Patent Publication Number: US-2009223028-A1

Title: Magazine type clipping device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an endoscopic clipping device used for stopping bleeding, closing a puncture, etc. in a living body or the like and, in particular, to a magazine type clipping device which allows a plurality of clips to be used in succession. 
     An endoscopic clipping device causes a clip to protrude from the forward end of an endocope inserted into a living body to pinch a bleeding portion or a portion to be treated after the removal of the lesion tissue with the clip, thereby stopping the bleeding or closing the puncture. In a conventionally used endoscopic clipping device, a single clip is detachably attached to the forward end of a manipulating wire, and each time clipping is performed, the entire sheath is drawn out of the endoscope, and the sheath is loaded with the next clip before being inserted into the endoscope again for the next clipping. In this way, the convention clipping device involves a rather bothersome operation. 
     In this connection, there has been proposed an endoscopic clipping device allowing successive clipping. For example, JP 2006-187391 A discloses an endoscopic clipping device in which a connection hole formed in the rear end portion of a preceding clip is engaged with forward end claw portions of a succeeding clip, whereby a plurality of clips are directly connected together, with their orientations being alternately changed by 90 degrees. Further, JP 2006-087537 A discloses an endoscopic clipping device in which outwardly bent connection claws are formed at the rear end portions of a pair of plate spring members forming a clip, with engagement holes to be engaged with the connection claws of a preceding clip being formed in the vicinity of the forward ends of the plate spring members. In the endoscopic clipping device, in a state in which a succeeding clip has been made narrower, the connection claws at the rear end of the preceding clip are inserted into the engagement holes in the vicinity of the forward end of the succeeding clip for locking, whereby a plurality of clips oriented in the same direction are connected directly to each other. 
     By using the devices as disclosed in JP 2006-187391 A and JP 2006-087537 A, it is possible to perform successive clipping operations. In those conventional devices, however, the clips are maintained in the connected state solely through engagement between the preceding and succeeding clips, with the connecting portion being exposed in the sheath. Thus, the connection is rather unstable, and disconnection may occur at the time of insertion into the endoscope or when the devices is passed through a curved portion, or there is the possibility of an excessive force being applied to the connecting portion to cause twisting or distortion in the clips to be used. When the clips are disconnected within the sheath, the clips are dropped about from the forward end of the sheath. Further, there is a fear of projections or corner portions of the clips at the connecting portion damaging the inner wall of the sheath when a curved portion is passed through. 
     Further, in the devices as disclosed in JP 2006-187391 A and JP 2006-087537 A, the clips are accommodated in the sheath to thereby maintain the clips in the closed state, and at the time of clipping operation, the clips are caused to advance and retreat within the sheath while pressing the sheath inner wall with the resilient force of the clips. Thus, the clip pulling load is unnecessarily large, and there is a fear of the sheath inner wall being damaged. Further, in those conventional devices, the connection is maintained solely through engagement between the front and rear clips, and the advancing/retreating movement due to the manipulating wire is transmitted by the connected portion. However, this connected portion involves play, and hence wobble is generated at the time of advancing/retreating movement, thus giving the operator an unstable feel, and further, a precise control of the advancing/retreating movement is rather difficult to perform. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the above-mentioned problems in the related art and to provide a magazine type clipping device which is capable of reliably maintaining the connected state of the clips loaded in such a state, which is free from a fear of damaging the sheath inner wall, and which can perform clipping operation smoothly and with high precision. Another object of the present invention is to provide a magazine type clipping device capable of effecting the clamping and separation of (canceling of connection) the foremost clip by a series of operations in one direction. 
     A magazine type clipping device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a plurality of clips loaded into a forward end portion of a sheath while being engaged with other clips longitudinally connected together; at least one connection ring fitted into the sheath so as to be capable of advancing and retreating, and covering an engagement portion of the clips to maintain the clips in a connected state; and a manipulating wire connected to a rearmost clip and adapted to pull a clip row formed of the plurality of clips, in which each of the plurality of clips has a pair of openable/closable claw portions and a tail portion, in which the connection ring has a connection maintaining region retaining a pair of the plurality of clips longitudinally engaged with each other, with the pair of claw portions of a succeeding clip being closed while holding the tail portion of a preceding clip, and in which the engagement portion between the pair of the plurality of clips is detached from the connection maintaining region through an operation of pulling the manipulating wire to open the pair of claw portions of the succeeding clip, with the tail portion of the preceding clip being detached from therebetween. 
     A magazine type clipping device according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: a plurality of clips loaded into a forward end portion of a sheath while being engaged with other clips longitudinally connected together; at least one connection ring fitted into the sheath so as to be capable of advancing and retreating, and covering an engagement portion of the clips to maintain the clips in a connected state; and a manipulating wire connected to a rearmost clip and adapted to pull a clip row formed of the plurality of clips, in which the connection ring has at least one slit extending from a proximal end thereof to a position on a proximal end side of the engagement portion between the plurality of clips. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are a side sectional view and a front sectional view, respectively, illustrating a clipping device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a clip used in Embodiment 1; 
         FIGS. 3A through 3C  are a front view, a front sectional view, and a bottom view of a connection ring used in Embodiment 1; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are partial sectional views illustrating how clips are maintained in a connected state by a connection ring; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the relationship between the clip, the connection ring, and the sheath of Embodiment 1; 
         FIGS. 6A through 6E  are sectional views illustrating stepwise the state of the clipping device according to Embodiment 1 during clipping manipulation; 
         FIGS. 7A through 7C  are a front view, a front sectional view, and a bottom view of a connection ring used in Embodiment 2; 
         FIGS. 8A through 8C  are partial sectional views illustrating stepwise the state of the clips and the connection ring during clipping manipulation of Embodiment 2; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged sectional view of a lower end portion of the connection ring of Embodiment 2; 
         FIGS. 10A through 10E  are sectional views illustrating stepwise the state of the clipping device of Embodiment 2 during clipping manipulation; 
         FIGS. 11A through 11C  are a front view, a front sectional view, and a bottom view of a connection ring used in Embodiment 3; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between skirt portions of the connection ring and the clip used in Embodiment 3; 
         FIGS. 13A through 13C  are a front view, a front sectional view, and a bottom view of a connection ring used in a modification of Embodiment 3; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between skirt portions of the connection ring and the clip used in the modification of Embodiment 3; 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  are a perspective view and a partial enlarged view of a clip used in Embodiment 4; 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  are a perspective view and a sectional view of a manipulating portion used in Embodiment 5; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the manipulating portion of Embodiment 5 with a slider guide removed therefrom; 
         FIG. 19A  is a perspective view of a guide portion of the slider guide; 
         FIG. 19B  is a schematic developed view of the slider guide; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a rotating position regulating member; and 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic developed view of the slider guide for illustrating how clipping manipulation is performed in Embodiment 5. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following, preferred embodiments of a clipping device of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Embodiment 1 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are sectional views of a clipping device  10  according to Embodiment  1  of the present invention, and  FIG. 1B  is a diagram as seen from an angle differing from  FIG. 1A  by 90 degrees. 
     The clipping device  10  is a magazine type clipping device in which clips can be used in succession and which has a plurality of clips  12  ( 12 A,  12 B,  12 C, and  12 D), a dummy clip  18  connected to the rearmost clip  12 D, a manipulating wire  20  connected to the dummy clip, and connection rings  14  ( 14 A,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D) covering the engagement portions of the adjacent clips  12  to maintain the clips  12  in the connected state, with those components being fitted into a sheath  16 .  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an initial state immediately before the start of clipping manipulation by the foremost clip  12 . 
     One clip  12  and one connection ring  14  corresponding to the clip  12  form one endoscopic bleeding stop clip member, and the clipping device  10  includes a plurality of such bleeding stop clip members loaded into the interior of the distal end portion of the elongated sheath  16 . The terminal end of the successive bleeding stop clip members is engaged with the dummy clip  18 , and the manipulating wire  20  extends to the proximal end of the sheath  16  to be connected to a manipulating portion described below. When the manipulating wire  20  is drawn out by a predetermined length from the manipulating portion, and the dummy clip  18  is moved in one direction by the predetermined length, the series of clips  12  move by the same amount, and the foremost clip  12  is clamped by the connection ring  14  retaining the same, whereby clipping for stopping bleeding, marking, etc. is effected by the foremost clip  12 . When the clipping by the foremost clip  12  has been completed, the sheath  16  is pulled toward the manipulating portion side by a predetermined length, whereby the next clip  12  is placed in a usable state (standby state), thus making it possible to perform clipping successively. 
     While in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  the foremost clip  12 A protrudes from the distal end of the sheath  16 , when loading the clips  12 , etc. into the sheath  16 , setting is effected such that the foremost clip  12 A is completely accommodated within the sheath  16  as illustrated in  FIG. 6A . Further, while in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  the number of clips  12  is four, that is, the clipping device is of a four-shooter type, it is possible for the clips  12  to be provided in any number not less than two. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the clip  12 . The clip  12  is a closed clip having a turned portion  24  turned by 180 degrees with respect to claw portions  22 . That is, in forming the clip  12 , a single elongated plate is bent by 180 degrees to form a closed end, and then both ends thereof are caused to cross each other. Further, the end portions are bent so as to be opposed to each other, thereby forming the claw portions  22  to two open ends. On the open-end side of the crossing portion  26 , there exist arm portions  28 , and, on the closed-end portion thereof, there exists the turned portion  24 . At the central portion of each arm portion  28 , there is formed a partially widened projection  30 . The clip  12  may be formed of a metal with biocompatibility. For example, it is possible to use SUS  631 , which is a spring stainless steel. 
     In the clip  12 , the forward end portion (a clamping portion  40  described below) of the connection ring  14  fitted onto the crossing portion  26  moves by a predetermined amount toward the claw portions  22  while pressurizing the arm portions  28 , whereby the arm portions  28  and the claw portions  22  are closed, with the claw portions  22  exerting a predetermined fit-engagement force. 
     In order to reliably grasp an object, the claw portions  22  are formed as V-shaped male type and female type ones. Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the arm portions  28  of the clip  12  gradually increase in width from the crossing portion  26  toward the projections  30 . 
     In the initial state illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the projections  30  are formed at positions where the length as measured from the forward end of the connection ring  14  is equal to or slightly larger than the requisite movement length for the clamping of the clip  12  by the connection ring  14 . That is, the rear ends of the projections  30  are situated at the position of the forward end of the connection ring  14  or slightly on the forward end side thereof at the time of the completion of the clamping of the clip  12 . 
     The projections  30  have a width larger than that of the portions of the distal end side opening and the proximal end side opening of the connection ring  14  abutted by the projections  30 . Thus, while the portions of the clip  12  other than the projections  30  can enter the interior of the connection ring  14 , the projections  30  cannot enter the interior either from the distal end side or the proximal end side of the connection ring  14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the claw portions  22  of the second clip  12 B are engaged with the turned portion  24  of the first clip  12 A and retained by the connection ring  14 A in a closed state, whereby the first clip  12 A and the second clip  12 B are connected together. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the claw portions  22  of the second clip  12 B are engaged with the turned portion  24  of the first clip  12 A in a direction orthogonal thereto, with the first clip  12 A and the second clip  12 B being differing in orientation by 90 degrees. Similarly, the clips  12 C and  12 D are connected together, with their orientations alternately differing by 90 degrees. 
     Each connection ring  14  is fitted into the sheath  16  so as to be capable of advancing and retreating while covering the engagement portion between two clips  12  and maintaining their connected state. That is, the outer diameter of the connection rings  14  is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the sheath  16  so that they can smoothly advance and retreat within the sheath  16  as the clips  12  move.  FIGS. 3A through 3C  schematically illustrate the construction of each connection ring  14 .  FIG. 3A  is a front view of the connection ring  14 ,  FIG. 3B  is a sectional view thereof, and  FIG. 3C  is a bottom view thereof. 
     The connection ring  14  includes a clamping portion  40  and a retaining portion  42 . In the connection ring  14 , the clamping portion  40  formed of metal is fixed to the forward end of the retaining portion  42  formed of a resin, and the two members form an integral structure. The retaining portion  42  formed of a resin serves to maintain the connected state and to retain the clip within the connection ring, and the clamping portion  40  formed of metal serves to clamp the clip. It is also possible for the connection ring  14  to be formed by a single member if it can provide the functions of both the clamping portion  40  and the retaining portion  42 . 
     The clamping portion  40  is a cylindrical (ring-like) metal component mounted to the forward end side of the connection ring  14 , and has a hole whose inner diameter is larger than the width of the portion of the clip  12  in the vicinity of the crossing portion  26  and smaller than the width of the projections  30 . Thus, while the clamping portion  40  can move in the vicinity of the crossing portion  26  of the clip  12  it retains, it cannot be detached to the forward end side beyond the projections  30 . That is, the projections  30  function as a stopper determining the movement limit of the connection ring  14  advancing with respect to the clip  12 . 
     The clamping portion  40  is set at a predetermined position in the vicinity of the crossing portion  26  of the clip  12 . The clamping portion  40  moves from its initial position, i.e., from the crossing portion  26  toward the projections  30 , with the arm portions  28  of the clip  12  increasing in width, whereby it closes the arm portions  28  of the diverging clip  12  to effect fixation and clamping. As the material of the clamping portion  40 , there is used a metal with biocompatibility, for example, a stainless steel SUS  304 . By forming the clamping portion  40  of metal, it is possible to exert on the metal clip  12  a frictional force, which serves as the clamping force. 
     The retaining portion  42  is a schematically cylindrical (ring-like) component formed by resin molding. The retaining portion  42  has a first region  32  retaining the preceding clip  12  and a second region  34  which is a connection retaining region retaining the next clip  12  while connected to the preceding clip. 
     The first region  32  has a large circular hole capable of accommodating the turned portion  24  of the clip  12  and larger than the hole of the clamping portion  40 . On the outer surface of the forward end portion of the first region  32 , there is formed a stepped portion onto which the clamping portion  40  is to be fitted, and the clamping portion  40  and the retaining portion  42  are fit-engaged with each other through close fit such that they are not detached from each other while loaded in the sheath  16  and during clipping manipulation. Further, the first region  32  has skirt portions  38  each diverging while inclined in a skirt-like fashion with respect to the axis of the connection ring  14  main body. 
     The forward end side, that is, the upper, base portion of the skirt portion  38  as seen in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  is connected to the main body of the retaining portion  42 , whereas the lower, diverging portion thereof is partially separated from the main body to be radially diverged or closed. Two skirt portions  38  are formed so as to be separated from each other by 180 degrees at the same position in the pulling direction for the clip  12 , that is, in the vertical direction in FIGS.  3 A and  3 B. 
     When left as they are, that is, when in a state in which no external force is being imparted thereto, the skirt portions  38  are diverged in a skirt-like fashion as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . At this time, the interior of the first region  32  of the retaining portion  42  forms a columnar space as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . When loading the connection rings  14  into the sheath  16 , the following takes place: in the case, for example, of the second connection ring  14 B illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the skirt portions  38  are pushed in to enter the internal space, and the inner peripheral side portions of the skirt portions  38  pressurize the side surface (edge portion) of the turned portion  24  of the clip  12 B retained by the first region  32 , thus retaining the clip  12 B such that it does not move in the rotating direction and the advancing/retreating direction within the connection ring  14 B. It is also possible for the skirt portions  38  to pressurize and retain the clip retained by the second region  34 , that is, the succeeding clip. 
     As in the case of the first connection ring  14 A illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the skirt portions  38  extend beyond the forward end of the sheath  16 , and are opened due to their own elasticity, releasing the retention of the clip  12 A and becoming wider than the inner diameter of the sheath  16  to prevent the connection ring  14 A from retracting into the sheath  16 . In this state, the manipulating wire  20  is pulled, and the clip  12 A retreats, whereby the connection ring  14 A advances relative to the clip  12 A to clamp the clip  12 A. 
     Thus, it is necessary for the skirt portions  38  to have elasticity so that they can be closed inwardly within the sheath  16  and widen in a skirt-like fashion when they get out of the forward end of the sheath  16  and are released from the external force. At the same time, it is also necessary for the skirt portions  38  to exhibit rigidity enabling them to retain the clip  12  within the sheath  16  and to withstand the repulsive force of the clamping force of the clip  12  at the forward end of the sheath  16 . 
     From the above-mentioned viewpoints, as the material of the retaining portion  42 , there is used a material exhibiting biocompatibility and providing the requisite elasticity and rigidity for the skirt portions  38 . As for their configuration, it is determined so as to satisfy the requirements in terms of elasticity and rigidity for the skirt portions  38 . As the material of the retaining portion  42 , it is possible to use, for example, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). From the viewpoint of ease of production, it is desirable for the retaining portion  42  to be formed as an integral molding. 
     The second region  34  is provided on the proximal end side of the first region  32 . The succeeding clip  12  engaged with the clip  12  retained by the first region  32  is retained in a state in which the claw portions  22  thereof are closed while holding the closed end (tail portion) of the turned portion  24  of the preceding clip  12  therebetween. 
     The length of the second region  34  is substantially equal to the movement length required for the clamping portion  40  set at the initial position with respect to the clip  12  to move until the clamping of the clip  12  is completed. That is, while the clip  12  retreats relative to the connection ring  14  to be clamped, the second region  34  of the connection ring  14  maintains the connection between the two clips  12  retained therein, allowing the pulling force of the rear clip  12  to be transmitted to the front clip  12 , and when the clamping has been completed, the engagement portion of the two clips  12  is detached from the second region  34 , thereby canceling the connection between the clips  12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the second region  34  has a hole  43  having the same inner diameter as the proximal end side portion of the first region  32 , and further, two grooves (recesses)  43   a  opposed to each other are formed. The grooves  43   a  can accommodate the arm portions  28  of the clip  12  retained in the second region  34 , with the claw portions  22  being closed. 
     The grooves  43   a  are provided at two positions in the direction in which the claw portions  22  of the clip  12  retained in the second region  34  are opened and closed (horizontal direction in  FIGS. 3B and 3C ). The plate surfaces of the arm portions  28  of the clip  12  retained in the second region  34  abut the inner walls of the grooves  43   a.  The width (opening width) of the grooves  43   a  is slightly larger than the maximum width of the arm portions  28  of the clip  12 , and the distance from the wall surface of one groove  43   a  to the wall surface of the other groove  43   a  is substantially equal to the sum total of the lengths of the two claw portions  22  of the clip  12  (length in the diverging direction). The width of the grooves  43   a  is smaller than the width of the projections  30  formed on the arm portions  28 . Thus, the projections  30  of the clip  12  retained in the second region  34  cannot enter the grooves  43   a.    
     The distance between the wall surfaces of the two grooves  43   a  is such that the engagement between the turned portion  24  of the preceding clip  12  and the claw portions  22  of the next clip  12  is not canceled, and the distance is smaller than the sum total of the lengths of the two claw portions  22  and the width of the portion of the turned portion  24  engaged with the claw portions  22 . 
     For example, the claw portions  22  of the clip  12  retained in the second region  34  may slightly overlap each other, or the connection of the clip with the preceding clip  12  may be maintained, with a slight gap being left between the claw portions  22 . 
     The engagement portion between the two clips  12  is retained in the portion of the second region  34  close to the boundary between the second region  34  and the first region  32 . Inside the sheath  16 , the turned portion  24  of the preceding clip  12  (e.g., the clip  12 B in the connection ring  14 B illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) is retained by the closed skirt portions  38  in the first region  32 , and hence the advancing/retreating movement and rotating movement of the clip is restrained. The next clip  12  (e.g., the clip  12 C in the connection ring  14 B illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) engaged with the preceding clip  12  is retained in an orientation differing by 90 degrees from the preceding clip by the grooves  43   a  of the second region  34 , whereby rotating movement of the clip is restrained, and the clip is engaged with the preceding clip restrained in advancing/retreating movement, thereby restraining the advancing/retreating movement thereof. That is, the engagement portion between the front and rear clips is retained by the connection ring  14  with very little play. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the claw portions  22  of the second clip  12 B are engaged with the turned portion  24  of the first clip  12 A, and the engagement portion is retained by the connection ring  14 A. The claw portions  22  of the second clip  12 B are retained in the closed state by the inner wall of the connection ring  14 A (second region  34  thereof). As a result, the connection of the first clip  12 A and the second clip  12 B is maintained. Similarly, the connection of the second clip  12 B and the third clip  12 C is maintained by the connection ring  14 B, the connection of the third clip  12 C and the fourth clip  12 D is maintained by the connection ring  14 C, and the connection of the fourth clip  12 D and the dummy clip  18  is maintained by the connection ring  14 D. 
     The rearmost clip  12 D is engaged with the dummy clip  18 , which is not used for clipping. The dummy clip  18  is a member having a resilient portion of a configuration similar to that of the open end side half as from the crossing portion  26  of the clip  12 . The resilient portion is engaged with the turned portion of the clip  12 D, with the claw portions thereof being closed, and releases the clip  12 D when the claw portions are opened. The manipulating wire  20  is fixedly connected to the proximal end portion of the dummy clip  18 . 
     The sheath  16  is formed, for example, of a coil sheath formed through intimate winding of metal wire. The inner diameter of the sheath  16  is one allowing canceling of the engagement between the turned portion  24  of the preceding clip  12  and the claw portions  22  of the next clip  12 . That is, the inner diameter of the sheath  16  is larger than the sum total of the lengths of the two claw portions  22  and the width of the turned portion  24  engaged with the claw portions  22 . 
     Here, the construction of the connection ring  14  and the movement of each portion of the clip  12  and the connection ring  14  during clipping operation are described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  5 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are partial sectional views illustrating stepwise the condition of the clips  12 A and  12 B and the connection ring  14 A during the clipping operation by the foremost clip  12 A. In those drawings, the connection ring  14 B for retaining the clip  12 B is omitted.  FIG. 5  is an enlarged view illustrating the proximal end portion of the connection ring  14 A and the engagement portion between the clips  12 A and  12 B in the sheath  16 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an initial state (standby state) in which the clip  12 A can be used. In the state of  FIG. 4A , the region length L 1  of the second region  34 , which is a connection maintaining region, and the length L 2  measured from the lower end of the projections  30  of the clip  12 A to the upper end of the connection ring  14 A are substantially equal to each other. With the claw portions  22  being closed with the tail portion of the clip  12 A therebetween, the arm portions  28  of the clip  12 B are retained by the second region  34 . 
     While the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B are retained by the connection ring  14 A in the connected state, the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 A are already out of the forward end of the sheath  16  and open, and hence the pressurizing retention of the clip  12 A by the skirt portions  38  is canceled. Since the skirt portions  38  are open at the forward end of the sheath  16 , the connection ring  14 A is prevented from retreating into the sheath  16 . 
     When, in this state, the clip  12 B is pulled by pulling the manipulating wire  20  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), the clip  12 A is pulled by the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 B. By pulling the manipulating wire  20  by a predetermined amount, the clip  12 A moves by the length L 2  with respect to the connection ring  14 A, and, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the lower ends of the projections  30  of the clip  12 A reach the position where they abut the forward end of the connection ring  14 A or a position immediately above the same. As a result, the clamping of the clip  12 A by the clamping portion  40  of the connection ring  14 A is completed. 
     At this time, the clip  12 B also moves by the same amount as the clip  12 A. That is, it moves by the region length L 1  of the second region  34 , which is substantially equal to the above-mentioned length L 2 , and the forward end of the clip  12 B leaves the proximal end of the connection ring  14 A, with the engagement portion between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B being detached from the second region  34  of the connection ring  14 A. 
     As stated above, the inner diameter of the sheath  16  is larger than the sum total of the lengths of the two claw portions  22  of the clip  12 B and the width of the portion of the turned portion  24  engaged with the claw portions  22 , and hence the clip  12 B detached from the connection ring  14 A is diverged until the arm portions  28  thereof abut the inner wall of the sheath  16  to thereby form between the claw portions  22  a gap allowing passage of the lower end portion of the clip  12 A. 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged sectional view of the lower end portion of the connection ring  14 A in the state immediately before detachment of the clip  12 B from the connection ring  14 A. Assuming that the width of the portion of the clip  12 A engaged with the clip  12 B is A, that the length of the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 B is B, and that the inner diameter of the sheath  16  is C, the following relationship holds good: C&gt;A+B×2. For example, when A=0.3 mm, B=0.7 mm, and C=2.2 mm, the arm portions  28  of the clip  12 B, which has left the second region  34  of the connection ring  14 A, are diverged, and there is formed between the claw portions  22  a gap of 2.2 mm−0.7 mm×2=0.8 mm allowing passage of the clip  12 A having a width of 0.3 mm. 
     As a result, the connection between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B is canceled, and the clip  12 A and the connection ring  14 A can be detached from the sheath  16 , whereby the clipping by the clip  12 A and the connection ring  14 A is completed. 
     Next, the clipping operation of the magazine type clipping device  10  is described.  FIGS. 6A through 6E  are partial sectional views illustrating stepwise the condition of the clipping device  10  during clipping manipulation. 
     First, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the sheath  16  is loaded with four bleeding stop clip members including the clips  12 A through  12 D and the connection rings  14 A through  14 D, and then the sheath  16  is inserted into the forceps channel of the endoscope. The loading of the bleeding stop clip members can be effected, for example, as follows: the four bleeding stop clip members (that are obtained by fitting the connection rings  14  onto the clips  12 ) and the dummy clip  18  are connected together beforehand, and the dummy clip  18  is attached to the forward end of the manipulating wire  20  protruding from the forward end of the sheath  16 ; after this, the sheath  16  is caused to advance with respect to the manipulating wire  20 , and the foremost clip  12 A is completely accommodated in the sheath  16 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the forward end of the clip  12 A is substantially matched with the forward end of the sheath  16 . The foremost clip  12 A is maintained in the closed state by the inner wall of the sheath  16 . The connection rings  14 A through  14 D are fitted such that, in the initial state, the clamping portions  40  thereof are in the vicinity of the crossing portions  26  of the clips  12 A through  12 D. At this time, the upper ends of the projections  30  of the clips  12 B through  12 D as seen in  FIG. 6A  are respectively situated directly below the connection rings  14 A through  14 C. 
     When the forward end of the sheath  16  reaches the forward end of the insert portion of the endoscope inserted into the living body, and protrudes from the forward end of the endoscope, solely the sheath  16  is pulled to the manipulating portion side, with the manipulating wire  20  remaining as it is. When the sheath  16  is pulled by a predetermined stroke, the forward end of the sheath  16  is lowered to a position where the skirt portions  38  of the foremost connection ring  14 A are opened, and the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 A protruding from the sheath  16  are expanded by the urging force, resulting in the state of  FIG. 6B . As a result, the first clip  12 A is usable. In  FIG. 6B , the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 A are perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, and hence they are not illustrated. 
     The connecting portion between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B is situated directly below the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 A, and hence; in the state of  FIG. 6B , the forward end of the clip  12 B substantially coincides with the forward end of the sheath  16 . That is, the length of one stroke by which the sheath  16  is drawn is substantially equal to the distance between the forward end of the clip  12 A loaded into the sheath  16  and the forward end of the clip  12 B. 
     When the sheath  16  is drawn, there is exerted a frictional force between the sheath  16  and the connection rings  14 A through  14 D fitted into the sheath  16 . In addition to the elastic force of the skirt portions  38  and the retaining force due to the resilient force of the clips  12 A through  12 D exerted between the connection rings  14 A through  14 D and the clips  12 A through  12 D, the projections  30  of the clips  12 B through  12 D abut the proximal ends of the connection rings  14 A through  14 C, which means the projections cannot enter the holes  43  of the connection rings  14 , and hence, even if the sheath  16  is drawn, the connection rings  14 A through  14 D make no unnecessary movement. Thus, the connection rings  14 A through  14 D can maintain the state of retaining the clips  12 A through  12 D. 
     Next, the clipping device  10  in the state of  FIG. 6B  is moved to press the claw portions  22  of the diverged clip  12 A against the portion to be subjected to clipping, and the manipulating wire  20  is pulled by a predetermined amount on the proximal end side of the sheath  16 . By pulling the manipulating wire  20 , the clips  12 A through  12 D engaged sequentially starting from the dummy clip  18  are pulled all together. 
     At this time, in the state of  FIGS. 6B and 6C , the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 A protruding from the forward end of the sheath  16  are open, and the retention of the clip  12 A by the connection ring  14 A is released. Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 6C , the foremost clip  12 A retreats relative to the connection ring  14 A. The forward end of the connection ring  14 A, that is, the clamping portion  40 , is pushed down to a position directly below the projections  30  of the clip  12 A, whereby the clamping of the clip  12 A by the connection ring  14 A is completed. 
     At the same time, the engagement portion between the clip  12 A and the next clip  12 B leaves the rear end of the connection ring  14 A. When the engagement portion between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B is detached from the connection ring  14 A, the arm portions  28  are diverged by the resilient force of the clip  12 B until they abut the inner wall of the sheath  16 , and the claw portions  22  are opened until their interval becomes larger than the width of the turned portion  24  of the clip  12 A, thereby canceling the connection between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B. As a result, the foremost clip  12 A becomes detachable, and the clipping by the clip  12 A is completed. 
     On the other hand, the succeeding clips  12 B through  12 D are retained by the connection rings  14 B through  14 D whose skirt portions  38  are closed so as not to move in the rotating direction and the advancing/retreating direction with respect to the connection rings  14 B through  14 D. Further, the claw portions  22  are pressed against the inner walls of the second regions  34  of the connection rings  14 B through  14 D by the expanding force (urging force) of the claw portions  22  of the clips  12 C and  12 D engaged with the clips  12 B through  12 D and the claw portions of the dummy clip  18 , with the result that the frictional force between the clips  12 B through  12 D and the connection rings  14 B through  14 D is enhanced. Thus, the connection rings  14 B through  14 D move with the movement of the clips  12 B trough  12 D. That is, the clips and the connection rings other than the foremost clip  12  and the connection ring  14  retaining the same advance and retreat integrally with respect to the sheath  16 , and the connected state of the clips  12 B through  12 D and the dummy clip  18  is maintained by the connection rings  14 B through  14 D. 
     The manipulating wire  20  is formed so as to be always capable of being pulled by a fixed amount. This fixed amount is equal to the region length L 1  of the second region  34  of the connection ring  14  illustrated in  FIG. 4A , that is, the length L 2  measured from the lower ends of the projections  30  of the preceding clip  12  to the upper end of the connection ring  14 , or somewhat larger than that. Further, the manipulating wire  20  is adapted to be quickly returned by the fixed amount after being pulled by the fixed amount. When the pulling force is released at the manipulating portion, the manipulating wire  20  pulled from the state of  FIG. 6B  to the state of  6 C is restored to the former position, resulting in the state of  FIG. 6D . That is, as in the state of  FIG. 6B , the forward end of the second clip  12 B returns to a position where it is substantially matched with the forward end of the sheath  16 . 
     Next, in order to place the second clip  12 B in the usable state, the sheath  16  is pulled by the predetermined one stroke. As a result, the forward end of the sheath  16  is lowered to the position where the skirt portions  38  of the next connection ring  14 B are opened, and the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 B protruding from the sheath  16  are diverged, whereby the state as illustrated in  FIG. 6E  is attained. 
     After that, as in the case of the clip  12 A described above, the claw portions of the clip  12 B are pressed against the portion to be subjected to clipping, and the manipulating wire  20  is pulled by a predetermined amount. As a result, the clamping of the clip  12 B by the connection ring  14 B is completed, and, at the same time, the connection between the clip  12 B and clip  12 C is canceled, whereby the clipping by the clip  12 B is completed. 
     As described above, in the clipping device  10  of Embodiment 1, the connection rings  14  cover the connecting portions between the clips  12  to retain the same, and hence the plurality of clips  12  are reliably maintained in the connected state. Further, by pulling the dummy clip  18  and the plurality of clips  12  connected thereto by a predetermined length by the manipulating wire  20 , it is possible to simultaneously effect the clamping of the foremost clip  12  by the clamping portion  40  of the connection ring  14  and the canceling of the connection with the next clip, thus effecting the clipping by the foremost clip  12 . 
     Further, by pulling back the sheath  16  to the manipulating portion side by a predetermined length, the next clip  12  can be used, thus making it possible to successively perform clipping. 
     Further, since the connecting portions between the clips  12  are covered with the connection rings  14 , there is no fear of the inner wall of the sheath  16  being damaged by the corner portions or the like of the clips  12  at the time of clipping operation, etc. Further, when the sheath  16  is inserted into the endoscope  16 , there is very little possibility of twisting or distortion being generated in the clips  12  at the connecting portions. 
     Further, in the clipping device  10  of Embodiment 1, as a preferred mode, the connection ring  14  is formed of resin, and hence the friction between the connection ring  14  and the inner wall of the sheath  16  is small, and it is possible to smoothly perform the manipulation of causing the clip  12  to advance and retreat by the manipulating wire  20  and the manipulation of pulling the sheath  16 , with there being no fear of the inner wall of the sheath  16  being flawed. 
     The sheath  16  loaded with the clips  12  has to pass a curved portion in the endoscope when being inserted into the endoscope inserted into the living body. In this regard, when the connection ring  14  is formed of resin, the connection ring  14  is superior in flexibility, and can be bent while retaining the connecting portion of the clips  12 . 
     In the clipping device  10  of Embodiment 1, in the state in which the connection ring  14  is set in the sheath  16 , the skirt portions  38  of the connection rings  14  retain the clips  12  through pressurization, and hence it is possible to retain the connecting portions of the clips  12  in a fixed state, and there is very little play in the connecting portions. Thus, the advancing/retreating movement at the time of manipulation by the manipulating wire  20  is stabilized, and the error in the movement amount is small, making it possible to effect movement with high precision. 
     While in the above-mentioned example the clips  12  are connected together with their orientations alternately changed by 90 degrees, this should not be construed restrictively, and the inner configuration of the connection clip can be selected according to the configuration of the engagement portion. For example, it is also possible to adopt a clip of a configuration in which twisting is effected by 90 degrees at the portion between the claw portions  22  and the turned portion  24 , connecting together the consecutive clips in the same orientation. Further, by using a closed clip with a turned portion, it is advantageously possible to impart a resilient force (urgent force) pressurizing the turned portion and diverging the arm portions. The present invention, however, is also applicable to a construction adopting an open clip (U-shaped clip) with no turned portion. 
     Embodiment 2 
     A magazine type clipping device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is described. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 described above in the construction of the connection ring. Otherwise, it is basically of the same component construction and operation as Embodiment 2. 
       FIGS. 7A through 7C  are a front view, a sectional view, and a bottom view of a connection ring  50  according to Embodiment 2. The connection ring  50  is of the same structure as the connection ring  14  of Embodiment 1 except that a retaining portion  142  has a third region  136  continuous with a second region  134 . That is, the connection ring  50  is composed of the metal clamping portion  40  and the resin retaining portion  142 , and the retaining portion  142  has the first region  32  retaining the preceding clip  12 , the second region  134 , which is a connection maintaining region retaining the succeeding clip  12  connected to the preceding clip  12 , and the third region  136 , which is a connection canceling region allowing canceling of the connection of the two consecutive clips  12 . 
     The third region  136  is provided on the proximal end side of the second region  134 , that is, at the proximal end portion of the connection ring  50 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 7B and 7C , the third region  136  has a hole continuous with and of the same diameter as a hole  143  of the second region  134 , and grooves  144  situated at the same positions as grooves  143   a  of the second region  134  and of a larger depth. 
     The distance between the wall surfaces of the grooves  143   a  of the second region  134  is substantially equal to the sum total of the lengths (lengths in the diverging direction) of the two claw portions  22  of the clip  12 , and the grooves accommodate the arm portions  28  of the clip  12  in the closed state with the claw portions  22  thereof holding therebetween the closed end (tail portion) of the turned portion  24  of the preceding clip  12 . As a result, the second region  134  maintains the two consecutive clips  12  in the connected state. 
     In contrast, the distance between the opposing inner walls  144   a  of the grooves  144  of the third region  136  is slightly larger than the sum total of the length of the two claw portions  22  of the clip  12  and the width of the portion (tail portion) of the turned portion  24  engaged with the claw portions  22 , and the two claw portions  22  of the clip  12  are opened to provide between the claw portions  22  a distance allowing detachment of the tail portion of the preceding clip  12 . 
     On the other hand, the width of the grooves  144  (opening width) is the same as the width of the grooves  143   a  of the second region  134 . That is, like the width of the grooves  143   a,  the width of the grooves  144  is slightly larger than the maximum width of the arm portions  28  of the clip  12  but smaller than the width of the projections  30  formed on the arm portions  28 , and hence the projections  30  of the clip  12  retained by the second region  134  cannot enter the grooves  144 . 
       FIGS. 8A through 8C  are partial sectional views illustrating stepwise the condition of the clips  12 A and  12 B and the connection ring  50 A during the clipping operation by the foremost clip  12 A. In the drawings, the connection ring  50 B retaining the clip  12 B is omitted.  FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the proximal end portion of the connection ring  50 A and the engagement portion between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B in the sheath  16 . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates an initial state (standby state) in which the clip  12 A is usable. The skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  50 A are diverged at the forward end of the sheath  16  to cancel the pressurizing retention of the clip  12 A, and, at the same time, prevents the connection ring  50 A from retreating into the sheath  16 . In the state of  FIG. 8A , the region length L 1  of the second region  134 , which is a connection maintaining region, and the length L 2  from the lower end of the projections  30  of the clip  12 A to the upper end of the connection ring  50  are substantially equal to each other. 
     When, in this state, the clip  12 B is pulled by pulling the manipulating wire, the clip  12 A is pulled by the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 B. By pulling the manipulating wire by a predetermined amount, the clip  12 A moves by the length L 2  with respect to the connection ring  50 A, and, as illustrated in  FIG. 8B , the lower ends of the projections  30  of the clip  12 A reach the position where they abut the forward end of the connection ring  50 A or a position immediately above the same. As a result, the clamping of the clip  12 A by the clamping portion  40  of the connection ring  50  is completed. 
     At this time, the clip  12 B moves by the same amount as the clip  12 A. That is, it moves by the length L 1  of the second region  134 , which is substantially equal to the above length L 2 , and the forward end of the clip  12 B leaves the second region  134  of the connection ring  50 A, with the engagement portion between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B being detached from the second region  134  to enter the third region  136 . 
     As stated above, the grooves  144  formed in the third region  136  are deeper than the grooves  143   a  formed in the hole  143  of the second region  134  in the diverging direction of the clip  12 B, and the distance between the inner walls  144   a  of the two grooves  144  is slightly larger than the sum total of the length of the two claw portions  22  of the clip  12 B and the width of the portion of the turned portion  24  engaged with the claw portions  22 , and hence arm portions  28  of the clip  12 B moved to the third region  136  are diverged, providing between the claw portions  22  a distance allowing passage of the lower end portion of the clip  12 A. That is, the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B are disengaged with each other, and are placed in a state in which their connection can be canceled. 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged sectional view of the lower end portion of the connection ring  50  immediately before detachment of the clip  12 B from the connection ring  50 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , assuming that the width of a portion of the clip  12 A engaged with the clip  12 B is A, that the length of the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 B is B, and that the distance between the wall surfaces of the grooves  144  of the third region  136  is C, the following relationship holds good: C&gt;A+B×2. 
     For example, when A=0.3 mm, B=0.7 mm, and C=1.8 mm, the arm portions  28  of the clip  12 B which has left the second region  134  of the connection ring  50 A and entered the third region  136  thereof are diverged, providing between the claw portions  22  an interval of 1.8 mm−0.7 mm×2=0.4 mm allowing passage of the tail portion of the clip  12 A having a width of 0.3 mm. 
     However, the distance between the inner walls  144   a  of the grooves  144  of the third region  136  illustrated in  FIGS. 7B and 7C  is substantially smaller than the natural diverging amount of the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 , and hence a pressurization force due to the resilient force (urgent force) of the clip  12 B is exerted on the inner walls  144   a  of the grooves  144 , and a frictional force is exerted between the arm portions  28  of the clip  12 B retained in the third region  136  and the inner walls  144   a  of the grooves  144  of the third region  136 . As a result, as illustrated in  FIG. 8B , at the point in time when the engagement portion between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B has left the second region  134  and entered the third region  136 , the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B are disengaged from each other. However, the succeeding clip  12 B is not immediately detached from the connection ring  50 , and there is maintained a state in which the two clips  12 A and  12 B are both retained by the single connection ring  50 A. Thus, the connection ring  50 A and the clip  12 A retained by the connection ring  50 A still remain attached to the sheath  16 . 
     When the manipulating wire is further pulled, and the clip  12 B is pulled, solely the clip  12 B moves by the region length L 3  of the third region  136 , and, as illustrated in  FIG. 8C , the forward end of the clip  12 B is detached from the third region  136  of the connection ring  50 A, thus being detached from connection ring  50 A. 
     Here, the inner diameter of the sheath  16  is larger than the distance between the inner walls  144   a  of the grooves  144  of the third region  136  of the connection ring  50 , and larger than the sum total of the length of the two claw portions  22  and the width of the portion of the turned portion  24  engaged with the claw portions  22 . Thus, when, in the sheath  16 , the proximal end side clip  12  is diverged, there is generated between the claw portions  22  thereof an interval large enough to cause the turned portion  24  of the forward end side clip  12  to be detached. 
     In  FIG. 9 , assuming that the inner diameter of the sheath  16  is D, the inner diameter D, the width A of the portion of the clip  12 A engaged with the clip  12 B, the length B of the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 B, and the inter-wall-surface distance C of the grooves  144  of the third region  136  are in the following relationship: D&gt;C, and D&gt;A+B×2. 
     For example, when D=2.2 mm, there is generated between the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 B, which has been detached from the third region  136  of the connection ring  50 A and diverged up to the inner diameter of the sheath  16 , an interval of 2.2 mm−0.7 mm×2=0.8 mm allowing the clip  12 A of the width of 0.3 mm to pass without a hitch. Due to the detachment of the clip  12 B from the connection ring  50 A, the frictional force between the clip  12 B and the connection ring  50 A ceases to be exerted. 
     As a result, the clip  12 A and the connection ring  50 A can be detached from the sheath, and the clipping operation by the clip  12 A and the connection ring  50 A is completed. 
     In this way, the connection ring  50  has the third region  136 , which is a connection canceling region, and hence, if the clip  12  retained within the sheath  16  is deviated with respect to the connection ring  50  due to curving of the sheath  16  or for some other reason, and the connecting portion of the clip  12  is detached to the proximal end side from the second region  134 , which is a connection maintaining region of the connection ring  50 , the clip  12  is not easily detached from the connection ring  50 , and it is possible to prevent the clip  12  from being immediately disconnected within the sheath  16  to drop from the forward end of the sheath  16 . 
     In Embodiment 2, the manipulating wire pulling amount for one clipping operation is equal to or larger than the region length (L 1 ) of the second region  134 +the region length (L 3 ) of the third region  136 . L 1 , or L 2 , is the length necessary for the clamping of the clip  12 A, and L 3  is the length necessary for the canceling of the connection of the clips  12 . The pulling of the manipulating wire can be effected through a single continuous pulling operation. It is also possible for the series of pulling operations for the manipulating wire to be intermittently performed in two steps of L 1  and L 3 . 
       FIGS. 10A through 10E  are partial sectional views illustrating stepwise the condition of the clipping device of Embodiment 2 during clipping operation. In the following, the operation of the clipping device of Embodiment 2 is described, concentrating on how it differs from that of Embodiment 1. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10A , in the state in which the sheath  16  is loaded with four bleeding stop units consisting of the clips  12 A through  12 D and the connection rings  50 A through  50 D, the engagement portions of the clips  12 A through  12 D are retained by the second region  134 , which is the connection maintaining region for the connection ring  50 A. 
     When, with the manipulating wire  20  remaining as it is, solely the sheath  16  is pulled to the manipulating portion side by a predetermined stroke, the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  50 A of the foremost ring  50 A are opened, resulting in the state of  FIG. 10B . As a result, the first clip  12 A becomes usable. In  FIG. 10B , the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  50 A are perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, and hence they are not illustrated in the drawing. 
     Next, when the claw portions  22  of the diverged clip  12 A are pressed against the portion to be subjected to clipping, and the manipulating wire  20  is pulled by a predetermined amount on the proximal end side of the sheath  16 , all the clips  12 A through  12 D, successively engaged with each other starting from the dummy clip  18 , are pulled together. 
     In the state of  FIG. 10B , the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  50 A at the forward end of the sheath  16  are open, and the retention of the clip  12 A by the connection ring  50 A is canceled, and hence, as illustrated in  FIG. 10C , by pulling the manipulating wire  20 , the foremost clip  12 A retreats with respect to the connection ring  50 A. The forward end of the connection ring  50 A, that is, the clamping portion  40 , is forced into a position directly below the projections  30  of the clip  12 A, whereby the clamping of the clip  12 A by the connection ring  14 A is completed. 
     At the same time, the engagement portion between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B leaves the second region  134  of the connection ring  50 A, and moves to the third region  136 , which is a connection canceling region. When the engagement portion between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B moves to the third region  136 , the arm portions  28  are diverged by the urging force of the clip  12 B until they abut the inner walls  144   a  of the grooves  144 , and the interval between the claw portions  22  of the clip  12 A becomes slightly larger than the width of the turned portion  24  of the clip  12 A, resulting in a state in which the connection between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B can be canceled. 
     However, in the state in which the clip  12 B is in the third region  136 , there is exerted a frictional force between the connection ring  50 A retaining the clip  12 A and the next clip  12 B, and hence the connection ring  50 A is not detached from the clipping device (sheath  16 ). 
     When the manipulating wire  20  is further pulled, solely the clip  12 B retreats because the engagement between the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B has already been canceled. As illustrated in  FIG. 10D , when the clip  12 B is moved until it leaves the rear end of the connection ring  50 A, the foremost clip  12 A and the connection ring  50 A can be detached from the sheath  16 , and, by further pulling forward the entire clipping device, the foremost clip is completely separated as illustrated in  FIG. 10E . As a result, the clipping operation by the clip  12 A and the connection ring  50 A is completed. 
     The manipulating wire  20  can be pulled by a fixed amount which is equal to or somewhat larger than the sum total of the region length L 1  of the second region  134  of the connection ring  50  and the region length L 3  of the third region  136  illustrated in  FIG. 8A . When, after the manipulating wire  20  has been pulled by this fixed amount, the pulling force is canceled, the manipulating wire  20  moves in the opposite direction by this fixed amount to return to the former position. When the pulling force is canceled after the manipulating wire  20  has been pulled by a series of operations in one direction from the state of  FIG. 10B  to that of  FIG. 10C  and from the state of  FIG. 10C  to that of  FIG. 10D , the manipulating wire  20  returns to the position of  FIG. 10E , that is, the same position as that of  FIG. 10B . 
     In this way, in addition to the construction of Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the connection ring  50  is provided with the connection canceling region continuous with the connection maintaining region maintaining the connected state, whereby, if the connecting portion of the clip  12  should be detached from the connection maintaining region (second region  134 ) of the clip  12  within the sheath  16 , the succeeding clip  12  retained by the connection ring  50  is kept retained in the connection canceling region (third region  136 ) of the connection ring  50 , and hence it is possible to prevent the clip  12  from being immediately disconnected within the sheath  16  to drop from the forward end of the sheath  16 . 
     Embodiment 3 
     Instead of the connection rings  14  of the clipping devices  10  of Embodiment 1, it is possible to use a connection ring  60  as illustrated in  FIGS. 11A through 11C . 
     The connection ring  60  is of the same construction as the connection ring  14  of Embodiment 1 except that two slits  62  are formed in a second region  234  of a retaining portion  242 . That is, the connection ring  60  includes the metal clamping portion  40  and the resin retaining portion  242 , and the retaining portion  242  has a first region  32  and a second region  234 , with the second region  234  having the slits  62  cut from the proximal end thereof at positions opposed to each other. 
     The slits  62  are cutouts of a certain width open on the proximal end side of the connection ring  60  and substantially parallel to the axis of the connection ring  60 . It is desirable for the slits  62  to be provided at circumferential positions of the connection ring  60  different from those of the skirt portions  38 . Further, it is desirable for the slits  62  to be formed shallow enough not to reach the skirt portions  38 . With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the strength of the connection ring  60  from being substantially reduced. 
     Further, it is desirable for the slits  62  to be provided at positions different from those of grooves  243   a  of the second region  234 , that is, positions different from the diverging direction of the clips  12  accommodated in the second region  234 . Further, it is desirable for the slits  62  to be formed shallow enough not to reach the position of the rear end of the clip  12  retained by the first region  32 , that is, the engagement position between the clips  12 . Due to this configuration, even in a connection clip unit not yet loaded into the sheath  16 , it is possible to maintain the retention of the clips  12  in the second regions  234  of the connection rings  62 . 
     The depth of the slits  62  is set within a range satisfying the above requirement according to the minimum curving radius required of the clipping device  10 . 
     In the connection ring  60  illustrated in  FIGS. 11A through 11C , two slits  62  are formed at positions deviated from the skirt portions  38  by 90 degrees to extend to a position shallow enough not to reach the upper end of the second region  234 . As in the illustrated example, the closed ends (upper ends as seen in the drawing) of the slits  62  may be rectangular, or of a round, semi-circular configuration. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram schematically illustrating the positional relationship between the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  62  and the clips  12 A and  12 B when the connection ring  62  is retaining the clip  12 A and the clip  12 B. In order to indicate the position of the slits  62 , the clip  12 A is illustrated as closed. 
     Due to the provision of the above-mentioned slits  62 , the connection ring  60  is improved in terms of flexibility, and the clipping device  10  can pass a curved portion of small curvature. Further, due to the provision of the slits  62 , the hem (proximal end portion) of the connection ring  60  is partially turned up, and hence, when the front and rear clips  12  are connected together prior to the loading of the clips  12  into the sheath  16 , the connection is advantageously facilitated through the turning of the hem of the connection ring  60 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13A through 13C  and  FIG. 14 , it is also possible to use a connection ring  70  having four slits  72 . The four slits  72  are provided at positions deviated by 45 degrees from the central positions of the two skirt portions  38 . It is also possible to provide the slits at positions deviated therefrom by some other angle, e.g., 60 degrees. 
     While it is desirable to provide two or more slits from the viewpoint of achieving an improvement in terms of flexibility and assembly property, it is also possible to provide only one slit. If there is provided only one slit, it is possible to achieve an improvement in terms of flexibility. When there are provided two or more slits, it is desirable to provided them in an even number, and it is desirable to form them to be arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the positions of the skirt portions  38 , that is, at positions at an equal distance from the skirt portions  38 . However, when too many slits are provided, it is impossible to maintain the requisite strength for the connection ring, and hence, when setting the number and configuration of the slits, it is necessary to take the strength of the connection ring into consideration. 
     Embodiment 4 
       FIG. 15A  illustrates a clip  80  used in a magazine type clipping device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The clip  80  is of the same construction as the clip  12  illustrated in  FIG. 2  except that a turned portion  82  has four projections  84 , and hence the same components are indicated by the same reference symbols, and a detailed description thereof is omitted. 
     There are provided two projections  84  along each of both end surfaces (side surfaces) of both plate members of the turned portion  82 , i.e., eight projections  84  in total. For example, when two consecutive clips  80  are connected together by the connection ring  14 , the preceding one of those clips  80  is arranged such that the projections  84  of the turned portion  82  accommodated in the inner hole  43  of the first region  32  of the connection ring  14  are at positions opposed to the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15B , the forward end portions of the projections  84  of the turned portion  82  are formed in a pointed configuration so that they may be engaged in the inner wall surfaces of the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14  to thereby reliably fix the skirt portions  38  in position. 
     Here, when consecutive clips  80  are loaded into the sheath  16  while connected by the connection ring  14 , the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14  are closed by being pressed by the inner wall of the sheath  16 , and enter the inner hole  43  of the first region  32  of the connection ring  14  to abut the projections  84  of the turned portion  82  of the preceding clip  82  accommodated in the first region  32 . 
     Thus, due to its projections  84 , the turned portion  82  of the preceding clip  80  is reliably locked by the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 , and is reliably retained by the connection ring  14 . In this way, the clip  80  is reliably fixed to the connection ring  14 . Thus, it is possible to enhance the retention force with which the connection ring  14  retains the clip  80 . As a result, even when two clips  80  connected by the connection ring  14  move within the sheath  16  while connected together, the clips  80  can reliably and firmly maintain the connection with the connection ring  14 , making it possible to reliably prevent positional deviation between the clips  80  and the connection ring  14 . 
     Further, by turning the two clips  80  connected by the connection ring  14  into an integrated unit, it is possible to achieve an improvement in operability of the magazine type clipping device  10  and perform precision control. 
     While in the above example two projections  84  are arranged along each edge surface (side end surface) of both plate members of the turned portions  82  of the clip  80 , that is, two projections are arranged substantially at the same positions on each edge surface in the pulling direction of the manipulating wire  20 , this should not be construed restrictively. There are no particular limitations regarding the formation positions for the projections  84  as long as they are on the edge surfaces of the turned portion  82 . Further, the number of projections  84  provided on each edge surface is not restricted to two. It is only necessary for at least one projection to be formed on at least one of both edge surfaces of each plate member of the turned portion  82 , and it is also possible to form a different number of projections  84  on each edge surface of each plate member of the turned portion  82 . When a large number of projections  84  are formed, the projections are engaged in the inner wall surfaces of the diverged skirt portions  38  to offer resistance to movement when the clip  80  moves in the connection ring  14  at the time of clipping operation, or they generate a large frictional force also when canceling the pressurizing retention by the skirt portions  38 . Thus, it is desirable to take this into consideration when setting the number of projections. Further, while in the illustrated example the apexes of the projections  84  are of a pointed configuration, this should not be construed restrictively, and any configuration will do as long as it allows the projections  84  to be engaged in the inner wall surfaces of the skirt portions  38  to exert a predetermined retaining force. Further, while there are no particular limitations regarding the height of the projections  84 , it is desirable to adopt a height not causing them to be engaged in the inner wall surfaces of the diverged skirt portions  38  to offer resistance to movement when the clip  80  moves within the connection ring  14  at the time of clipping operation. 
     While in the above-mentioned embodiments the clips  12  are connected together while alternately changed in orientation by 90 degrees, this should not be construed restrictively. The inner configuration of the connected clips allows selection in conformity with the configuration of the engagement portion. For example, it is also possible to use a clip configured such that twisting is effected by 90 degrees at the portion between the claw portions  22  and the turned portion  24 , with the consecutive clips being connected together in the same orientation. 
     In this case, the positions of the skirt portions  38  of the first region  32  and the positions of the grooves  43   a  of the second region  34  are deviated from each other, and hence it is desirable for the slits  46  to be provided at positions deviated from the skirt portions  38  in the circumferential direction of the connection ring  14 , more preferably, at positions deviated from both the skirt portions  38  and the grooves  43   a.    
     Embodiment 5 
     Next, Embodiment 5 of the present invention is described. 
     While in the embodiments described above the clipping device is placed in the state in which the next clip  12  can be used (standby state) by pulling the sheath  16  to the manipulating portion side, in Embodiment 5, the state in which the next clip  12  can be used is attained by pushing out the manipulating wire  20  to the forward end side. 
     Here, to be described by way of example is a clipping device in which three clips  12  are loaded for three successive clipping manipulations. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate the construction of a manipulating portion  182  for use in the clipping device of Embodiment 5. The manipulating portion  182  includes the sheath  16 , the manipulating wire  20 , the connecting member  19  at the forward end of the manipulating wire  20 , and a handle portion  184 . The handle portion  184  has a handle main body  152 , a slider  154 , a slider guide  156 , a rotating position regulating member  158 , an urging spring  160 , and a finger hook member  162 . 
       FIG. 18  is a schematic perspective view of the handle main body  152  with the slider guide  156  removed therefrom. The handle main body  152  is a stepped cylindrical member having three cylinder portions differing in outer diameter, and is formed, from the proximal end side, by a large diameter portion  152   a,  a medium diameter portion  152   b,  and a small diameter portion  152   c.    
     The handle main body  152  has a through-hole  152   d  of a fixed diameter extending through the large diameter portion  152   a,  the medium diameter portion  152   b,  and the small diameter portion  152   c.  The finger hook member  162  is fixed to the proximal end side end portion of the large diameter portion  152   a  by being fixedly fitted into the through-hole  152   d.  The finger hook member  162  is provided for the doctor to hook his thumb onto it when manipulating the slider  154  described below, and has a ring-like portion. 
     The medium diameter portion  152   b  of the handle main body  152  has an engagement groove  168  which is an elongated through-hole extending in the central axis direction of the through-hole  152   d.  A substantially cylindrical slider guide  156  described below is rotatably inserted into the medium diameter portion  152   b.    
     In the following description, the center axis direction of the cylinder forming the handle main body  152  is referred to as the “axial direction,” and the circumferential direction around this axial direction is referred to as the “peripheral direction.” 
     In the handle main body  152 , the sheath  16 is fixed to the forward end of the foremost, small diameter portion  152   c  so as to communicate with the through-hole  152   d  of the handle main body  152 . The manipulating wire  20  is passed through the sheath  16 , and protrudes from the proximal end portion of the sheath  16 , thereby being passed through the small diameter portion  152   c  and the medium diameter portion  152   b  of the handle main body  152  to be connected to the slider  154 . 
     Thus, the sheath  16  is not caused to advance or retreat as in the case of the clipping device  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     The slider  154  is a substantially cylindrical member which is arranged in the outer periphery of the handle main body  152  so as to pass through the handle main body  152  (and the slider guide  156  described below) and which is movable in the axial direction of the handle main body  152 . 
     The slider  154  has outwardly protruding disc-like flange portions at two positions, that is, the proximal end portion of the cylinder and some midpoint in the axial direction thereof. The operator can hook his finger onto the flange portions and easily move the slider  154  in the axial direction. In an example, the operator inserts his thumb into the ring of the finger hook member  162 , and moves the slider  154  in the axial direction while holding the slider  154  between the flange portions between the index finger and the middle finger. 
     Further, the slider  154  has a slider pin  170  mounted so as to protrude toward the central axis of the handle main body  152 . The slider pin  170  passes through the engagement groove  168  to reach the center line of the through-hole  152   d  of the handle main body  152 . Fixed in position in the vicinity of the lower end portion of this slider pin (center line side of the through-hole  152   d ) is the manipulating wire  20  passed through the smaller diameter portion  152   c  and the medium diameter portion  152   b  of the handle main body  152 . 
     As described above, the slider  154  is movable in the axial direction of the handle main body  152 . By moving the slider  154 , it is possible to cause the manipulating wire  20  inserted into the sheath  16  to advance and retreat (move to the forward end and the proximal end). Through advancement and retreat of the manipulating wire  20  by the slider  154 , the clip row at the forward end of the sheath  16  is caused to advance and retreat to place the clipping device in the state in which the next clip  12  can be used. 
     The position where the proximal end portion of the engagement groove  168  and the slider pin  170  abut each other is the home position (HP) for the slider  154 . By moving the slider  154  to the forward end side by a predetermined amount, the manipulating wire  20  is fed toward the forward end side to place the clipping device in the standby state for clipping. By restoring the slider  154  to the HP side from the standby state, the manipulating wire  20  is pulled back, thus effecting clipping and the canceling of the connection between the preceding clip  12  and the succeeding clip  12 . 
     Further, also when loading the clip row into the sheath  16 , the slider  154  is moved to the forward end side by a predetermined amount and, in this state, the dummy clip  18  and the manipulating wire  20  are connected together, and the slider  154  is moved to HP, thereby loading the clip row into the sheath  16 . 
       FIG. 19A  is a schematic perspective view of a slider guide  156 . The slider guide  156  is a substantially cylindrical member for regulating the movement amount in the axial direction of the slider  154 , that is, the advancing/retreating amount of the manipulating wire  20  in the longitudinal direction of the sheath  16 . The slider guide  156  is supported on the outer peripheral surface of the handle main body  152  so as to be rotatable in the peripheral direction and movable in the axial direction. 
     The slider guide  156  includes a joint portion  156   a,  a grasping portion  156   b,  and a guide portion  156   c  which are arranged from the forward end side toward the proximal end side and all of which are substantially cylindrical. The slider guide  156  is formed as an integral unit constituting a single cylinder. 
     The joint portion  156   a  has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the smaller diameter portion  152   c  of the handle main body  152 , and its convex forward end portion is inserted into a joint portion  158   a  formed on a rotating position regulating member  158  for regulating the rotating position of the slider guide  156  described below. The joint portion  156   a  has four protrusions  157   a  and four recesses  157   b  between the protrusions  157   a,  which are formed in a saw tooth-like fashion. The protrusions  157   a  and the recesses  157   b  are engaged with protrusions  159   a  and recesses  159   b  formed on the joint portion  158   a  of the rotating position regulating member  158 . 
     The grasping portion  156   b  is a portion for grasping to allow the operator to rotate the slider guide  156  to effect clipping as described below. 
     The guide portion  156   c  has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the medium diameter portion  152   b  of the handle main body  152 , and an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the slider  154  and the outer diameter of the large diameter portion  152   a  of the handle main body  152 . Thus, the slider  154  is guided by the large diameter portion  152   a  of the handle main body  152  and the outer periphery of the guide portion  156   c  to move in the axial direction. 
       FIG. 19B  is a developed view of the guide portion  156   c.  The guide portion  156   c  has axially extending guide grooves  166 A through  166 D for guiding the slider  154  (slider pin  170 ). The guide portion  156   c  has four guide grooves to conform to a clipping device capable of performing clipping three times with the three clips  12  being loaded and without drawing the sheath  16  out of the living body. 
     In an example, the guide groove  166 A corresponds to the loading of the clip row, the guide groove  166 B corresponds to the first clipping, the guide groove  166 C corresponds to the second clipping, and the guide groove  166 D corresponds to the third clipping, with the guide grooves being formed at a circumferential interval of 90 degrees. In the present invention, the number of clips allowing loading (repeating) is not restricted to three, and the guide portion  156   c  of the slider guide  156  has (n+1) guide grooves  166 , which corresponds to the number n of clips  12  that can be loaded into the clipping device and one guide groove for clip row loading. 
     The slider grooves  166 A through  166 D guide the movement of the slider  154  (slider pin  170 ) together with the engagement groove  168  of the handle main body  12 , and, further, regulate the movement amount of the slider  154 . By axially reciprocating the slider  154  from HP, there are conducted clipping manipulation and the loading of the clip row (row formed of three clips  12  and the dummy clip  18  connected together by the connection rings  14 ) into the sheath  16 . Further, it is possible to conduct clipping three times without drawing the sheath  16  out of the living body. 
     The movement amount of the slider  154  differs according to whether the loading of the clip row is conducted and the number of times that clipping has been conducted. In correspondence with this, as illustrated in  FIG. 19B , the slider guide  156  has four guide grooves  166 A through  166 D differing in axial length formed in the guide portion  156   c.  Thus, the lengths of the guide grooves are lengths through which the slider  154  moves at the time of loading of the clip row and in correspondence with the number of times that clipping is performed. 
     More specifically, at the time of loading of the clip row, it is necessary for the connecting member  19  to protrude from the sheath  16 . Further, in the state in which the slider  154  has been restored to HP, it is necessary for the entire region of the clip row to be accommodated in the sheath  16 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 19B , the guide groove  166 A corresponding to the loading of the clip row is formed in a predetermined length which corresponds to maximum movement amount of the slider  154 . 
     Clipping is performed successively starting with the foremost clip  12 . As described below, the HP for the clipping manipulation is the same independently of the number of times that clipping is performed. Thus, the requisite movement amount by which the slider moves from HP toward the forward end in order to place the clipping device in the state in which the next clipping is possible, that is, the state in which the arm portions  28  of the clip  12  and the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14  protrude from the forward end of the sheath  16 , increases gradually as clipping is performed the first, second and third time. 
     Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 19B , the guide groove  166 B corresponding to the first clipping (clip  12 A) is formed in a predetermined length leading to the minimum movement amount of the slider  154 . Further, the guide groove  166 C corresponding to the second clipping (clip  12 B) is formed in a predetermined length leading to the second least movement amount of the slider  154 . The guide groove  166 C corresponding to the third clipping (clip  12 C) is formed in a predetermined length leading to the third least movement amount of the slider  154 . 
     The slider guide  156  is rotated according to the manipulation such as the loading of the clip row and clipping, with each guide groove coinciding with the engagement groove  168  of the handle main body  152 . That is, the slider guide  156  is rotated such that the guide groove  166 A is matched with the engagement groove  168  at the time of loading of the clip row, that the guide groove  166 B is matched with the same at the time of the first clipping (clip  12 A), that the guide groove  166 C is matched with the same at the time of the second clipping (clip  12 B), and that the guide groove  166  is matched with the same at the time of the third clipping (clip  12 C). 
     The four protrusions  157   a  formed at the forward end of the joint portion  156   a  are of the same configuration, and the four protrusions  157   a  are of a sawtooth-like configuration, that is, one tooth surface of each of them is gently tapered, and the other tooth surface thereof exhibits a substantially perpendicular step, thus forming a protrusion of a triangular sectional configuration. The intervals between the adjacent protrusions  157   a  constitute the recesses  157   b.  The protrusions  157   a  and the recesses  157   b  are engaged with the protrusions  159   a  and the recesses  159   b  formed on the joint portion  158   a  of the rotating position regulating member  158 . 
     The rotating position regulating member  158  is a member arranged on the most proximal side of the handle portion  184 , and is a cylindrical member having a cylindrical region and a substantially semi-spherical region, with a through-hole being formed at the center thereof. The rotating position regulating member  158  is fixed to the handle main body  152  by passing the small diameter portion  152   c  of the handle main body  152  through the through-hole, with the cylindrical region being oriented to the forward end side. 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the rotating position regulating member  158  has a recessed joint portion  158   a  at the proximal end thereof. As described above, the convex joint portion  156   a  at the forward end of the slider guide  156  is rotatably inserted into the recessed joint portion  158   a.    
     Like the convex joint portion  156   a  at the forward end of the slider guide  156 , the joint portion  158   a  has four protrusions  159   a  of the same configuration which protrude toward the proximal end and which are arranged at equal circumferential intervals, with each of them having two tooth surfaces differing in inclined angle with respect to the abutment surface. The protrusions  159   a  are formed in a sawtooth-like configuration. That is, one tooth surface of each of them is gently tapered, and the other tooth surface thereof forms a substantially perpendicular, stepped portion, thus forming a protrusion of a triangular sectional configuration. The intervals between the adjacent protrusions  159   a  are the recesses  159   b,  which are also four in number. 
     The protrusions  157   a  of the joint portion  156   a  of the slider guide  156  and the recesses  159   b  of the joint portion  158   a  of the rotating position regulating member  158  are engaged with each other, and the recesses  157   b  of the joint portion  156   a  of the slider guide  156  and the protrusions  159   a  of the joint portion  158   a  of the rotating position regulating member  158  are engaged with each other. That is, positioning is effected on the slider guide  156  by the rotating position regulating member  158  at intervals of 90 degrees in the rotating direction. 
     The guide grooves  166 A through  166 D of the slider guide  156  are formed such that, when the protrusions and recesses of the joint portion  158   a  of the rotating position regulating member  158  and the joint portion  156   a  of the slider guide  156  are engaged with each other, the guide grooves  166 A through  166 D overlap the engagement grooves  168  of the handle main body  152  in the circumferential direction. That is, the rotation of the slider guide  156  is regulated so as to be stopped by the rotating position regulating member  158  at the position where the guide grooves  166  and the engagement grooves  168  of the handle main body  152  overlap each other. 
     Each of the protrusions is configured such that one tooth surface has tapered inclined angle and that the other tooth surface is substantially perpendicular, and hence the rotating direction of the slider guide  156  is regulated to one direction. The tooth surfaces of the protrusions are formed such that the guide groove  166 A, the guide groove  166 B, the guide groove  166 C, and the guide groove  166 D overlap the engagement groove  168  in that order as the slider guide rotates. 
     Further, an urging spring  160  is arranged between the step portion between the medium diameter portion  152   a  and the small diameter portion  152   c  of the handle main body  152  (i.e., the forward end surface of the medium diameter portion  152   b  formed by this step portion) and the proximal end surface of the joint portion  156   a  of the slider guide  156 . 
     The urging spring is a compression spring arranged so as to be wound around the small diameter portion  152   c  of the handle main body  152 . The urging spring exerts an urging force so as to separate the forward end surface of the medium diameter portion  152   b  and the proximal end surface of the joint portion  156   a  from each other. That is, the urging spring  160  keeps the slider guide  156  pressed against the rotating position regulating member  158 . 
     Thus, due to the action of the urging spring  160 , the slider guide  156  is prevented from being inadvertently rotated. 
     Further, the slider guide  156  is rotated in a predetermined direction, whereby, due to the protrusions and recesses of the joint portion  158   a  of the rotating position regulating member  158  and the joint portion  156   a  of the slider guide  156 , the slider guide  156  moves, according to the rotation, toward the proximal end along the tapered portions of the protrusions and recesses of the slider guide  156  against the urging force of the urging spring  160 . At the point in time when it is detached from the tapered portions of the protrusions and recesses (the point in time when the protrusions and recesses exhibit substantially perpendicular tooth surfaces), the slider guide  156  moves toward the forward end due to the urging force of the urging spring  160  to be pressed against the rotating position regulating member  158 . 
     As described above, at the position where the protrusions and recesses of the joint portion  158   a  of the rotating position regulating member  158  and the joint portion  156   a  of the slider guide  156  are engaged with each other, the engagement groove  168  and the guide grooves  166  are matched with each other in the circumferential direction. Thus, by rotating the slider guide  156 , the operator can match the engagement groove  168  with the guide grooves  166  easily and correctly according to the number of times that clipping is performed, etc. 
     The axial length of the slider guide  156  is set such that, in the state in which it is pressed against the rotating position regulating member  158 , there exists, between the step portion between the medium diameter portion  152   a  and the large diameter portion  152   a  of the handle main body  152  (i.e., the forward end surface of the large diameter portion  152   a  formed by this step portion) and the proximal end portion, a gap corresponding to the amount of movement toward the proximal end, etc. due to the protrusions and recesses of the joint portion  158   a  of the rotating position regulating member  158  and the joint portion  156   a  of the slider guide  156  at the time of rotation. 
     With the engagement groove  168  of the handle main body  152  and each guide groove  166  of the slider guide being matched with each other, the slider  154  is moved from HP (position where the proximal end portion of the engagement groove  168  and the slider pin  170  abut each other) to the position where the slider pin abuts the forward end portion of the guide groove  166 , and is then returned to HP again, whereby clipping is effected by the clip  12 . 
     In the following, with reference to  FIG. 21 , which is a developed view of the slider guide  156 , an example of the clipping manipulation conducted three times by the clipping device is described. 
     First, the slider guide  156  is rotated as needed to match the guide groove  166 A with the engagement groove  168  of the handle main body  152 , and the slider  154  is moved in the axial direction to HP where the slider pin  170  abuts the forward end surface of the engagement groove  168 . That is, the slider pin  170  of the slider  154  is moved to a position P 1  illustrated in  FIG. 21 . 
     At this time, the forward end of the manipulating wire  20  is retracted into the sheath  16 . This state is the initial state of the clipping by the clipping device. 
     In the present invention, instead of causing the forward end surface of the engagement groove  168  and the slider pin  170  to abut each other, it is also possible to cause the main body of the slider  154  and the forward end surface of the engagement groove  168  to each other, thereby regulating the movement amount in the axial direction of the slider  154 . 
     Next, the slider  154  is moved to the position where it abuts the forward end portion of the guide groove  166 A, that is, the slider pin  170  is moved to a maximum protruding position P 2 . As a result, the forward end of the manipulating wire  20  protrudes by a predetermined amount from the forward end of the sheath  16 . 
     In this state, the connecting member  19  of the dummy clip  18  is attached to the forward end of the manipulating wire  20 . As a result, a clip row formed of the three clips  12  and the dummy clip  18  connected together by the connection rings  14  is connected to the manipulating wire  20 . 
     Next, the slider pin  170  is restored to a position P 3  illustrated in  FIG. 21 , that is, to HP. Through this manipulation, the clip row is accommodated in the sheath  16 . As a result, the loading of the clip row formed of the clips  12  connected together into the manipulating portion  182  is completed. 
     After that, the sheath  16  is inserted into the port of the forceps of the endoscope or the like inserted into the living body. Then, the forward end of the sheath  16  is caused to reach the forward end of the insert portion of the endoscope, and is then caused to protrude from the forward end of the endoscope. Further, through manipulation of the insert portion or the angle portion of the endoscope, the forward end of the sheath  16  is moved to the target position. 
     When the requisite manipulation has been completed, the slider guide  156  is rotated by 90 degrees to match the guide groove  166 B with the engagement groove  168 . As a result, the position of the slider pin  170  is moved to a position P 4  in  FIG. 21 , that is, HP, which corresponds to the guide groove  166 B. 
     Next, the slider  154  is moved to the position where it abuts the forward end portion of the guide groove  166 B, that is, to a maximum protruding position P 5  in  FIG. 21 . Through this extrusion of the slider  154 , that is, the extrusion of the manipulating wire  20 , the clip row is moved in the direction of the forward end, and the foremost clip  12 A and the first region  32  of the connection ring  14 A protrude from the forward end of the sheath  16 . As a result, the arm portions  28  of the clip  12 A are opened, and further, the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 A are opened. 
     It should be noted that there is dimensional variation or the like due to a production error in the clips  12  and the connection rings  14 . Further, in the clipping device inserted into the endoscope, there may be a case in which the protruding amount of the manipulating wire  20  decreases due to a difference between the inner and outer periphery, etc. attributable to bending, curving, etc. of the manipulating wire  20  and the sheath  16 . Thus, the forward end of the guide groove  166 B is at the maximum protruding position P 5  where the clip  12 A is not detached from the sheath  16 , and where the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 A are reliably opened independently of a production error in the clips  12 , etc. or the condition of the sheath  16 . 
     Thus, normally, in the state in which the slider pin  170  has been pushed forward to the maximum protruding position P 5 , the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 A are situated in front of the forward end portion of the sheath  16 , and the skirt portions  38  and the sheath  16  are spaced apart from each other. 
     This also applies to the forward end portion of the guide groove  166 C corresponding to the second clipping by the clip  12 B, and to the forward end portion of the guide groove  166 D corresponding to the third clipping by the clip  12 C. 
     Next, while watching, for example, the display of the endoscope, the operator restores the slider pin  170  to the HP side, and restores the clip row to the sheath  16  to the standard protruding position P 5 ′ where the skirt portions  38  of the connection ring  14 A abut the forward end portion of the sheath  16 . As a result, the preparation for the first clipping (clipping by the first clip  12 ) is completed. 
     After that, the endoscope is operated to press the claw portions  22  of the diverged clip  12 A against the portion of the living body to be subjected to clipping, and, in this state, the slider pin  170  is moved to the proximal side to be restored to HP, that is, the position P 7 . 
     Through this movement of the slider pin  170 , the foremost clip  12 A is drawn into the connection ring  14 A, and the arm portions  28 , which have been open, are closed by the clamping ring  40 , with the claw portions  22  being closed to effect clipping on the living body. When the slider pin  170  moves from the standard protruding position P 5 ′ to the clipping completion position P 6 , the portions of the arm portions  28  directly below the projections  30  are drawn into the connection ring  14 A, whereby the clipping is completed. 
     Simultaneously with the completion of the clipping, the proximal end portion of the foremost clip  12 A (proximal end portion of turned portion  24 ) and the claw portions  22  of the second clip  12 B are discharged from the proximal end portion of the connection ring  14 A. As a result, the arm portions  28  of the second clip  12 B, which have been closed by the second region  34  of the connection ring  14 A, are opened up to the inner diameter of the sheath  16 , and the engagement between the turned portion  24  of the preceding clip  12 A and the claw portions of the next clip  12 B is released, whereby the clip  12 A and the connection ring  14 A are separated from the clip row, thereby attaining the state in which the clip  12 A and the connection ring  14 A can be discharge from the sheath  16 . 
     Further, in the state in which the slider pin  170  has been restored to the position P 7 , the clip row separated from the clip  12 A and the connection ring  14 A is drawn into the sheath  16 . 
     As is apparent from the above description, the distance between the maximum protruding position P 5  (P 9 , P 13 ) and the standard protruding position P 5 ′ (P 9 ′, P 13 ′) serves as a buffer for absorbing a production error in the components, a difference between the inner and outer periphery of the sheath  16 , etc. Thus, by once pushing out the slider pin  170  to the maximum protruding position P 5 , it is possible to reliably open the arm portions  28  and the skirt portions  38  to perform clipping independently of the production error in the clips  12  or the condition of the sheath  16  in the living body. 
     In a preferable manipulation, the slider pin  170  is pushed out to the maximum protruding position PS, and then returned to the standard protruding position P 5 ′. After that, the claw portions  22  are brought into contact with the living body to effect clipping (restoration of the slider  54  to P 7 , which is HP), whereby it is possible to more reliably prevent detachment, etc. of the clip  12  attributable to excessive protrusion from the sheath  16 . Further, it is possible to press the reliably retained clip  12  firmly against the living body to be subjected to clipping. 
     When, at the maximum protruding position, the foremost clip  12  is firmly retained, and there is no (or very little) risk of detachment, the slider pin  170  may be pulled back at a stroke from the maximum protruding position to HP to effect clipping and the releasing of the connection of the clip row. 
     It is also desirable to generate a small impact (i.e., so-called click feel) by well-known means such as a protrusion and a recess engaged with each other or an urged spherical body and a recess engaged therewith at the point in time when the slider pin  170  passes the clipping completion position P 6  (P 10 , P 14 ), thus enabling the operator performing the clipping to be aware of the completion of the clipping. 
     When the slider pin  170  has been restored to the position P 7 , which is HP, to complete the first clipping (clipping by the first clip  12 A), the slider guide  156  is rotated by 90 degrees as illustrated in  FIG. 12  (H) to match the guide groove  166 C with the engagement groove  168 . As a result, the:position of the slider pin  170  moves to HP, which corresponds to the guide groove  166 C, as indicated at P 8  in  FIG. 21 . 
     Next, the slider pin  170  is moved to the maximum protruding position P 9  where the slider pin  170  abuts the forward end portion of the guide groove  166 C. Through this manipulation, the second clip  12 B and the first region  32  of the connection ring  14 B protrude from the forward end of the sheath  16 , with the arm portions  28  and the skirt portions  38  opening. Further, by pulling the slider pin  170  back to the standard protruding position P 9 ′ where the skirt portions  38  abut the forward end of the sheath  16 , the clipping device is placed in the state in which the clipping device is ready for the second clipping (by the clip  12 B). 
     When the clipping device has become ready for clipping, the claw portions  22  of the diverged clip  12 B are pressed against the portion which is to be subjected to clipping, and the slider pin  170  is moved to the proximal side to be pulled back to HP, that is, the position P 11 . 
     As a result, through the movement of the slider pin  170  from the standard protruding position P 9 ′ to the clipping completion position P 10 , the clipping by the second clip  12  is completed, and the second clip  12 B and the next clip  12 C (one on the most proximal side) are separated from each other, whereby a state is attained in which the clip  12 B and the connection ring  14 B can be discharged from the sheath  16 . 
     In the state in which the slider pin  170  has been restored to the position P 11 , which is HP, the clip row separated from the clip  12 B and the connection ring  14 B is in the state in which the clip row has been drawn into the sheath  16 . 
     When the second clipping is completed, the slider guide  156  is then rotated by 90 degrees to match the guide groove  166 D with the engagement groove  168 . As a result, the position of the slider pin  170  moves to HP, which corresponds to the guide groove  166 D, indicated as the position P 12  in  FIG. 21 . 
     Next, the slider pin  170  is moved to the maximum protruding position P 13  where the slider pin  170  abuts the forward end portion of the guide groove  166 D. Through this manipulation, the third clip  12 C and the connection ring  14 B protrude from the forward end of the sheath  16 , with the arm portions  28  and the skirt portions  38  opening. Further, by pulling the slider pin  170  back to the standard protruding position P 13 ′, the clipping device is placed in the state in which the clipping device is ready for the third clipping. 
     When the clipping device has become ready for clipping, the claw portions  22  of the diverged clip  12 C are pressed against the portion which is to be subjected to clipping, and the slider pin  170  is moved to the proximal side to be pulled back to HP, that is, the position P 15 . 
     As a result, clipping is performed in the same manner as described above, and the clipping by the third clip  12 C is completed through the movement of the slider pin  170  from the standard protruding position P 13 ′ to the clipping completion position P 14 , and, further, the third clip  12 C and the dummy clip  18  are separated from each other, whereby the state is attained in which the clip  12 C and the connection ring  14 C can be discharged from the sheath  16 . 
     In the state in which the slider pin  170  has been restored to the position P 15 , which is HP, the dummy clip  18  separated from all the clips is in the state in which the dummy clip  18  has been drawn into the sheath  16 . 
     When the clipping by the three clips  12  has been completed, the slider guide  156  is rotated by 90 degrees to match the guide groove  166 A with the engagement groove  168 . As a result, the position of the slider pin  170  is restored again to HP, which corresponds to the guide groove  166 A as indicated by the position P 1  in  FIG. 21 . After that, the sheath  16  is pulled out of the endoscope. 
     After the sheath  16  has been pulled out, the slider pin  170  is pushed out to the position P 2  where the slider pin  170  abuts the forward end portion of the guide groove  166 A, and the dummy clip  18  and the connecting member  19  are caused to protrude from the forward end of the sheath  16 , thereby removing the dummy clip  18  and the connecting member  19  from the forward end of the manipulating wire  20 . 
     As described above, it is possible to perform clipping a plurality of times without pulling out the sheath. Further, solely through the rotation of the slider guide  156  and the reciprocating movement of the slider  154 , the clip row is moved in the axial direction (longitudinal direction of the sheath  16 ) by a proper amount according to the number of times that clipping is performed (first time, second time . . . ) to place the clipping device in the state in which the clipping device is ready for clipping, making it possible to perform clipping and the separation of the clips connected together. That is, it is possible to perform accurate clipping through easy manipulation. 
     The clipping device and the method of loading the connected clips of the embodiments of the present invention described in detail above should not be construed restrictively. It goes without saying that various improvements and variations are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. The clipping device of the present invention is applicable not only to a soft endoscope but also to a hard endoscope.