoscope including a lever pivotally provided at a distal end of an insertion part of the endoscope and a pivot part causing the lever to pivot, comprises: a bottomed cylindrical cover that has an opening end that is attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the insertion part of the endoscope; a pedestal that is fixed to an inner side of the cover and that has an elevator attachment hole; and an elevator that is located at the inner side of the cover, and that has an elevator shaft inserted into the elevator attachment hole, an elevating part protruding in a direction intersecting the elevator shaft and a connection concave part opened at the opening end side of the elevating part and connected to the lever, the elevator being able to pivot around the elevator shaft with respect to the pedestal. 
     According to an aspect, an endoscope cap with an elevator which is easily attached to and detached from the distal end of the endoscope may be provided. 
     The above and further objects and features will more fully be apparent from the following detailed description with accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an outer appearance of an endoscope; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a distal end of an insertion part; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a state where a treatment tool tip end protrudes from the distal end of the insertion part; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cap; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an elevator; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the distal end of the insertion part before the cap is attached; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the distal end of the insertion part before the cap is attached; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a lever; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the lever; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the distal end of the insertion part; 
         FIG. 11  is a section view of the insertion part taken along the line XI-XI in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a section view of the insertion part taken along the line XII-XII in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a section view of the cover taken along the line XIII-XIII in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a section view illustrating the procedure of attaching the cap to the distal end of the insertion part; 
         FIG. 15  is a section view of the insertion part taken along the line XV-XV in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a section view of the endoscope in which an elevator is elevated; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of a cap according to Embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 18  is a section view of the cap according to Embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 19  is a section view of the cap according to Embodiment 2 taken along the line XIX-XIX in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of a cap according to Embodiment 3; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of a pedestal and an elevator according to Embodiment 3 combined together; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates the state where the cover and the pedestal according to Embodiment 3 are in the process of being combined together; 
         FIG. 23  is a section view of the cap according to Embodiment 3; 
         FIG. 24  is a section view of the cap according to Embodiment 3 taken along the line XXIV-XXIV in  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded perspective view of a cap according to Embodiment 4; 
         FIG. 26  is a section view of the cap according to Embodiment 4; 
         FIG. 27  is a section view of a portion where a lever and an elevator according to Embodiment 5 are connected with each other; 
         FIG. 28  is a section view of an insertion part according to Embodiment 6; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a distal end of an insertion part according to Embodiment 7 before a cap is attached; 
         FIG. 30  is a section view of the insertion part according to Embodiment 7; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a lever according to Embodiment 7; 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a cap according to Embodiment 7; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a lever according to Embodiment 8; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a cap according to Embodiment 8; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a cap according to Embodiment 9; 
         FIG. 36  is a section view of a portion where a lever and an elevator according to Embodiment 10 are connected with each other; and 
         FIG. 37  is a section view of a portion where a lever and an elevator according to Embodiment 11 are connected with each other. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiment 1 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the outer appearance of an endoscope  10 . 
     The endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment is a flexible endoscope directed to an upper gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope  10  has an operation part  20  and an insertion part  30 . 
     The operation part  20  includes an elevator operation lever  21 , a channel inlet  22  and a bending knob  23 . The operation part  20  is connected to a video processor, a light source device, a display device and so forth that are not illustrated. 
     The insertion part  30  is long and has one end connected to the operation part  20 . The insertion part  30  has, from the operation part  20  side, a flexible section  12 , a bending section  13  and a cap  50 . The flexible section  12  is flexible. The bending section  13  bends in response to the operation of the bending knob  23 . The cap  50  covers a rigid distal end portion  31  (see  FIG. 2 ) that is contiguous from the bending section  13 . The cap  50  is an example of an endoscope cap according to the present embodiment. 
     In the endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment, the cap  50  may be attached or detached to/from the distal end portion  31 . The cap  50  has a cover  52  which is an exterior member and an elevator  80  (see  FIG. 2 ). The detailed structure of the cap  50  will be described later. 
     In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the insertion part  30  will be referred to as an insertion direction. Likewise, along the insertion direction, the side closer to the operation part  20  will be referred to as a proximal side, whereas the side farther from the operation part  20  will be referred to as a distal side. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a distal end of the insertion part  30 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the state where a treatment tool tip end  41  protrudes from the distal end of the insertion part  30 . The configuration of the endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . 
     A distal end portion  31  located at the distal end of the bending section  13  has, on one side thereof, an observation window  36  and an illumination window  37  that are aligned on one side along the insertion direction. The illumination window  37  is located more toward the distal side than the observation window  36 . The distal end portion  31  has a channel outlet  35  at the proximal side on the other side thereof. An elevating part  83  is disposed at the distal side of the channel outlet  35 . The cover  52  which covers the distal end portion  31  has a substantially rectangular window part  53  at a portion corresponding to the observation window  36 , illumination window  37  and elevating part  83 . 
     The illumination window  37  directs the illumination light emitted from a light source device (not illustrated). Through the observation window  36 , it is possible to optically observe the area irradiated with the illumination light. The endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment is of a so-called side view type, in which a viewing direction for optical observation is a direction intersecting the insertion direction. The endoscope  10  may also be of a forward oblique view type with a viewing direction somewhat inclined toward the distal end or a backward oblique view type with a viewing direction somewhat inclined toward the proximal end. 
     The channel inlet  22  and the channel outlet  35  are connected with each other by a channel  34  running through the inner side of the flexible section  12  and the bending section  13 . The treatment tool  40  may be inserted through the channel inlet  22  from the treatment tool tip end  41 , to protrude the treatment tool tip end  41  from the channel outlet  35 . 
     As illustrated by the solid line in  FIG. 3 , the treatment tool tip end  41  protrudes while curving gently over the elevating part  83 . If the elevator operation lever  21  is operated as illustrated by the arrow in  FIG. 1 , a lever  60  moves as described later, and an elevator  80  also moves in conjunction with the lever  60 . As the elevator  80  moves, the treatment tool tip end  41  located over the elevator  80  is bent toward the proximal side, i.e. the operation part  20  side, as indicated by the arrows in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The movement of the treatment tool tip end  41  is photographed by an image sensor (not illustrated) or the like through the observation window  36 , and is displayed on a display device (not illustrated). 
     The treatment tool  40  is an instrument for treatment, for example, a high-frequency knife, forceps or contrast tube. The instrument to be inserted into the channel  34  is not limited to the instrument for treatment. For example, an instrument for observation such as an ultrasound probe or ultra-slim endoscope may also be inserted into the channel  34  and used. In the following description, the treatment tool  40  includes an instrument for observation. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cap  50 .  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cap  50  when viewed from the attachment side to the endoscope  10 . The cap  50  has a cover  52 , a pedestal  70  and an elevator  80 . The cover  52  has a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening end  56  at one end thereof and a bottom at the other end thereof. The cover  52  has, at the opening end  56  side of the window part  53 , a protrusion  49  which protrudes inward. 
     The pedestal  70  has a first wall  77  rising toward the window part  53  from the inner surface of the cover  52  that is opposed to the window part  53 , and a second wall  78  extending from the first wall  77  on the cover  52  side along the inner surface of the cover  52 . The first wall  77  has the shape of a plate with its wide surface being parallel to the axial direction of the cover  52 . 
     The pedestal  70  has an elevator attachment hole  76  penetrating through the first wall  77 . The pedestal  70  is fixed to the inner surface of the cover  52  by adhesion or welding while the elevator  80  is pivotally attached to the elevator attachment hole  76 . The pivot here means rotary motion within a predetermined angle range. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the elevator  80 . The configuration of the elevator  80  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The elevator  80  has an elevator shaft  82 , an elevating part  83  and a lever connection part  81 . The elevator shaft  82  is a columnar shaft with an expanding slot. The elevator shaft  82  has, at an end thereof, a retainer with a diameter one size larger than that of the elevator shaft  82 . The elevating part  83  is disposed in a direction intersecting the central axis of the elevator shaft  82 . The elevating part  83  has, at one surface thereof, a spoon-shaped recess  84  which is wider at a side distant from the elevator shaft  82 . 
     The lever connection part  81  is located at the elevator shaft  82  side of the elevating part  83 . The lever connection part  81  is a round hole opened at the inner surface of a cylindrical surface that is coaxial with the elevator shaft  82  so as to have an orientation intersecting the elevator shaft  82 . More specifically, the central axis of the elevator shaft  82  is orthogonal to the central axis of the lever connection part  81 . The lever connection part  81  may be a rectangular hole, an elliptical hole or the like. The lever connection part  81  may or may not penetrate through the elevating part  83 . In the following description, the lever connection part  81  of a concave shape may also be referred to as a connection concave part. 
     The elevator shaft  82  is inserted into the elevator attachment hole  76 . The elevator  80  may pivot around the elevator shaft  82  with respect to the pedestal  70 . The retainer located at an end of the elevator shaft  82  prevents the once inserted elevator shaft  82  from coming off the elevator attachment hole  76 . The recess  84  is opposed to the window part  53 . 
     An assembly method for the cap  50  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . First, the elevator  80  is attached to the pedestal  70  so as to be able to pivot. More specifically, the elevator shaft  82  is inserted into the elevator attachment hole  76 . 
     Subsequently, the pedestal  70  is fixed to the inner surface of the cover  52 . More specifically, the pedestal  70  in which adhesive is applied to one surface of the second wall  78  is inserted into the inner surface of the cover  52  through the opening end  56  side. The adhesive is cured while the surface of the second wall  78  applied with the adhesive is pressed against the inner surface of the cover  52 . The direction of inserting the elevator shaft  82  into the elevator attachment hole  76  intersects with the direction of inserting the pedestal  70  into the cover  52 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the distal end of the insertion part  30  before the cap  50  is attached. The distal end portion  31  has a substantially columnar shape, and is divided into an optics housing  33  and a lever chamber  69  by a groove formed from the distal side to the proximal side at a position offset from the center. The channel outlet  35  is opened at the bottom of the groove. A bar-like elevator connection part  61  is exposed near the channel outlet  35 . The elevator connection part  61  will be described later. 
     The distal end portion  31  has a first planar part  321  along the longitudinal direction of the insertion part  30 . At the optics housing  33  side of the first planar part  321 , the observation window  36  and the illumination window  37  are disposed. At the proximal side of the observation window  36 , a nozzle  38  for injecting water and air to the observation window  36  to clean the observation window  36  is provided. At the outside of the optics housing  33 , a second planar part  322  is provided. 
     The lever chamber  69  is hollow. The lever chamber  69  has a support wall  68  on the optics housing  33  side. The distal end portion  31  has a cap fixing groove  39  at the outer periphery thereof on the proximal side. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the distal end of the insertion part  30  before the cap  50  is attached.  FIG. 7  illustrates a state where a lever chamber lid  67  (see  FIG. 11 ) is removed so as to show the inside of the lever chamber  69 . A pivot connection part  64  and a wire fixing part  65  are accommodated inside the lever chamber  69 . The wire fixing part  65  is connected to an end of the elevating wire  24 . 
     The elevating wire  24  passes through the insertion part  30  and is connected to the elevator operation lever  21  (see  FIG. 1 ). More specifically, the elevating wire  24  is inserted into a guide tube (not illustrated) having an inner diameter somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the elevating wire  24 . The guide tube (not illustrated) penetrates through the insertion part  30  along the longitudinal direction. Thus, the distal end of the elevating wire  24  moves back and forth in conjunction with the operation of the elevator operation lever  21 . The elevating wire  24  is an example of the pivot part according to the present embodiment. The elevating wire  24  is operated remotely by the elevator operation lever  21 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a lever  60 . The lever  60  has a lever shaft  63 , an elevator connection part  61 , a pivot connection part  64 , a wire fixing part  65  and two O-rings  62 . 
     The lever shaft  63  is a columnar shaft. The columnar elevator connection part  61  protrudes from the side surface of the lever shaft  63  in a direction intersecting the central axis of the lever shaft  63 . From an end of the lever shaft  63 , the pivot connection part  64  protrudes in a direction intersecting the central axis of the lever shaft  63 , which is different from the protruding direction of the elevator connection part  61 . A wire fixing part  65  having an expanding slot is provided at an end of the pivot connection part  64 . Two O-rings  62  are fixed at a portion of the lever shaft  63  that is located between the elevator connection part  61  and the pivot connection part  64 . 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the lever  60 . The elevator connection part  61  has a male thread at one end thereof. The lever shaft  63  has a female thread at a side surface thereof. After the lever shaft  63  that received the O-rings  62  is inserted into the hole opened at the support wall  68 , the male thread of the elevator connection part  61  is coupled with the female thread of the lever shaft  63 , so that the lever  60  is pivotally supported by the support wall  68 . By holding and rotating the planar part located at the end of the elevator connection part  61  with a tool such as needle-nose pliers, the elevator connection part  61  and the lever shaft  63  may securely be coupled with each other. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the distal end of the insertion part  30 .  FIG. 10  illustrates the distal end of the insertion part  30  to which the cap  50  is attached when viewed from the window part  53  side. The cap  50  is fixed to the insertion part  30  by being pressed from the distal side of the distal end portion  31 . The end face of the lever chamber  69  on the distal side abuts the bottom of the cap  50 . The observation window  36 , the illumination window  37  and the elevating part  83  are seen inside the window part  53 . 
       FIG. 11  is a section view of the insertion part  30  taken along the line XI-XI in  FIG. 10 . The lever chamber  69  is sealed with the lever chamber lid  67 . A hole through which the lever shaft  63  penetrates the support wall  68  is sealed with the two O-rings  62 . The structure described above prevents water or the like from intruding into the lever chamber  69 . 
     An observation optical system such as lens is disposed under the observation window  36  in  FIG. 11 . A video image photographed by an image sensor (not illustrated) via the observation optical system is processed by a video processor (not illustrated) and is displayed on a display device. 
     A light guide fiber  371  is disposed under the observation optical system in  FIG. 11 . The light guide fiber  371  is connected to the illumination window  37 . The light guide fiber  371  guides illumination light from a light source device (not illustrated) to the illumination window  37 . 
     The cover  52  has a planar part corresponding to the second planar part  322  at the inner surface thereof. The second planar part  322  abuts the planar part of the cover  52  so as to prevent the cap  50  from rotating. 
       FIG. 12  is a section view of the insertion part  30  taken along the line XII-XII in  FIG. 11 . The XII-XII section is a cross section passing the central axis of the lever shaft  63  and the central axis of the elevator shaft  82  along the longitudinal direction of the insertion part  30 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the central axis of the lever shaft  63  and the central axis of the elevator shaft  82  are coaxially arranged. The lever  60  is provided at the distal end of the insertion part  30  of the endoscope  10  so as to be able to pivot around the lever shaft  63 . 
     The elevator connection part  61  is inserted into the lever connection part  81 . The elevator connection part  61  and the lever connection part  81  connect the lever  60  and the elevator  80  with each other. That is, in the case where the lever  60  pivots around the lever shaft  63 , the elevator  80  also pivots integrally with the lever  60 . Since the central axis of the lever shaft  63  and the central axis of the elevator shaft  82  are coaxially arranged, the elevator  80  smoothly operates together with the lever. 
     As illustrated above, when the cap  50  is mounted to the distal end portion  31  of the endoscope  10 , the elevator  80  is connected to the lever  60 . Connection here means the state where the elevator  80  and the lever  60  are connected while pivoting together if the lever  60  pivots. 
     In the following description, the elevator connection part  61  having the shape of a projection as illustrated in  FIG. 12  may also be referred to as an elevator projection. The elevator projection has a shape which may be inserted into the connection concave part illustrated with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The cover  52  has, at the inner surface thereof, an attachment projection  55  extending in a line along the edge of the opening end  56 . The attachment projection  55  is inclined more gently on the opening end  56  side compared to the bottom side of the cover  52 . The attachment projection  55  is engaged with the cap fixing groove  39  formed at an outer periphery of the distal end portion  31 . 
     Because of the gentle inclination on the opening end  56  side, fitting of the attachment projection  55  into the cap fixing groove  39  is relatively easy when the cap  50  is pressed onto the distal end of the insertion part  30 . Since the inclination on the bottom side is steep, on the other hand, the cap  50  that had been once fixed is unlikely to come off the insertion part  30 . After the cap  50  is pressed onto the distal end of the insertion part  30 , a medical tape or the like may be wound around the opening end  56  of the cap  50  as well as the insertion part  30 . This can further secure the fixed cap  50 . 
       FIG. 13  is a section view of the cover  52  taken along the line XIII-XIII in  FIG. 10 . In  FIG. 13 , members other than the cover  52  are not illustrated. The surface of the protrusion  49  that faces the center of the cover  52  is a flat surface. The first planar part  321  abuts the protrusion  49  so as to prevent the cap  50  from rotating. 
     The cover  52  has a cutout  54  having a substantially triangular cross section at the inner surface thereof. As indicated by the broken lines in  FIG. 10 , the cutout  54  is a groove formed between the edge of the window part  53  and the opening end  56 . 
       FIG. 14  is a section view illustrating the procedure of attaching the cap  50  to the distal end of the insertion part  30 . The elevator operation lever  21  is operated to direct the elevator connection part  61  toward the distal end of the insertion part  30 . The elevator  80  in the cap  50  directs the lever connection part  81  toward the opening end  56 . 
     In this state, the cap  50  is pressed onto the distal end portion  31  from the distal side. The cover  52  temporarily expands so that the attachment projection  55  is engaged into the cap fixing groove  39 . This fixes the cap  50  to the distal end portion  31 . As the elevator connection part  61  fits into the lever connection part  81 , the lever  60  and the elevator  80  may pivot in an integrated manner. As described earlier, the end face of the lever chamber  69  on the distal side abuts the bottom of the cover  52 , the first planar part  321  abuts the protrusion  49 , and the second planar part  322  abuts the flat surface at the inner surface of the cover  52 . This structure prevents the cap  50  from rotating and rattling. 
       FIG. 15  is a section view of the insertion part  30  taken along the line XV-XV in  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 16  is a section view of the endoscope  10  in which the elevator  80  is elevated. The movement of the elevator  80  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
     In the state illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the elevator  80  is accommodated inside the cover  52 . The recess  84  is located at a position that allows the treatment tool tip end  41  protruding from the channel outlet  35  to bend gently upward in  FIG. 15 . 
     As the elevator operation lever  21  moves, the elevating wire  24  connected to the elevator operation lever  21  is pulled toward the proximal side. Being pulled by the elevating wire  24 , the lever  60  pivots around the lever shaft  63 . Since the elevator connection part  61  is connected to the lever connection part  81 , the elevator  80  also pivots to rise together with the lever  60 . As a result, the distance between the elevator  80  and the window part  53  changes. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the state where the elevator  80  pivots. 
     Being pushed by the elevator  80 , the treatment tool tip end  41  protruding from the channel outlet  35  is bent toward the proximal side. The pivoting movement for the elevator  80  to rise as illustrated in  FIG. 16  may also be referred to as “the elevator  80  is elevated” in the description below. The bending of the treatment tool tip end  41  by being pushed by the elevated elevator  80  may also be referred to as “the treatment tool  40  is elevated” in the description below. The operation of the elevator operation lever  21  may adjust the degree of elevation of the treatment tool  40 . 
     A method of using the endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment will now be summarized. The endoscope  10  is stored in a state where the cap  50  is removed and is subjected to cleaning or the like. The cap  50  is provided in a sterilized package. The user takes out the cap  50  from the sterilized package and attaches the cap  50  to the distal end portion  31  of the endoscope  10 . 
     The user inserts the insertion part  30  through the mouth of a subject to be examined. While viewing a video image photographed via the observation window  36 , the user guides the distal end of the insertion part  30  to a target site. The user inserts the treatment tool  40  or the like according to a purpose through the channel inlet  22 . After confirming that the treatment tool tip end  41  protrudes from the distal end of the insertion part  30  and is located near the target site, the user operates the elevator operation lever  21  to guide the treatment tool tip end  41  to the target site. The user performs a necessary treatment or the like and then pulls out the treatment tool  40  from the channel  34 . The user pulls out the endoscope  10  from the subject, and terminates the examination or treatment. 
     The cover  52  may easily be detached by breaking it through the cutout  54 . The cap  50  according to the present embodiment is so-called single use, and is discarded after one use. 
     The user performs a process such as cleaning on the endoscope  10  after the cap  50  is removed, to prepare for the next use. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the endoscope  10  after the cap  50  is detached has no elevator  80 . The elevator connection part  61  used when the elevator  80  is fixed is exposed at the distal end portion  31 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Since the lever chamber  69  is sealed with the lever chamber lid  67  and the O-rings  62 , no body fluid or the like is adhered to the path of the elevating wire  24 . 
     It is therefore possible to provide the endoscope  10  that has short process time between cases and that may efficiently be put into practice, since no special cleaning work or the like is necessary for cleaning the complicated structure around the elevator  80  and the elevating wire  24 . 
     The endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment is provided with the elevator  80  and is of the side view type, which makes it suitable for diagnosis and treatment of duodenum and pancreaticobiliary duct areas. In particular, for the case of performing procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) and so forth, the endoscope  10  according the present embodiment is suitable. This is because, in these procedures, treatment or the like is performed by guiding the treatment tool  40  into the duodenum papilla on the duodenal wall as well as the pancreas duct, common bile duct and the like that are opened at the duodenum papilla. 
     According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the cap  50  that may prevent it from being reused by mistake, since the cap  50  is detached from the insertion part  30  by breaking the cover  52  after use. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the endoscope  10  to/from which the elevator  80  and the cap  50  may be attached and detached. According to the present embodiment, it is also possible to provide the endoscope  10  including the elevator  80 , which may be subjected to a process such as cleaning with procedures similar to those for a regular endoscope without the elevator  80 . 
     The endoscope  10  of the side view type may also be referred to as a side view endoscope. Likewise, the endoscope  10  suitable for diagnosis or the like of the duodenum and pancreaticobiliary duct areas may also be referred to as a duodenoscope. 
     According to the present embodiment, since the pedestal  70  and the cover  52  are separate members, their respective shapes are simple. It is thus possible to manufacture them at lower cost by, for example, injection molding. 
     For the pivot part, an expandable shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator may also be employed instead of the elevating wire  24 . In such a case, one end of the SMA actuator is fixed to the wire fixing part  65  whereas the other end thereof is fixed to the distal end portion  31 . A heater is placed around the SMA actuator. The heater is configured to operate in conjunction with the movement of the elevator operation lever  21 . 
     As the heater operates and the SMA actuator contracts, the lever  60  and the elevator  80  pivot. For the pivot part, any other linear actuator may also be employed. 
     A pivoting actuator such as a small motor may also be employed for the pivot part. The small motor is disposed in the lever chamber  69 , and the motor shaft and the lever shaft  63  may be connected with each other to allow the lever  60  to pivot. 
     In the case where an actuator is employed for the pivot part, the elevator  80  may be operated by a means not using a hand of the user, such as voice control, for example. 
     The cap  50  may also be provided in the state where the elevator  80  and the cover  52  or the pedestal  70  are temporarily fixed to each other by an adhesive material or the like while the lever connection part  81  faces the opening end  56 . Accordingly, the cap  50  which is used in a simple manner may be provided while eliminating the trouble of confirming the orientation of the elevator  80  before the cap  50  is attached to the insertion part  30 . 
     It is also possible for the user to select and use a cap  50  with a specification according to a procedure from multiple types of caps  50  with different specifications. For example, a cap  50  provided with a stopper that restricts the pivotal range of the elevator  80  to be narrow may also be provided. In the case of using a combination of expensive and precise instruments such as an ultrasound probe or ultra-slim endoscope, for example, the narrowing of the pivotal range may prevent such instruments from being damaged by excessive bending. 
     In the case where the recess  84  has a shape contoured to the profile of the treatment tool tip end  41 , the treatment tool  41  is unlikely to sway to the left and right at elevation, and thus tends to be easily operated. Multiple types of caps  50  having elevators  80  with recesses  84  of different shapes may be provided. For example, a cap  50  with a recess  84  having a shape that can easily hold a thin treatment tool  40  may be used to facilitate precise operation of the thin treatment tool  40  such as a guide wire. 
     Accordingly, the endoscope  10  for which the user may select and use the cap  50  suitable for a purpose may be provided. 
     The endoscope  10  may be a so-called ultrasound endoscope provided with an ultrasound transducer at the distal end. Here, the cap  50  may preferably have a hole at the bottom through which the ultrasound transducer is inserted. The endoscope  10  may also be an endoscope directed to a lower gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope  10  may also be a so-called rigid endoscope provided with a rigid insertion part  30 . The endoscope  10  may also be a so-called industrial endoscope used for inspection of engine, pipework and so forth. 
     The lever connection part  81  may have the shape of a projection whereas the elevator connection part  61  may be a concave part corresponding to the lever connection part  81 . 
     The cover  52  may not necessarily have the cutout  54 . In such a case, the user may pull and deform the cover  52  to remove the cap  50  from the insertion part  30 . The user may also use a tool such as a scalpel to remove the cap  50  from the insertion part  30 . 
     The cap  50  may be reusable. In such a case, the user visually checks the cap  50  removed from the insertion part  30  and, if it is not broken, reuses the cap  50  after performing a process such as cleaning. Since the opening end  56  of the cap  50  is wide open, a process such as cleaning may more easily be performed compared to the state where the cap  50  stays attached to the insertion part  30 . 
     Because of its small size, the cap  50  may easily be put into a sterilized package for autoclave sterilization, for example. 
     The lever connection part  81  may have the shape of a projection whereas the elevator connection part  61  may be a concave part corresponding to the lever connection part  81 . 
     Embodiment 2 
     The present embodiment relates to a cap  50  which is easily assembled. Portions common to those in Embodiment 1 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of a cap  50  according to Embodiment 2.  FIG. 18  is a section view of the cap  50  according to Embodiment 2.  FIG. 19  is a section view of the cap  50  according to Embodiment 2 taken along the line XIX-XIX in  FIG. 18 . The configuration of the cap  50  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 17 to 19 . 
     The cap  50  has a cover  52 , a pedestal  70  and an elevator  80 . The pedestal  70  has a first wall  77 , a second wall  78  and a third wall  79 . The first wall  77  is a substantially rectangular plate. The second wall  78  is a substantially rectangular plate which extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall  77  from the edge of a long side of the first wall  77 . The third wall  79  is a substantially rectangular plate which extends in the same direction as the second wall  78  from the edge of a short side of the first wall  77 . 
     At the first wall  77 , an elevator attachment hole  76  is formed at an end distant from the third wall  79 . The elevator attachment hole  76  is a round hole penetrating through the first wall  77 . The third wall  79  is provided with a third fixing projection  73  on a surface opposite from the first wall  77 . The third fixing projection  73  is a projection having an expanding slot. The third fixing projection  73  has, at an end thereof, a retainer with a diameter one size larger than that of the projection  73 . 
     The second wall  78  has two pedestal edge projections  71  at the edges thereof on the long side of the surface opposite to the first wall. The pedestal edge projections  71  are projections protruding along the ridge line of the second wall  78 . 
     The cover  52  has a pedestal fixing hole  57  at the bottom. The pedestal fixing hole  57  is a stepped round hole having an inner diameter on the outer surface side of the cover  52  larger than the outer diameter thereof on the inner surface side of the cover  52 . The cover  52  has two first fixing projections  59  on the inner surface thereof. The first fixing projections  59  are two parallel projections protruding in directions facing each other. The distance between the two first fixing projections  59  corresponds to the distance between the two pedestal edge projections  71 . 
     A method of assembling the cap  50  will now be described. First, the elevator  80  is pivotally attached to the pedestal  70 . More specifically, the elevator shaft  82  is inserted into the elevator attachment hole  76 . Subsequently, the pedestal  70  is fixed to the inner surface of the cover  52 . More specifically, the pedestal  70  is inserted into the cover  52  while sliding between the two first fixing projections  59  from the opening end  56  side. As illustrated in FIG.  17 , the direction of inserting the elevator shaft  82  into the elevator attachment hole  76  intersects with the direction of inserting the pedestal  70  into the cover  52 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the pedestal edge projections  71  and the first fixing projections  59  are engaged with each other to fix the pedestal  70  to the inner surface of the cover  52 . That is, the two first fixing projections  59  form so-called dovetail grooves, and the pedestal  70  serves as a so-called dovetail tenon to be fit into the dovetail grooves. 
     The pedestal  70  is pressed against the bottom of the cover  52 . The third fixing projection  73  is inserted into the pedestal fixing hole  57 . The thick diameter part at the tip end of the third fixing projection  73  is engaged with the stepped part of the pedestal fixing hole  57 , to prevent the once-inserted third fixing projection  73  from coming off the pedestal fixing hole  57 . The procedures described above complete the cap  50 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the cap  50  which can easily be assembled by fitting three components of the cover  52 , pedestal  70  and elevator  80  in order may be provided. 
     The cap  50  according to the present embodiment may also be reusable. In the case of reusing, the user preferably removes the pedestal  70  and the elevator  80  from the cover  52  after use, performs cleaning or the like, and thereafter assembles them for reuse. 
     More specifically, a jig or the like is used to pinch the third fixing projection  73  in directions of closing the expanding slot while pushing it toward the inner side of the cover  52 , to remove the pedestal  70  from the cover  52 . Furthermore, a jig or the like is used to pinch the elevator shaft  82  in directions of closing the expanding slot while pushing it, to remove the elevator  80  from the pedestal  70 . 
     By disassembling the cap  50  into three components according to the procedures described above, a process such as cleaning may easily be performed. Before reusing, the cap  50  is assembled according to the procedures described earlier. This can provide the cap  50  that can easily be cleaned around the elevator  80  to be reused. 
     It is also possible to reuse the pedestal  70  and the elevator  80  while only the cover  52  employs a single use component. In such a case, the cutout  54  which helps to easily break the cover  52  may preferably be formed. Accordingly, the cap  50  which is easily removable after use and has reusable pedestal  70  and elevator  80  may be provided. 
     Upon inserting the pedestal  70  into the cover  52 , an adhesive may be applied between the two first fixing projections  59  or the two pedestal edge projections  71 . This allows the pedestal  70  and the cover  52  to be securely fixed to each other. 
     In the case of using an adhesive, only one of the first fixing projections  59  and one of the pedestal edge projections  71  may be employed. Here, the first fixing projection  59  and the pedestal edge projection  71  serve as abutting parts for positioning between the pedestal  70  and the cover  52 . 
     Embodiment 3 
     The present embodiment relates to a cap  50  in which an elevator attachment hole  76  is formed by two components. Portions common to those in Embodiment 2 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of the cap  50  according to Embodiment 3.  FIG. 21  is a side view of a pedestal  70  and an elevator  80  according to Embodiment 3 combined together.  FIG. 22  illustrates the state where a cover  52  and the pedestal  70  according to Embodiment 3 are in the process of being combined together.  FIG. 23  is a section view of the cap  50  according to Embodiment 3.  FIG. 24  is a section view of the cap  50  according to Embodiment 3 taken along the line XXIV-XXIV in  FIG. 23 . The configuration of the cap  50  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 20 to 24 . 
     The cap  50  includes the cover  52 , pedestal  70  and elevator  80 . The cover  52  has, at the inner surface thereof, a second fixing projection  58  of a substantially L-shaped plate protruding toward the window part  53  and having a tip end further protruding toward the opening end  56 . The second fixing projection  58  has, at a corner thereof on the window part  53  side, an elevator receiver  581  which corresponds to approximately one-fourth a cylindrical surface. 
     The pedestal  70  includes an annular first wall  77  and a rectangular plate-like third wall  79  that are contiguous with each other to form an L shape. At the first wall  77 , a first elevator attachment part  761  is formed at an inner surface distant from the third wall  79 . The first elevator attachment part  761  corresponds to approximately three quarters of a cylindrical surface that is contiguous with a hole at a middle part of the first wall  77 . The first wall  77  is further provided with a plate-like fourth fixing projection  74  protruding toward a third fixing projection  73 . 
     The third wall  79  is provided with the third fixing projection  73  on a surface opposite from the first wall  77 . The third fixing projection  73  is a projection having an expanding slot. The third fixing projection  73  has, at an end thereof, a retainer with a diameter one size larger than that of the projection  73 . 
     A method of assembling the cap  50  will now be described. First, the elevator  80  and the pedestal  70  are combined together. More specifically, the elevator shaft  82  is inserted into the hole at the middle part of the first wall  77  so as to abut the inner surface of the first elevator attachment part  761 .  FIG. 21  illustrates the state where the elevator  80  and the pedestal  70  are combined together. The elevator shaft  82  is temporarily fixed to the inner surface of the first elevator attachment part  761 . 
     Subsequently, the pedestal  70  is fixed to the inner surface of the cover  52 . More specifically, the pedestal  70  and the elevator  80  are inserted into the cover  52  through the opening end  56 , as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . 
     The pedestal  70  is pressed against the bottom of the cover  52 . The third fixing projection  73  is engaged into the pedestal fixing hole  57 . Here, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the second fixing projection  58  and the fourth fixing projection  74  are engaged with each other. The first elevator attachment part  761  and the elevator receiver  581  together form the elevator attachment hole  76  having a cylindrical surface surrounding the elevator shaft  82 . The elevator attachment hole  76  pivotally supports the elevator shaft  82 . The procedures described above complete the cap  50 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the direction of inserting the elevator shaft  82  into the hole of the first wall  77  intersects with the direction of inserting the pedestal  70  into the cover  52 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the cap  50  in which the elevator shaft  82  and the pedestal  70  are easily assembled may be provided. Furthermore, since the pedestal  70  is fixed to the inner surface of the cover  52  with the plate-like fourth fixing projection  74 , it is possible to provide the cap  50  in which the pedestal  70  is not likely to come off the cover  52  even if a force of pulling the pedestal  70  and the elevator  80  in the direction of the window part  53  is applied. 
     Embodiment 4 
     The present embodiment relates to a cap  50  having a fixing projection for fixing a pedestal  70  to the bottom of a cover  52 . Portions common to those in Embodiment 3 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 25  is an exploded perspective view of the cap  50  according to Embodiment 4.  FIG. 26  is a section view of the cap  50  according to Embodiment 4. The configuration of the cap  50  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
     The cap  50  has a cover  52 , a pedestal  70  and an elevator  80 . The cover  52  has, at the bottom thereof, a fifth fixing projection  51  protruding toward the opening end. The fifth fixing projection  51  has, at an end thereof, a retainer with a diameter one size larger than that of the projection  51 . The pedestal  70  has a cover fixing hole  75  penetrating through the third wall  79 . 
     By pressing the pedestal  70  against the bottom of the cover  52 , the fifth fixing projection  51  is engaged into the cover fixing hole  75 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the cap  50  having a smooth bottom, i.e. a smooth portion that is in contact with the distal end of the insertion part  30  when attached to the endoscope  10 , may be provided. 
     Embodiment 5 
     The present embodiment relates to an endoscope  10  that provides a feel of click when a cap  50  is attached to a distal end portion  31 . Portions common to those in Embodiment 1 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 27  is a section view of a portion where a lever  60  and an elevator  80  according to Embodiment 5 are connected with each other. A side surface concave part  91  having the shape of a triangular groove is formed at the outer periphery of the elevator connection part  61  protruding from the lever  60 . An inner surface convex part  92  having the shape corresponding to the side surface concave part  91  is formed at the inner periphery of the concave lever connection part  81  located at the elevator  80 . In the state where the lever  60  and the elevator  80  are connected with each other, the inner surface convex part  92  fits into the side surface concave part  91  as illustrated in  FIG. 27 . 
     When the cap  50  is attached to the distal end portion  31 , the elevator connection part  61  thrusts into the lever connection part  81  while pushing out the inner surface convex part  92 . When the inner surface convex part  92  fits into the side surface concave part  91 , the user who is working to attach the cap  50  may sense a feel of click. Thus, the user may recognize that the cap  50  is pushed to reach a predetermined position. 
     According to the present embodiment, the endoscope  10  that provides a feel of click when the cap  50  is pushed to a predetermined position of the distal end portion  31  may be provided. 
     It is also possible to form a convex part at the outer periphery of the elevator connection part  61  and a concave part at the inner periphery of the lever connection part  81 . 
     Embodiment 6 
     The present embodiment relates to a cap  50  in which a pedestal  70  and a cover  52  are formed in an integral manner. Portions common to those in Embodiment 1 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 28  is a section view of an insertion part  30  according to Embodiment 6.  FIG. 28  illustrates a cross section cut at a position similar to the line XI-XI indicated in  FIG. 10 . In the present embodiment, the pedestal  70  is integrally formed with the inner surface of the cover  52 . 
     For example, a 3D printer may be used to fabricate the cover  52  of this type. The use of the 3D printer capable of printing more than one materials allows for simultaneous fabrication of the pedestal  70  and cover  52 , as well as the elevator  80  which can pivot with respect to the pedestal  70 . 
     According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the cap  50  with a small number of components to be used. 
     Embodiment 7 
     The present embodiment relates to an endoscope  10  including a lever connection part  81  of a projection shape and an elevator connection part  61  of a concave shape. Portions common to those in Embodiment 1 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a distal end of an insertion part  30  according to Embodiment 7 before a cap  50  is attached.  FIG. 30  is a section view of an insertion part  30  according to Embodiment 7.  FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a lever  60  according to Embodiment 7.  FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the cap  50  according to Embodiment 7. The structure of the endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 29 to 32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 29 and 31 , the elevator connection part  61  according to the present embodiment is a round hole formed at a side surface of a lever shaft  63 . For the elevator connection part  61 , a hole of any shape such as a rectangular hole or an elliptical hole may be employed. The elevator connection part  61  may or may not penetrate through the lever shaft  63 . In the following description, the elevator connection part  61  having the shape of a recess as illustrated in  FIG. 30  may also be referred to as a connection concave part. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 32 , the lever connection part  81  according to the present embodiment is a columnar projection formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical surface that is coaxial with the elevator shaft  82  so as to intersect the elevator shaft  82 . In the following description, the lever connection part  81  having the shape of a projection as illustrated in  FIG. 31  may also be referred to as an elevator projection. The lever connection part  81  has a shape which may be inserted into the elevator connection part  61  formed at the lever  60 . 
       FIG. 30  is a cross section passing the central axis of the lever shaft  63  and the central axis of the elevator shaft  82  along the longitudinal direction of the insertion part  30 . The lever connection part  81  is inserted into the elevator connection part  61 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the distal end of the insertion part  30  only has a hole of the elevator connection part  61 , which facilitates cleaning after use. It is noted that a brush corresponding to the dimension of the elevator connection part  61  is used to clean the inside of the elevator connection part  61 . 
     Embodiment 8 
     The present embodiment relates to an endoscope  10  in which a lever shaft  63  also serves as an elevator projection. Portions common to those in Embodiment 1 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a lever  60  according to Embodiment 8.  FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a cap  50  according to Embodiment 8. The configuration of the endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 33 and 34 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 33 , the lever shaft  63  according to the present embodiment has two cutouts in a direction parallel to the central axis, and includes two parallel planar elevator connection parts  61 . As illustrated in  FIG. 34 , the lever connection part  81  according to the present embodiment is a substantially U-shaped recess formed at a side surface of a columnar surface that is coaxial with the elevator shaft  82  so as to intersect with the elevator shaft  82 . 
     The cap  50  is pushed onto the insertion part  30  from its distal end so that the elevator connection part  61  fits into the lever connection part  81 . This connects the lever  60  and the elevator  80  with each other so that they may able to pivot in an integrated manner. That is, in the present embodiment, the lever shaft  63  also serves as an elevator projection. 
     According to the present embodiment, the distal end of the insertion part  30  has neither a projection nor a hole, which facilitates cleaning after use. 
     Only one of the elevator connection parts  61  may be provided. The two elevator connection parts  61  may not necessarily be parallel to each other. 
     Embodiment 9 
     The present embodiment relates to an endoscope  10  in which a member for connecting a lever  60  and an elevator  80  is detachable. Portions common to those in Embodiment 1 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a cap  50  according to Embodiment 9. The cap  50  according to the present embodiment has a recessed lever connection part  81  as in Embodiment 1 described with reference to  FIG. 4 . The endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment has a recessed elevator connection part  61  at the distal end of the insertion part  30 , as in Embodiment 6 described with reference to  FIGS. 29 and 30 . The endoscope  10  according to the present embodiment comprises a round bar-like connecting tool  89 . 
     After the connecting tool  89  is inserted into the lever connection part  81  or elevator connection part  61 , the cap  50  is pushed onto the insertion part  30  and fixed. The connecting tool  89  fits into the elevator connection part  61  and the lever connection part  81 . This allows the lever  60  and the elevator  80  to pivot in an integrated manner. 
     According to the present embodiment, the distal end of the insertion part  30  only has a hole of the elevator connection part  61 , which facilitates cleaning after use. Moreover, the connecting tool  89  may easily be cleaned and reused because of its simple shape. Thus, the endoscope  10  with a small number of members to be discarded even if the cap  50  is made as single use may be provided. 
     The lever connection part  81  may be a prism, elliptical column or the like. Magnetic substances are used for the lever  60 , elevator  80  and connecting tool  89 , so that the endoscope  10  may be provided which prevents the components from falling off at the time of attachment and facilitates the attachment of the cap  50 . 
     Embodiment 10 
     The present embodiment relates to an endoscope  10  which may obtain a feel of click when the cap  50  is attached to the distal end portion  31 . Portions common to those in Embodiment 1 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 36  is a section view of a portion where a lever  60  and an elevator  80  according to Embodiment 10 are connected with each other. A side surface concave part  91  having the shape of a triangular groove is formed at the outer periphery of the elevator connection part  61  protruding from the lever  60 . An inner surface convex part  92  having the shape corresponding to the side surface concave part  91  is formed at the inner periphery of the concave lever connection part  81  located at the elevator  80 . In the state where the lever  60  and the elevator  80  are connected with each other, the inner surface convex part  92  fits into the side surface concave part  91  as illustrated in  FIG. 36 . 
     When the cap  50  is attached to the distal end portion  31 , the elevator connection part  61  thrusts into the lever connection part  81  while pushing out the inner surface convex part  92 . While the inner surface convex part  92  thrusts into the side surface concave part  91 , the user who is working to attach the cap  50  may sense a feel of click. Thus, the user may recognize that the cap  50  is pushed to reach a predetermined position. 
     According to the present embodiment, the endoscope  10  producing a feel of click when the cap  50  is pushed to a predetermined position of the distal end portion  31  may be provided. 
     Embodiment 11 
     The present embodiment relates to an endoscope  10  which may obtain a feel of click when the cap  50  is attached to the distal end portion  31 . Portions common to those in Embodiment 7 will not be described here. 
       FIG. 37  is a section view of a portion at which a lever  60  and an elevator  80  according to Embodiment 11 are connected with each other. A side surface concave part  91  having the shape of a triangular groove is formed at the outer periphery of the lever connection part  81  protruding from the elevator  80 . An inner surface convex part  92  having the shape corresponding to the side surface concave part  91  is formed at the inner periphery of the concave elevator connection part  61  located at the lever  60 . In the state where the lever  60  and the elevator  80  are connected with each other, the inner surface convex part  92  fits into the side surface concave part  91  as illustrated in  FIG. 37 . 
     When the cap  50  is attached to the distal end portion  31 , the lever connection part  81  thrusts into the elevator connection part  61  while pushing out the inner surface convex part  92 . When the inner surface convex part  92  thrusts into the side surface concave part  91 , the user who is working to attach the cap  50  may sense a feel of click. Thus, the user may recognize that the cap  50  is pushed to reach a predetermined position. 
     According to the present embodiment, the endoscope  10  producing a feel of click when the cap  50  is pushed to reach a predetermined position of the distal end portion  31  may be provided. 
     The technical features (components) described in each example embodiment may be combined with one another, and such combinations may form new technical features. 
     It is to be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. Since the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them, all changes that fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims. 
     In relation to the embodiments including Embodiments 1 to 11 described above, the following clauses will further be disclosed. 
     1. An endoscope cap attachable to and detachable from an endoscope including a lever pivotally provided at a distal end of an insertion part of an endoscope and a pivot part causing the lever to pivot, comprising: 
     a bottomed cylindrical cover having an opening end; and 
     an elevator pivotally supported at an inside of the cover, connected to the lever when the cover is attached to the endoscope, and pivoting in response to pivoting of the lever. 
     2. The endoscope cap according to clause 1, wherein 
     the cover has a window part at a side surface, and 
     the elevator includes an elevator shaft pivotally supported by the cover and a lever connection part located at the opening end side and connectable to the lever. 
     3. The endoscope cap according to clause 2, wherein the elevator is pivotable in a direction of changing a distance between the elevator and the window part. 
     4. The endoscope cap according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the cover has a cutout contiguous to the window part. 
     5. The endoscope cap according to any one of clauses 2 to 4, further comprising a pedestal fixed to an inside of the cover, 
     wherein the elevator shaft is pivotally supported at the inner side of the cover through the pedestal. 
     6. An endoscope, comprising: 
     a hollow lever chamber protruding from a part of a distal end of an insertion part in an insertion direction and including a support wall along the insertion direction; and 
     a lever having a lever shaft penetrating the support wall and an elevator connection part located outside the lever chamber and exposed to a surface, the lever being pivotable around the lever shaft. 
     7. The endoscope according to clause 6, comprising an endoscope cap including: 
     a bottomed cylindrical cover having an opening end; and 
     an elevator pivotally supported at an inner side of the cover, connected to the lever when the cover is attached to the endoscope, and pivoting in response to pivoting of the lever. 
     8. A method of manufacturing an endoscope cap, comprising: 
     inserting an elevator shaft of an elevator into a pedestal; 
     inserting the pedestal together with the elevator into a bottomed cylindrical cover having an opening end through the opening end; and 
     fixing the cover and the pedestal to each other. 
     9. A method of using an endoscope cap, comprising: 
     preparing an endoscope including a lever pivotally provided at a distal end of an insertion part of an endoscope and a pivot part pivoting the lever; and 
     attaching an endoscope cap to the endoscope, the endoscope cap including: a bottomed cylindrical cover having an opening end; and an elevator pivotally supported at an inner side of the cover, connected to the lever when the cover is attached to the endoscope, and pivoting in response to pivoting of the lever. 
     10. A method of using the endoscope cap according to clause 9, comprising: 
     breaking the cover through a cutout formed at the cover; and 
     removing the endoscope cap from the endoscope after breaking.