JP2000107122A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an insertion portion flexible tube fro, being deteriorated even when an autoclave sterilization is performed, keep a favorable slipperiness on the surface, be light-weight, and provide a proper flexibility. SOLUTION: The skin 18 of a flexible tube 10 is constituted by laminating a porous fluorine contained resin layer 19, a fluorine contained rubber layer 20, a fluorine coating layer 21 in this order from the internal surface side. The porous fluorine contained resin layer 19 and the fluorine contained rubber layer 20 are formed into a tube body which is integrally molded, and are formed in such a manner that the fluorine container rubber enters the cavities 19a on the surface of the porous fluorine contained resin layer 20 in a wedge-form.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly, to an endoscope characterized by a component of an outer sheath of a flexible tube at an insertion portion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Endoscopes that can be inserted into a body cavity or the like to observe a deep portion of the body cavity or the like and perform a medical treatment or the like by using a treatment tool as needed are widely used in the medical field. Is now available.

[0003] In the case of a medical endoscope, it is essential to surely disinfect and sterilize the used endoscope in order to prevent infectious diseases and the like.

Conventionally, this disinfection and sterilization treatment has been performed by using a gas such as ethylene oxide gas or a disinfecting solution. However, as is well known, sterilizing gases are highly toxic. It is troublesome, and it takes a long time for aeration to remove gas adhering to the device after sterilization, so that it cannot be used immediately after sterilization. Further, there is a problem that the running cost is high.

[0005] Further, in the case of a disinfecting solution, there is a disadvantage that management of the disinfecting solution is complicated, and a great deal of expense is required for disposal treatment of the disinfecting solution.

Therefore, recently, without complicated work,
Autoclave sterilization (high-pressure steam sterilization), which can be used immediately after sterilization and has a low running cost, is becoming mainstream in endoscope devices.

[0007]

However, since autoclave sterilization is sterilization using high-temperature and high-pressure steam, it is generally used as an outer tube of an insertion portion flexible tube, for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-23838. Such polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers and polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers are deteriorated by hydrolysis by steam or heat.

Therefore, it is necessary to use a polymer material having better hydrolyzability and body heat than these thermoplastic elastomers as the outer sheath of the flexible tube of the insertion portion.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-338951 discloses an example in which a rubber material such as fluororubber is used as an outer layer of a flexible tube in order to improve the heat resistance of the flexible tube. Since fluororubber has a high specific gravity, there is a problem that if the entire outer skin is formed of fluororubber, the insertion portion becomes heavy and the usability is deteriorated. Further, when the outer skin is made of only fluororubber, appropriate flexibility as the endoscope insertion portion cannot be obtained as much as the thermoplastic elastomer. Also,
When the outermost layer is made of fluoro rubber, the sliding property is slightly poor.

[0010] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-116977 discloses that the outermost layer of a flexible tube outer shell is made of silicone rubber and the inner layer is made of fluorine rubber, and steam of autoclave sterilization that has passed through the silicone rubber is filled inside the flexible tube. There is disclosed an example in which a fluororubber layer is blocked so as not to penetrate into the inside to prevent deterioration of the internal parts. However, when the outermost layer is made of silicone rubber, there is a problem that the surface has very poor slipperiness.

Further, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-30893 discloses that a flexible tube is constituted by a foaming agent layer and a non-foaming agent layer to reduce the weight of the flexible tube while maintaining good flexibility and elasticity. Although disclosed examples are disclosed, there is no clear definition of the material, and the material is not configured so as not to be deteriorated by autoclave sterilization.

In addition, there is also a means of adopting a fluorine resin such as PTFE or FEP, which is a polymer material having heat resistance and not hydrolyzing, for the flexible tube. The tube is hard and easy to buckle. Furthermore, it is not possible to obtain optimal performance as a flexible tube of the endoscope insertion portion, for example, flexibility or elasticity. In particular, the larger the diameter of the flexible tube becomes, the more difficult it is to adopt it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and does not deteriorate even when autoclave sterilization is performed on a flexible tube of an insertion portion, has a good surface slipperiness, is lightweight and has a suitable flexibility. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope that can have a property.

[0014]

An endoscope according to the present invention is an endoscope in which a flexible tube having flexibility is used for an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity. Is formed by laminating at least two layers of a porous fluororesin layer, a fluororubber layer, and a fluorine coating layer.

[0015] In the endoscope of the present invention, the outer sheath of the flexible tube is formed of the porous fluororesin layer, the fluororubber layer,
By laminating at least two of the fluorine coating layers, the flexible tube at the insertion portion is not deteriorated even when subjected to autoclave sterilization, has a good surface slipperiness, is lightweight, and is suitable. It is possible to provide flexibility.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an electronic endoscope, and FIG. 2 is an insertion portion of FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing the configuration of the outer sheath of the flexible tube of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the outer sheath of the universal cord of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment has an insertion section 2 having a solid-state image pickup device, for example, a CCD built in at a distal end thereof, and is connected to a base end side of the insertion section 2 for observation. Operating unit 3 that the user grips to perform various operations, and this operating unit 3
And a connector portion 5 provided at the other end of the universal cord 4.
Are connected to a light source device (not shown) and a camera control unit (CCU) (not shown). A light guide connector 6 is connected to the light source device, and a camera connector 7 is connected to the CCU.

The insertion section 2 is composed of a distal end portion 8, a bendable bending portion 9, and a flexible tube 10 having flexibility.

The operating section 3 has a bending operation lever 11 for controlling the operation of the bending section 9, a treatment tool insertion port 12 for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps, and a device for freezing and releasing images. A plurality of switches 13 are provided.

Further, a vent 14 for ventilating the inside and outside of the electronic endoscope 1 is provided inside the camera connector 7. The camera connector 7 has a waterproof cap 1
The electronic endoscope 1 is configured to be watertightly sealed by attaching the waterproof cap 15 to the camera connector 7 (vent 14), and the electronic endoscope is removed by removing the waterproof cap 15. The inside and outside of the partition wall of the mirror 1 can be ventilated through the vent hole 14.

During autoclave sterilization, the waterproof cap 1 is used to prevent the outer tube of the curved portion 9 from being ruptured.
5 is inserted into the chamber of the autoclave sterilizer without being attached to the vent hole 14.

As in the electronic endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the components constituting the outer wall of an endoscope having a flexible insertion portion or an endoscope having a curved portion are, in addition to metal materials, components. Polymer materials such as rubber and plastic are used. For example, a rubber such as a fluoro rubber is used for the outer tube of the curved portion 9 because it is required to be thin and to have flexibility and strength. Further, as a material of the outer tube of the universal cord 4, a tube made of silicone rubber may be used because of its good flexibility and lightness, and the operating section 3 and the connector 5 may be used to reduce the weight. ,
Plastic such as polyphenylene sulfide and polyphenyl sulfone is used as an exterior part of the eyepiece 7.

Of course, these materials such as rubber and plastic are heat-resistant materials that can withstand the sterilization temperature of autoclave sterilization, and are water-resistant materials that do not deteriorate even at the high-temperature and high-pressure steam of autoclave sterilization. is there.

Further, the exterior components of the endoscope are generally sealed with an O-ring or an adhesive, whereby the entire endoscope is made watertight. As an O-ring,
Generally, an O-ring made of silicone rubber is used. As the adhesive, a silicone adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, or the like is used.

The polymer materials such as rubber and plastic used as the exterior parts and the sealing members can maintain watertightness, but have gas permeability and allow vapor to permeate. The level of gas permeability varies greatly depending on the material. Fluororesin and fluororubber have relatively low gas permeability, while silicone rubber permeates many vapors.

As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible tube 10 of the insertion portion 2
Is formed by stacking a spiral tube 16, a net-like ring 17, and a flexible outer skin 18 in this order from the inner surface side.

As shown in FIG. 3, which is an enlarged view of the laminated portion in FIG.
9, a fluorine rubber layer 20, and a fluorine coating layer 21 are laminated in this order.

The porous fluororesin layer 19 and the fluororubber layer 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes an integrally formed tube body, which is formed in a shape in which fluorine rubber is inserted into the holes 19a on the surface of the porous fluorine resin layer 20 in a wedge shape. Therefore, they do not separate.

When integrally molded, a fluorine-based primer and an adhesive may be applied to the surface of the porous fluororesin to more firmly fix both layers. In that case, a surface treatment may be performed to roughen the surface of the porous fluororesin layer in order to increase the adhesiveness.

The fluorine coating layer 21 is a layer for improving the slipperiness of the surface, and the slipperiness is improved by applying this coating rather than exposing the fluororubber layer 20 to the surface as it is. The fluorine-based coating layer 21 is made of a chemical mixture of a carrier containing fluorine-based particles as a main component and a solvent, and after application, is cured to form a coating layer. This coating can also be applied to fluororubber, which was conventionally considered to be very difficult to coat. In addition, since this coating is a fluorine-based coating, it exhibits very excellent properties in terms of chemical resistance and the like.

(Effect) In the present embodiment configured as described above, even when autoclave sterilization is performed, the outer sheath 18 forming the flexible tube 10 of the insertion portion 2 is made of a porous fluororesin having high heat resistance and high water resistance. 19, the fluororubber layer 20, and the fluorine-based coating layer 21 do not deteriorate due to autoclave steam or heat attacking from the inner and outer surfaces of the flexible tube 10.

(Effects) Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if autoclave sterilization is performed, the outer cover 18 of the flexible tube 10 of the insertion section 2 does not deteriorate.

Further, since the outer sheath 18 of the flexible tube is formed by combining the porous fluororesin 19 and the fluororubber layer 20, it is possible to reduce the weight of the flexible tube by using an outer sheath made of only fluororubber. . Further, appropriate flexibility can be obtained by combination.

Further, since the fluorine-based coating is applied, the surface has a better sliding property than the flexible tube having the surface exposed to the fluororubber.

In the present embodiment, the fluorine rubber layer 20 is used as a part of the outer cover 18 of the flexible tube 10 of the insertion section 2 of the electronic endoscope 1.
Any flexible rubber layer having heat resistance and body hydrolyzability may be used. For example, a silicone rubber layer may be used. In this case, since the silicone rubber easily permeates the vapor, the vapor easily penetrates into the inside of the flexible tube through the flexible tube, which may accelerate the deterioration of the internal components. The weight of the flexible tube can be reduced.

It is to be noted that this layer is not made of rubber but is made of, for example, PTF.
It may be formed of a fluorine resin such as E or FEP. In this case, the flexible tube becomes hard, but the surface has good slipperiness without coating.

Further, in this embodiment, the fluorine-based coating layer 21 is provided as the top coat of the outer cover 18, but other than the fluorine-based coating layer 21, it has heat resistance and hydrolysis resistance, and also has Any flexible coating layer that can be coated on the rubber layer may be used.

Further, in this embodiment, during autoclave sterilization, in order to prevent the outer tube of the bending portion 9 from being ruptured, the waterproof cap 15 is not attached to the vent hole 14 in the chamber of the autoclave sterilization apparatus. However, a waterproof cap 15 is attached to the ventilation port 14, and a cylindrical rupture prevention cap (not shown) is attached to the outer periphery of the curved portion 9. The tube may be introduced into the chamber of the autoclave sterilizer while preventing the tube from bursting.
In this case, since the electronic endoscope 1 is in a watertight state, pressurized steam during autoclave sterilization does not actively enter. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the structural components inside the endoscope, for example, the solid-state imaging device, the light guide fiber, and the like, and the progress of rust of the internal metal structural components.

In this embodiment, a silicone rubber tube is used as a material for the outer tube of the flexible tube of the universal cord 4. However, as shown in FIG.
The outer sheath 18 of the universal cord 4 may be changed to a flexible tube using a fluoro rubber tube, and a rubber seal member such as an O-ring may be changed from a silicone rubber type to a fluoro rubber type. The pressurized steam does not enter the inside of the endoscope, and furthermore, deterioration of structural components inside the endoscope can be prevented.

In this embodiment, an electronic endoscope has been described as an example. However, the present invention is also applicable to an optical flexible fiberscope that transmits an endoscope image to an eyepiece by an image guide disposed in an insertion portion. It is.

Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an outer sheath of a flexible tube according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Since the second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Construction) In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, similarly to the first embodiment, the outer sheath 18 of the flexible tube 10 is provided with a porous fluororesin layer 19, Although the fluoro rubber layer 20 and the fluorine coating layer 21 are laminated in this order, the porous fluoro resin layer 19 and the fluoro rubber layer 20 are originally separate tubes, and both are composed of a fluorine-based primer and an adhesive. Fixed by the agent. As in the first embodiment, a fluorine-based coating is applied on the fluorine rubber layer.

(Operation / Effect) In the present embodiment thus configured, the same operation / effect as in the first embodiment is obtained.
The effect can be obtained.

Third Embodiment FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the outer cover of a flexible tube according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Since the third embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Construction) In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, an outer cover 18 of a flexible tube 10 is laminated from the inner surface side in the order of a porous fluororesin layer 19 and a fluororubber layer 20. It is configured.

The fluororubber layer 20 directly laminated on the porous fluororesin layer 19 is an integrally molded tube, and the fluororubber enters the pores on the surface of the porous fluororesin layer 20 in a wedge shape. Shaped in shape. In the present embodiment, since the fluorine coating layer is not applied,
Slipperiness is slightly reduced as compared with the first embodiment. However, since fluorine rubber has good chemical resistance, it does not deteriorate due to immersion in a chemical solution or the like, similarly to fluorine coating.

(Operation) Even in the present embodiment, even when autoclave sterilization is performed, the outer shell constituting the flexible tube at the insertion portion is made of a porous fluororesin or fluororubber having high heat resistance and high water resistance. It does not deteriorate due to the steam or heat of the autoclave attacking from the inner and outer surfaces of the flexible tube.

(Effects) Therefore, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, even if autoclave sterilization is performed,
The outer skin 18 constituting the flexible tube 10 of the insertion section 2 does not deteriorate.

Further, since the outer sheath of the flexible tube is constituted by combining the porous fluororesin and the fluororubber, it is possible to make the outer tube of the fluororubber only lighter than the flexible tube. Also, appropriate flexibility can be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment FIGS. 7 and 8 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an outer sheath of a flexible tube, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the other application example of an elastic alloy.

Since the fourth embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Structure) In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the outer cover 18 of the flexible tube 10 is laminated from the inner surface side in the order of a porous fluororesin layer 19 and a fluorine coating layer 21. It is configured.

That is, since the fluorine coating layer 21 is directly coated on the porous fluororesin layer 19 and the pores on the surface of the porous fluororesin layer 19 are filled with this coating, the surface of the flexible tube is covered with the fluorine coating layer 21. No holes are exposed.

In order to easily coat the surface of the porous fluororesin layer 19, the surface of the porous fluororesin layer may be subjected to a surface treatment such as roughening. In addition, the superelastic alloy 22 may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube 10 to provide appropriate flexibility.

(Effect) According to the present embodiment, even when autoclave sterilization is performed, the outer cover 18 of the flexible tube 10 of the insertion section 2 is made of a porous heat-resistant and water-resistant porous fluororesin or a fluorine-based coating. Therefore, it is not deteriorated by steam or heat of the autoclave attacking from the inner surface and the outer surface of the flexible tube.

(Effects) Therefore, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, even if autoclave sterilization is performed,
The outer skin 18 constituting the flexible tube 10 of the insertion section 2 does not deteriorate.

Further, appropriate flexibility can be obtained by the porous fluororesin layer and the superelastic alloy. Further, since the outer skin does not use fluororubber, it is possible to reduce the weight of the flexible tube.

Further, since the fluorine-based coating is applied, the pores of the porous fluororesin layer are not exposed on the outer surface of the flexible tube, and the surface has good slipperiness.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the first embodiment, as in this embodiment, in order to obtain more appropriate flexibility, the superelastic alloy 2
A core bar made of two may be provided. Further, the spiral tube 16 may be formed of a superelastic alloy.

Fifth Embodiment: FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the structure of the outer cover of a flexible tube according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Since the fifth embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Structure) In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer skin 18 of the flexible tube 10 is formed by laminating a fluorine rubber layer 20 and a fluorine coating layer 21 in this order from the inner surface side. ing.

Incidentally, in order to obtain appropriate flexibility, the superelastic alloy 22 may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube 10 as in the fourth embodiment.

(Effect) According to the present embodiment, even when autoclave sterilization is performed, the outer cover 18 constituting the flexible tube 10 of the insertion section 2 has a high heat resistance and high water resistance.
0, since it is constituted by the fluorine coating layer 21, it is not deteriorated by steam or heat of the autoclave attacking from the inner surface and the outer surface of the flexible tube 10.

(Effects) Therefore, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, even if autoclave sterilization is performed,
The outer skin 18 constituting the flexible tube 10 of the insertion section 2 does not deteriorate.

Further, by the fluoro rubber layer and the superelastic alloy,
Appropriate flexibility can be obtained. Further, since the fluorine-based coating is applied, the surface has better slipperiness than a flexible tube having fluoro rubber exposed on the surface.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 10 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the outer cover of the flexible tube which concerns on embodiment.

Since the sixth embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The outer skin 18 of the flexible tube 10 according to the sixth embodiment
As shown in FIG. 10, is composed of a fluorine rubber layer 20 in which the mesh tube 17 is inserted and a fluorine-based coating layer 21 coated on the outer surface.

In order to provide appropriate flexibility, a superelastic alloy may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube, as in the fifth embodiment. Further, as in the fifth embodiment, a spiral tube may be provided inside the fluoro rubber layer 20.

(Effect) According to the present embodiment, even when autoclave sterilization is performed, the outer cover 18 of the flexible tube 10 of the insertion section 2 is made of a fluorine rubber or a fluorine-based coating having high heat resistance and water resistance. Therefore, it is not deteriorated by steam or heat of the autoclave attacking from the inner surface and the outer surface of the flexible tube 10.

(Configuration) Therefore, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, even if autoclave sterilization is performed,
The outer skin 18 constituting the flexible tube 10 of the insertion section 2 does not deteriorate.

The fluoro rubber layer and the superelastic alloy form
Appropriate flexibility can be obtained. In addition, since the fluorine-based coating is applied, the surface has better slipperiness than a flexible tube having fluoro rubber exposed on the surface. Further, by inserting the mesh tube 17 into the outer cover 18, the thickness of the flexible tube 10 can be reduced as compared with the fifth embodiment.

[Appendix] (Appendix 1) In an endoscope in which a flexible tube having flexibility is used for an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, an outer skin of the flexible tube is made of a porous fluororesin. Layer, a fluoro rubber layer,
An endoscope comprising at least two layers of a fluorine coating layer.

(Additional Item 2) The external skin is formed by sequentially laminating the porous fluororesin layer, the fluororubber layer, and the fluorine-based coating layer from the inner surface side. Endoscope.

(Additional Item 3) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the outer skin is formed by sequentially laminating the porous fluororesin layer and the fluororubber layer from the inner surface side.

(Additional Item 4) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the outer skin is formed by sequentially laminating the porous fluororesin layer and the fluorine-based coating layer from the inner surface side.

(Additional Item 5) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the outer skin is formed by sequentially laminating the fluorine rubber layer and the fluorine-based coating layer from the inner surface side.

(Supplementary Item 6) The fluorine-based coating layer is made of a chemical mixture of a carrier containing fluorine-based particles as a main component and a solvent, and is coated and cured to form a coating layer. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein

(Additional Item 7) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein a superelastic alloy is disposed in a longitudinal direction of the flexible tube.

(Supplementary Item 8) In an endoscope in which a flexible tube having flexibility is used for an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, an outer skin of the flexible tube includes a porous fluororesin layer, An endoscope comprising: a solid layer; and a coating layer having at least two layers among a coating layer having a lower surface friction coefficient than the solid layer.

(Additional Item 9) The endoscope according to Additional Item 8, wherein the solid layer is a crosslinked rubber layer.

(Additional Item 10) The endoscope according to Additional Item 8, wherein the solid layer is a fluororubber layer.

(Additional Item 11) The endoscope according to Additional Item 8, wherein the solid layer is a silicone rubber layer.

(Additional Item 12) The endoscope according to Additional Item 8, wherein the solid layer is a fluororesin layer.

(Appendix 13) The coating layer is
Additional Item 8 characterized by being a fluorine coating layer
An endoscope according to claim 1.

(Additional Item 14) The endoscope according to additional item 1 or 8, wherein the flexible tube has a laminated structure in which a spiral tube, a mesh ring, and an outer skin are sequentially laminated from the inner surface side. .

(Additional Item 15) The endoscope according to Additional Items 1 or 8, wherein the endoscope is an endoscope compatible with autoclave sterilization.

(Additional Item 16) An additional item 1 characterized by having a curved portion for bending the tip of the insertion portion, and the curved portion is covered with a flexible outer tube.
Or the endoscope according to 8.

(Additional Item 17) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1 or 8, wherein the inside and outside of the endoscope are configured to be permeable.

(Additional Item 18) The endoscope according to additional item 1 or 8, wherein the inside of the endoscope can be configured to be watertightly sealed.

(Additional Item 19) In an endoscope using a flexible tube having flexibility, an outer skin of the flexible tube is
An endoscope comprising: a porous fluororesin layer; a solid layer; and a coating layer having a lower surface friction coefficient than the solid layer.

(Additional Item 20) The endoscope according to Additional Item 19, wherein the flexible tube having flexibility is a flexible tube forming a universal cord connecting the operation section and the connector section. .

(Additional Item 21) An endoscope having a flexible tube forming a universal cord connecting the operating portion and the connector portion, wherein the outer tube of the flexible tube includes a fluorine rubber layer. Endoscope.

[0098]

As described above, according to the endoscope of the present invention, at least two of the porous fluororesin layer, the fluororubber layer, and the fluorocoat layer are formed on the outer surface of the flexible tube.
Since the layers are formed by laminating, the flexible tube at the insertion portion is not deteriorated even when subjected to autoclave sterilization, has a good surface slipperiness, and can have light weight and appropriate flexibility. This has the effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an electronic endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the flexible tube of the insertion portion of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an outer cover of the flexible tube in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the outer cover of the universal cord of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an outer cover of a flexible tube according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an outer cover of a flexible tube according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an outer cover of a flexible tube according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing another application example of the superelastic alloy of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a sheath of a flexible tube according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an outer cover of a flexible tube according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 3 ... Operation part 4 ... Universal cord 5 ... Connector part 6 ... Light guide connector 7 ... Camera connector 8 ... Tip part 9 ... Bending part 10 ... Flexible tube 11 ... Bending operation lever 12 ... Treatment instrument insertion port 13 ... Switch 14 ... Vent hole 15 ... Waterproof cap 16 ... Helical tube 17 ... Reticulated ring 18 ... Outer skin 19 ... Porous fluororesin layer 19a ... Vacancy 20 ... Fluororubber layer 21 ... Fluorine coating layer

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope in which a flexible tube having flexibility is used for an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, wherein the outer skin of the flexible tube is a porous fluororesin layer and a fluororubber layer. And at least two layers of a fluorine coating layer.