JP2003164420A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope with curvature resistance small enough to resist damage even if used repeatedly. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope has a flexible (plastic) insertion part 2 and an operating part installed at the rear end of the insertion part 2. The insertion part 2 comprises a lumen constructed of an outer skin 382 or the like and a long member such as a tube or wire disposed in the lumen. A lubricant 5 is disposed in the lumen, and a cover layer 4 composed mainly of TiN is formed on the inner surface of the lumen and the surface of the long member. The cover layer 4 is preferably 0.3 to 8 μm thick. The friction coefficient μ of the cover layer 4 is preferably 0.05 to 0.4 measured when a ball-on-disc method using a ball made of WC as a counterpart is conducted at a sliding speed of 100 mm/sec and under a load of 3 N. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the medical field, endoscopes are used for examination and diagnosis of the digestive tract and the like. This endoscope has an insertion section that is inserted into a body cavity and an operation section that is installed on the proximal end side of the insertion section and that bends the distal end section of the insertion section. Further, this endoscope has a connecting portion that extends from the operating portion and is connected to the light source device and the control device.

The insertion section has a flexible tube having flexibility and a bending section which is operated to bend at the distal end side so that it can be inserted into a curved body cavity and follow the same.

By the way, inside the insertion portion, a bending mechanism for bending a bending portion existing in the distal end direction, a light guide for transmitting light from the light source device to the distal end portion, and an image guide for transmitting an image of a subject to the operation portion. A long member such as a tube through which forceps for performing treatment or cell inspection is inserted, and an air / liquid feeding tube for injecting a drug solution or the like are arranged in the longitudinal direction as necessary.

When the flexible tube or the bending portion is bent, friction is generated in each long member incorporated due to the bending, and a pressure is applied. In order to protect each long member from this friction and pressure, a lubricant is conventionally arranged around each long member.

By the way, since such an endoscope is repeatedly used, it is necessary to clean and sterilize it each time.

Conventionally used lubricants have a problem that they are deteriorated and deteriorated by such sterilization treatment. Such deterioration and deterioration of the lubricant causes deterioration of lubricity and failure of the endoscope.

Lubricants which are excellent in chemical resistance and hardly deteriorate or deteriorate even when subjected to such a sterilization treatment are known. When such a lubricant is used, it is used for an endoscope or the like. In some cases, sufficient lubricity cannot be obtained and sliding resistance is large. In particular, the optical fibers (optical fibers) forming the light guide and the image guide may be damaged or broken unless sufficient lubricity is obtained.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope which has a small bending resistance and is less likely to be damaged or broken even if it is repeatedly used.

[0010]

These objects are achieved by the present invention described in (1) to (21) below.

(1) An endoscope having a lumen and an elongated member arranged therein, wherein an inner surface of the lumen and / or at least a part of a surface of the elongated member is: An endoscope characterized in that a coating layer mainly composed of TiN is formed.

Thus, it is possible to provide an endoscope which has a small bending resistance and is unlikely to be damaged or broken even if it is repeatedly used.

(2) The endoscope according to (1), wherein the coating layer contains chlorine ions at least near the surface thereof. This further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(3) The endoscope according to (1) or (2) above, wherein at least the surface of the coating layer is ion-implanted with chlorine ions. This further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(4) The chlorine ion concentration on the surface of the coating layer is 2 × 10 ¹⁶ to 1 × 10 ¹⁷ [ions / cm ² ].
The endoscope according to the above (2) or (3). This further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(5) The endoscope according to any one of the above (1) to (4), wherein the coating layer is formed by a vapor phase film forming method. This improves the adhesiveness between the coating layer and the site where the coating layer is formed.

(6) The vapor deposition method is any one selected from chemical vapor deposition (CVD), sputtering, vacuum deposition, ion plating and ion beam mixing. The described endoscope. This improves the adhesiveness between the coating layer and the site where the coating layer is formed.

(7) The average thickness of the coating layer is 0.0
The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (6), which has a diameter of 1 to 8 μm. This further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(8) The ball-on-disk method using balls made of WC as the mating material was used, and the sliding speed was 100 mm /
The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the friction coefficient μ of the coating layer measured under the condition of second, load: 3N is 0.05 to 0.4. . This further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(9) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the elongated member is movable relative to the lumen. This further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(10) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein a lubricant is provided inside the lumen. This further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(11) The endoscope according to the above (10), wherein the lubricant contains a powder lubricant.

This makes it easier to handle the lubricant and further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(12) The average particle size of the powder lubricant is
The endoscope according to (11) above, which is 0.01 to 20 μm. This further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(13) The endoscope according to any one of the above (10) to (12), wherein the lubricant contains at least one of fluorocarbon, boron nitride, graphite, and fluororesin.

As a result, the bending resistance of the endoscope is further reduced and the chemical resistance is improved.

(14) The endoscope according to any one of (10) to (13) above, wherein the lubricant contains at least one of silicone oil and grease.

As a result, the lubricant can be easily handled, and the long member disposed inside the lumen can be protected from impact or the like.

(15) The endoscope according to any one of (10) to (14), wherein the lubricant is arranged around the member. This further reduces the bending resistance of the endoscope.

(16) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the elongated member is a wire.

As a result, the wire can be pulled smoothly, and the operability of the bending operation of the endoscope can be improved.
Trackability is improved.

(17) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the elongated member is a tube.

As a result, it is possible to more effectively prevent the long member in the lumen from being damaged or broken.

(18) The elongated member is an optical fiber bundle, and the lubricant is provided on at least a part of an outer surface of the optical fiber bundle, according to any one of the above (10) to (17). The endoscope described in.

As a result, it is possible to more effectively prevent the optical fiber bundle from being damaged or broken.

(19) The elongated member is an optical fiber bundle, and the lubricant is arranged on at least a part of the outer surface of each optical fiber constituting the optical fiber bundle.
The endoscope according to any one of 0) to (18).

As a result, it is possible to more effectively prevent the optical fiber bundle from being damaged or broken.

(20) The elongated member is an optical fiber bundle, and the coating layer is formed on at least a part of an outer surface of the optical fiber bundle, and the elongated member is any one of the above (1) to (19). The endoscope described in.

This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the optical fiber bundle from being damaged or broken.

(21) The elongated member is an optical fiber bundle, and the coating layer is formed on at least a part of the outer surface of each optical fiber forming the optical fiber bundle. The endoscope according to any one of (20).

This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the optical fiber bundle from being damaged or broken.

[0042]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The endoscope of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an embodiment of an endoscope (fiberscope type) of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible tube in the endoscope shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a curved portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the vertical cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2 (around the central portion of an optical fiber bundle forming a light guide). It is a figure. Hereinafter, in FIG. 1, the upper portion is referred to as a “base end” and the lower portion is referred to as a “tip end”.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 of the present invention is
It has an insertion portion 2 of a long product having flexibility and an operation portion 7 installed on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2. The operation unit 7 is a portion that is grasped by an operator and operates the entire endoscope 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operating portion 7 includes an operating portion main body 71 and an operating portion cover 72 that form an outer wall thereof.
It has a bending operation mechanism for remotely performing a bending operation (bending operation) on a bending portion 21 to be described later, and an air / liquid feeding channel for introducing a fluid to be supplied to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2.
A bending operation lever 73 for performing the bending operation is rotatably supported on the operation portion main body 71.

An eyepiece portion 8 is provided on the head portion (base end side) of the operation portion main body 71. With this eyepiece unit 8, the image of the subject can be directly observed. Further, the eyepiece unit 8 can be detachably connected to a camera (not shown) including a CCD (image pickup device), an image pickup optical system and the like. Therefore, the subject can be observed as a monitor image.

A flexible connecting portion flexible tube 9 in which a light guide 32, which will be described later, is inserted is connected to the side of the operation portion main body 71 opposite to the supporting portion of the bending operation lever 73. A connector 10 to be connected to a light source device (not shown) is connected to a tip portion of the connecting portion flexible tube 9.

The insertion section 2 is used by inserting it into a body cavity. As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion 2 has a flexible tube 20 from the proximal (proximal end) side, and a bendable (bending) bendable portion 21 on the distal end side. A tip portion 22 is formed at the tip of the curved portion 21, and a tip portion 23 is formed at the tip.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the insertion portion 2, the outer tube 2
An image guide 31, a light guide 32, a forceps insertion tube 33, an air supply tube 34, and a liquid supply tube 35 are arranged in the interior (lumen) of 4 along the longitudinal direction. There is.

Each of these long members (image guide 31
A light guide 32, a forceps insertion tube 33,
The air supply tube 34 and the liquid supply tube 35) are isolated from the outside and protected by the outer tube 24. Further, the outer tube 24 prevents substances that come into contact with the surface of the insertion portion 2, for example, chemicals and body fluids, from penetrating into the insertion portion 2 and protects each member inside the insertion portion 2. This outer tube 24
Is a wire insertion frame edge 37 and an inner skin 38 in order from the inside.
1 and the outer skin 382 are laminated to form a layered structure.

The outer skin 382 is preferably made of a material having flexibility in order to prevent the tissue in the body cavity from being damaged by friction. Hull 382
Examples of the constituent material include, for example, polyolefin resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester resin such as polybutylene terephthalate, polyurethane resin. Resins, polystyrene resins, fluorine resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers, resins with various flexibility such as polyimide resins, polyurethane elastomers, polyester elastomers, polyolefin elastomers One or a combination of two or more of various elastomers such as polyamide elastomer, polystyrene elastomer, polystyrene elastomer, fluorine elastomer, silicone rubber, and latex rubber. Door can be.

The thickness of the outer skin 382 is not particularly limited as long as it can protect the various members inside the insertion portion 2 and does not impair the flexibility and bendability of the insertion portion 2, and it is 100 to 30.
It is preferably about 00 μm, more preferably about 200 to 1000 μm.

Next, the long members (image guide 31, light guide 32, forceps insertion tube 33, air supply tube 34, liquid supply tube 35) arranged inside the outer tube 24 will be described.

The image guide 31 transmits the image of the subject to the eyepiece section 8. The image guide 31 includes an optical fiber bundle and a protective tube (first protective tube 311 and second protective tube 31 for protecting the optical fiber bundle.
2) and are composed.

The optical fiber bundle is composed of a plurality of optical fibers 6 (optical fibers). The optical fibers 6 are bundled and fixed by, for example, an adhesive agent at both ends of the eyepiece portion 8 and the distal end portion 23, and in other portions, the optical fibers 6 are individually movable. Thereby, the cross-sectional shape of the image guide 31 other than the both end portions can be modified as necessary.

As shown in FIG. 3, the most distal end portion 2 of the insertion portion 2
At 3, an objective lens 39 is installed. The tip of the image guide 31 (the incident end of the subject light) is connected to the objective lens 39.

The objective lens 39 can form an image of a subject on the incident end of the image guide 31.

The light guide 32 guides the light from the light source of the light source device (not shown) connected to the connector 10 and irradiates it in front of the most distal end portion 23. This makes it possible to obtain the illumination light necessary for observing the subject.

The light guide 32 includes an optical fiber bundle and
And a protective tube 321 for protecting the optical fiber bundle.

The optical fiber bundle is composed of a plurality of optical fibers 6 (optical fibers). The optical fibers 6 are bundled and fixed at both ends of the connector 10 and the distal end portion 23 with, for example, an adhesive, and the other optical fibers 6 are individually movable. Thereby, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 32 other than the both end portions can be modified as necessary.

Image guide 31 and light guide 3
The optical fiber 6 used in 2 is made of quartz, multi-component glass, plastic, or the like.

The diameter of the optical fibers 6 constituting these optical fiber bundles is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 2 to 40 μm, more preferably about 4 to 10 μm. When the diameter is less than the lower limit value, the filling property of the lubricant 5 into the gap of the optical fiber bundle may be deteriorated. On the other hand, when the diameter exceeds the upper limit value, the pixel density may be reduced and the light guiding efficiency may be deteriorated.

The forceps insertion tube 33 has a hollow structure, and forceps are inserted therein. With this forceps, the endoscope 1 can perform various treatments, treatments, and the like near the distal end portion 23.

It should be noted that a medical treatment tool other than forceps, a diagnostic tool, etc. may be inserted through the forceps insertion tube 33.

Air supply tube 34, liquid supply tube 35
Is opened at the tip of the insertion section 2, and the fluid can be injected into the body cavity or suctioned from the body cavity through the tip opening. For example, the water supply tube 35 is used to inject the cleaning water, the chemical solution, or the like introduced from the air supply / liquid supply channel of the operation unit 7 into the vicinity of the most distal end portion 23 inserted and left in the body cavity, or Bodily fluid and the like near the tip portion 23 can be collected.

As shown in FIG. 2, a lumen is formed inside the outer tube 24, and the inner surface of the outer tube 24 is
A coating layer 4 mainly composed of TiN is formed. The coating layer 4 will be described in detail later. Furthermore, each long member (image guide 31,
The coating layer 4 is also formed on the surfaces of the light guide 32, the forceps insertion tube 33, the air supply tube 34, and the liquid supply tube 35).
Is formed, and the lubricant 5 is disposed inside the outer tube 24 (lumen).

The coating layer 4 has excellent lubricity, as described later in detail. Therefore, each long member is the outer tube 24.
When it moves relative to the (lumen) (for example, when the insertion portion 2 is curved), the friction resistance between the long member and the long member and between the outer tube and the long member becomes small.
Therefore, each long member can be moved smoothly, and the bending resistance of the insertion portion 2 becomes small. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent damage and breakage of each long member.

The lubricant 5 disposed inside the outer tube 24 (lumen) also has excellent lubricity. Therefore,
By disposing the lubricant 5, the effect of the coating layer 4 described above and the effect of the lubricant 5 act synergistically.
As a result, the bending resistance of the insertion portion 2 is further reduced, and each member can be more reliably protected from damage due to friction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the protective tube 3
A lumen is formed inside 21 and a coating layer 4 is formed on the inner surface of the protective tube 321. An optical fiber bundle is arranged as a long member in this lumen. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a coating layer 4 is formed on the surface of each optical fiber 6 constituting this optical fiber bundle, and a lubricant 5 is arranged around each optical fiber 6.

In this way, the coating layer 4 is formed on the surface of each optical fiber 6 constituting the optical fiber bundle of the light guide 32 and the inner surface of the protective tube 321 which covers the optical fiber bundle, and thus the optical fiber 6 is formed. The frictional resistance between the optical fiber 6 and the optical fiber 6 and between the optical fiber 6 and the protective tube 321 when the relative movement with respect to the protective tube 321 (for example, when the insertion portion 2 is curved) is small. Therefore, each optical fiber 6 can move smoothly, and the bending resistance of the insertion portion 2 becomes small.
Therefore, the tension, pressure, and buckling of each optical fiber at the time of bending the insertion portion 2 are suppressed, and as a result, the light guide 32 can be effectively prevented from being damaged or broken.

By disposing the lubricant 5 around each optical fiber 6, the effect of the coating layer 4 and the effect of the lubricant 5 act synergistically, and the light guide 32 is damaged or damaged. Can be prevented more effectively.

Similar to the light guide 32, the image guide 31 has a coating layer on the inner surface of the protective tube 311 and on the surface of each optical fiber 6 constituting the optical fiber bundle arranged in the protective tube 311. 4 is formed,
A lubricant 5 is arranged around each optical fiber 6.

As described above, the coating layer 4 is formed on the surface of each optical fiber 6 constituting the optical fiber bundle of the image guide 31 and the inner surface of the protective tube 311 which covers the optical fiber bundle, whereby the optical fiber 6 is formed. The frictional resistance between the optical fiber 6 and the optical fiber 6 and between the optical fiber 6 and the protective tube 311 when moving relative to the protective tube 311 (for example, when the insertion portion 2 is curved) is small. Therefore, each optical fiber 6 can move smoothly, and the bending resistance of the insertion portion 2 becomes small. Therefore, tension, pressure, and buckling on each optical fiber when the insertion portion 2 is bent are suppressed, and as a result,
It is possible to effectively prevent damage and breakage of the image guide 31.

By disposing the lubricant 5 around each optical fiber 6, the effect of the coating layer 4 and the effect of the lubricant 5 act synergistically, and the image guide 31 is damaged or damaged. Can be prevented more effectively.

Bending portion 2 incorporating such long members
1 is bent in a predetermined direction by rotating the bending operation lever 73 and pulling and loosening the wire 36 (FIG. 3).
reference).

The pair of wires 36 are arranged so as to face each other with the central axis of the insertion portion 2 interposed therebetween. In addition, the wire 36 (long member) is the wire insertion frame edge 3.
7 and the endothelium 381 (in the lumen). The tip of the wire 36 is bonded and fixed to the closed portion of the tip 22 of the insertion portion 2.

For this reason, the bending operation lever 73 is rotated to pull one wire 36 and pull the other wire 36.
When the wire is relaxed, the bending portion 21 bends to the side with the tip of the pulled wire 36, as shown in FIG.

Further, by operating the operating portion 7 to rotate the insertion portion 2 about the axis and combining this with the above-mentioned bending, it is possible to observe 360 ° in all directions.

As the wire 36, a wire having strength and durability to the extent that a wire is not broken by frequent pulling operations and having little elongation is used. As such a wire, for example, a metal wire such as stainless steel,
A single wire or a fiber bundle made of resin fibers such as polyamide and polyester can be used.

The outer diameter of the wire 36 differs depending on various conditions such as the constituent material thereof, the cross-sectional shape and size of the insertion portion 2, the constituent material, etc., but the wire 36 is, for example, a polyacrylate twisted yarn or a stainless steel single wire. When configured, the outer diameter thereof is preferably about 30 to 3000 μm, more preferably about 100 to 1000 μm.

The wire insertion frame edge 37 supports the wire 36 together with the inner skin 381. Both support the wire 36, so that the wire 36 can be smoothly curved in a predetermined direction.

Wire insertion frame 37 and inner skin 381
Is capable of supporting the wire 36, and is made of a material (for example, stainless steel) having strength and durability that does not cause damage when the wire 36 is pulled.

The thickness of the wire insertion frame edge 37 and the inner skin 381 is such that the wire 36 can be supported and the insertion portion 2
It is not particularly limited as long as it does not impede the flexibility and bendability of 100 to 3000 μm, and 100 to 2
It is more preferably about 00 μm.

The coating layer 4 is formed on the inner surface of the lumen into which the wire 36 is inserted (the space formed by the wire insertion frame 37 and the inner skin 381) and the surface of the wire 36. Further, a lubricant 5 is arranged inside this lumen.

As described above, the coating layer 4 is formed on the inner surface of the lumen (the space formed by the wire insertion frame 37 and the inner skin 381) in which the wire 36 is inserted and the surface of the wire 36. When the wire 36 (long member) moves relative to this lumen (for example, when the wire 36 is pulled), the frictional resistance between the inner surface of the lumen and the wire becomes small. Therefore, the insertion part 2
The bending resistance is reduced, and as a result, the wire 36 can be smoothly pulled, and the operability and followability of the bending operation of the endoscope 1 are improved.

Further, by disposing the lubricant 5 inside the lumen into which the wire 36 is inserted, the effect of the coating layer 4 and the effect of the lubricant 5 act synergistically, and the endoscope 1 The operability and followability of the bending operation of are further improved.

As described above, the present invention is characterized by having the coating layer 4 mainly composed of TiN.

The coating layer 4 will be described in detail below. The coating layer 4 is mainly composed of TiN. Such a coating layer 4 has the following advantages.

1. Lubricity The coating layer 4 mainly composed of TiN has excellent lubricity. Therefore, by forming the coating layer 4, the bending resistance of the insertion portion 2 can be effectively reduced, and each member can be protected from damage due to friction.

As an index showing lubricity, for example, JI
The friction coefficient μ in the ball-on-disk method, which is measured according to S R 1613, and the like can be mentioned. WC as mating material
The friction coefficient μ of the coating layer 4 measured when the ball-on-disk method using the manufactured balls is performed under the conditions of sliding speed: 100 mm / sec and load: 3 N is 0.05 to 0.4
The degree is preferably about 0.05 to 0.3, more preferably about 0.05 to 0.2, and even more preferably about 0.05 to 0.2. When the friction coefficient μ of the coating layer 4 is in such a range, the bending resistance of the insertion portion 2 can be more effectively reduced, and moreover, each member can be more reliably protected from damage due to friction. You can

2. The chemical resistant insertion portion 2 may be immersed in a chemical such as a disinfectant before and after use. Some conventional lubricants react with such chemicals, deteriorate or corrode, and cannot withstand long-term use.

On the other hand, the coating layer 4 mainly composed of TiN has excellent chemical resistance. Therefore, the coating layer 4 is unlikely to be altered or deteriorated even when contacted with such a chemical.

Therefore, the endoscope 1 having the coating layer 4 mainly composed of TiN can be used for a long time without deterioration even in an environment where it is routinely contacted with a chemical such as a disinfectant. .

3. The water-repellent / gas-barrier insert 2 is subjected to a high degree of sterilization using a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant or the like. This hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant easily penetrates into the insertion portion 2 and is easily adsorbed by rubber or resin. Therefore, when the insertion part 2 is repeatedly subjected to such sterilization, there is a problem that the members inside the insertion part 2 gradually deteriorate.

However, the coating layer 4 mainly composed of TiN is excellent in water repellency and gas barrier property. Therefore, by forming such a coating layer, it becomes difficult for the hydrogen peroxide-based disinfecting liquid and the like to penetrate into the inside, and deterioration of each member can be prevented.

Therefore, such an insertion portion 2 is less likely to deteriorate even if it is repeatedly subjected to a high degree of sterilization, and can be repeatedly subjected to such sterilization.

4. Abrasion resistance The coating layer 4 mainly composed of TiN has excellent abrasion resistance. For this reason, even if the endoscope 1 is repeatedly used, the lubricity is unlikely to deteriorate.

Therefore, the endoscope 1 having the coating layer 4 mainly composed of TiN has extremely excellent durability.

As described above, the coating layer 4 mainly composed of TiN has the above-described four excellent advantages, and the synergistic effect of these four provides the excellent endoscope 1 described later.

Although such a coating layer 4 may be formed by any method, it is preferably formed by a vapor phase film forming method, and among them, thermal CV is particularly preferable.
Chemical vapor deposition methods such as D, plasma CVD (RF plasma CVD, ECR plasma CVD, etc.), laser CVD (C
VD), chemical sputtering, sputtering such as physical sputtering, vacuum deposition, ion plating,
It is preferably formed by one of ion beam mixing methods. By using these methods, the uniform coating layer 4 with less unevenness can be relatively easily obtained.

An example of the method of forming the coating layer 4 by ion plating (arc ion plating method) will be described below.

First, the member to be coated with the coating layer 4 is set in the furnace of the ion plating apparatus.

Next, the inside of the furnace of the ion plating apparatus is depressurized to heat the member. At this time, the pressure in the furnace of the ion plating apparatus, 5 × ¹⁰ -3 ~10 ^{- 2}
It is preferably about Torr. Further, the temperature of the member is slightly different depending on the constituent material of the member, etc.
It is preferably about 0 to 600 ° C.

After that, a bias voltage is applied to the above-mentioned member to cause vacuum arc discharge between the Ti target of the cathode and the anode to vaporize and ionize Ti, and at the same time introduce nitrogen gas as a process gas. hand,
By performing metal bombardment for a predetermined time, the coating layer 4
To form.

The bias voltage applied to the member is not particularly limited, but is preferably about -0.5 to -5V. Further, the pressure in the furnace of the ion plating apparatus at this time is preferably about 5 × 10 ⁻³ to 10 ⁻² Torr.

The film formation rate of the coating layer 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 50 μm / h, and 0.1
More preferably, it is ˜30 μm / h. When the film formation rate of the coating layer 4 is less than the lower limit value described above, it takes time to form the film, and the productivity of the endoscope 1 is reduced. On the other hand, when the film forming rate of the coating layer 4 exceeds the upper limit value, the thickness variation of the coating layer 4 tends to increase.

The thickness of the coating layer 4 formed as described above is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 8 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, and 0.5. More preferably, it is ˜4 μm. If the thickness of the coating layer 4 is less than the lower limit value described above, the effects of the present invention may not be sufficiently obtained. On the other hand, if the thickness of the coating layer 4 exceeds the upper limit value, the flexibility of the insertion portion 2 may be reduced.

As described above, in the present invention, the coating layer 4
May be any as long as it is mainly composed of TiN, but it is preferable that at least the surface thereof contains chlorine ions. As a result, the effects described above become more prominent.

The chlorine ion may be introduced by any method, but it is formed as described above,
It is preferably introduced by ion-implanting a film mainly composed of TiN. This makes it possible to easily control the ion concentration at each site of the coating layer 4. As a result, it becomes possible to easily form the coating layer 4 having particularly excellent lubricity.

Any ion source may be used for ion implantation as long as it produces chlorine ions, and examples thereof include chlorine gas and aluminum trichloride.

The acceleration energy at the time of ion implantation is
Although it varies slightly depending on the ion source etc.,
000 eV is preferable, and 50,000 to 2000
More preferably, it is 00 eV.

When the coating layer 4 contains chlorine ions, the concentration of chlorine ions on the surface of the coating layer 4 is not particularly limited, but is 2 × 10 ¹⁶ to 1 × 10 ¹⁷ [ions / c
m ² ], and preferably 5 × 10 ¹⁶ to 1 × 10 ¹⁷
[Ions / cm ² ] is more preferable.

When the chlorine ion concentration on the surface of the coating layer 4 is a value within the above range, the above-mentioned effect (especially lubricity) becomes more remarkable.

In the present embodiment, the chlorine ions are described as being introduced by ion implantation, but any method of introducing chlorine ions may be used. The chlorine ions contained in the coating layer 4 can be obtained, for example, by performing the above vapor phase film forming method in the presence of a chlorine ion source.
It may be introduced.

As described above, by disposing the lubricant 5 in the lumen, the lubricity is further improved. As a result, the bending resistance of the insertion portion 2 can be more effectively reduced, and each member can be more reliably protected from damage due to friction. Next, the lubricant 5 will be described.

Examples of the lubricant 5 include those containing molybdenum disulfide (MoS ₂ ), boron nitride (BN), graphite, carbon fluoride ((CF) _n ), fluorine resin, etc. It is preferable that at least one of boron (BN), graphite, carbon fluoride ((CF) _n ) and fluorine resin is contained. These lubricants are particularly excellent in chemical resistance.

The shape of the lubricant is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the lubricant contains powder. When the lubricant 5 contains the powder lubricant, the lubricant 5 can enter the narrow gap, which enables smoother lubrication and facilitates the handling of the lubricant 5.

The average particle size of the powder lubricant is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.01 to 20 μm, and 0.1 to 1
The thickness is more preferably about 6 μm, further preferably about 1 to 14 μm. If the average particle size exceeds the upper limit of this range,
The filling property of the lubricant 5 may be deteriorated, and sufficient lubricity may not be obtained. On the other hand, a lubricant having an average particle size below this lower limit is difficult to manufacture and also has poor handleability.

Among the powder lubricants described above, the lubricant 5 particularly preferably contains fluorocarbon. When a lubricant containing fluorocarbon is used as the lubricant 5, the following advantages are obtained.

1. The lubricant 5 containing the lubricative fluorocarbon has particularly excellent lubricity. Therefore, by using such a lubricant 5, the bending resistance can be effectively reduced and each member can be protected from damage due to friction.

2. The chemical resistant insertion portion 2 may be immersed in a chemical such as a disinfectant before and after use. Some conventional lubricants react with such chemicals, deteriorate or corrode, and cannot withstand long-term use.

On the other hand, the lubricant 5 containing fluorocarbon is excellent in chemical resistance. Therefore, the lubricant 5 is unlikely to be deteriorated or deteriorated even when contacted with such a chemical.

Therefore, the endoscope 1 having such a lubricant 5 can be used for a long period of time without deterioration even in an environment where it is routinely contacted with a chemical such as a disinfectant.

3. The water-repellent insertion part 2 is provided for advanced sterilization using a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant or the like. This hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant easily penetrates into the insertion portion 2 and is easily adsorbed by rubber or resin. Therefore, when the insertion part 2 is repeatedly subjected to such sterilization, there is a problem that the members inside the insertion part 2 gradually deteriorate.

However, the fluorocarbon-containing lubricant 5
Has excellent water repellency. For this reason, when such a lubricant 5 is used for the insertion portion 2, it becomes difficult for the hydrogen peroxide-based disinfecting liquid or the like to penetrate into the inside, and deterioration of each member can be prevented.

Therefore, such an insertion portion 2 is less likely to deteriorate even if it is repeatedly subjected to a high degree of sterilization, and can be repeatedly subjected to such sterilization.

4. Since the lubricant 5 containing the insulative fluorocarbon has electric insulation, there is no limitation on the place where it can be used in the insertion portion 2, and it can be widely used. Moreover, this can enhance the insulating property of the entire insertion portion 2.

In particular, when the lubricant 5 is used in an electronic endoscope, even if the lubricant 5 is present around the lead wire or the connection between the lead wire and the CCD, a short circuit or the like will not occur. . Moreover, it is possible to prevent electric leakage and electric shock.

Thus, the fluorocarbon-containing lubricant 5 has the above-mentioned four excellent advantages, and the synergistic effect thereof provides the excellent endoscope 1 described later.

The value of n of fluorocarbon ((CF) _n ) is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 10 to 100, and 20
About 70 to 70 is more preferable, and about 30 to 40 is further preferable. This is because if the value of n exceeds the upper limit of this range, sufficient lubricity may not be obtained, and if it is less than the lower limit, water repellency may be insufficient.

The average molecular weight of fluorocarbon is not particularly limited, but is 300 to 350 for the same reason as above.
About 0 is preferable, about 600 to 2500 is more preferable, and about 900 to 1200 is further preferable.

The lubricant 5 may contain an oily lubricant such as silicone oil or grease. As described above, when the lubricant 5 contains an oil-like lubricant, not only the lubricity is improved, but also the lubricant can be easily handled. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to protect each long member of the insertion portion 2 from an impact or the like.

In particular, when the one containing silicone oil is used as the oil-like lubricant and the powder lubricant is also used, the following effects can be obtained.

Silicone oil is excellent in wettability with the powder lubricant and is also excellent in chemical stability. Therefore, in the lubricant 5, the silicone oil covers the periphery of the powder lubricant, and effectively prevents the powder lubricant from deteriorating with time (for example, chemical change, pulverization, etc.). Therefore, the powder lubricant can maintain stable lubricity over a long period of time. As a result, the endoscope 1 has excellent durability and excellent lubricity for a long period of time.

The silicone oil is also excellent in water repellency. As described above, since the silicone oil has excellent water repellency, for example, even when the endoscope 1 is subjected to a high degree of sterilization using a hydrogen peroxide type disinfectant, the hydrogen peroxide type It is possible to effectively prevent the disinfectant solution from entering the inside of the insertion portion 2 or the like. Therefore,
For example, even when a powder lubricant having a relatively low chemical resistance is used, the powder lubricant is protected from the hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant and effectively prevented from being deteriorated or deteriorated. be able to.

As described above, since the lubricant 5 contains the silicone oil, it is possible to effectively prevent the powder lubricant having excellent lubricity from deteriorating even if high-level sterilization is repeated.

The silicone oil is also excellent in wettability with respect to the coating layer 4. Therefore, even if the bending operation of the insertion portion 2 is repeated, the lubricant 5 (silicone oil and powder lubricant) is retained on the surface of the coating layer 4. Therefore, it becomes possible to maintain particularly excellent lubricity over a long period of time.

Moreover, as described above, the silicone oil has excellent wettability with respect to the coating layer 4. Therefore, by using the lubricant 5 containing silicone oil, the assembly work (for example, the operation of covering the outer circumference of the optical fiber bundle with the protective tube) at the time of manufacturing the endoscope 1 can be easily performed. .

As described above, by combining the lubricant 5 with the powder lubricant and the silicone oil, a synergistic effect exceeding the sum of the respective effects is exhibited.

As the silicone oil, for example, straight silicone oil such as dimethyl silicone oil (polysiloxane), methylphenyl silicone oil, methyl hydrogen polysiloxane, epoxy modified silicone oil, alkyl modified silicone oil,
Amino-modified silicone oil, carboxyl-modified silicone oil, alcohol-modified silicone oil, fluorine-modified silicone oil, alkylaralkylpolyether-modified silicone oil, epoxy / polyether-modified silicone oil, polyether-modified silicone oil and other modified silicone oil, etc. , Those containing at least one of these can be used.

Of these, modified silicone oils are preferred because they have particularly excellent heat resistance and lubricity.

The silicone oil preferably has a kinematic viscosity at 25 ° C. of 100 to 500 cst,
More preferably, it is 100 to 350 cst. Since the silicone oil has a kinematic viscosity within the above range,
Particularly excellent lubricity is obtained. As a result, it is possible to more effectively prevent damage and breakage of the optical fiber bundle and the like.

Silicone oil is a heat resistance improver,
It may contain an additive such as a colorant or a metallic soap.

In addition, the lubricant 5 may contain components (materials) other than the powder lubricant and the oily lubricant.
For example, the lubricant 5 may contain various additives such as calcium carbonate and silica.

By allowing the coating layer 4 as described above and the lubricant 5 to coexist, the effect of the coating layer 4 and the lubricant 5 can be obtained.
Synergistically acts with the effect of, and a particularly excellent effect is obtained. That is, by providing the coating layer 4 and the lubricant 5 together, particularly excellent lubricity can be obtained.
The friction between the long members that occurs when the member is bent can be suppressed, and damage and breakage of the long members can be more reliably prevented.

Moreover, it is possible to obtain the insertion portion 2 having excellent chemical resistance. Therefore, the insertion portion 2 is unlikely to deteriorate even when exposed to a chemical such as a disinfectant, and is sterilized by using the chemical or the like.
It becomes possible to repeatedly use it for sterilization and the like.

Further, since the coating layer 4 has high water repellency and gas barrier property, even when sterilization or sterilization is performed with a substance such as ethylene oxide gas which easily penetrates into the inside, such substance hardly penetrates into the inside. . For this reason, the insertion portion 2 is less likely to deteriorate even if high-level sterilization using ethylene oxide gas or the like is repeatedly performed.

Further, the coating layer 4 has chemical resistance and water repellency.
Since it has a gas barrier property, it prevents the chemicals or the like from penetrating into the insertion portion 2 from the outside, and the outer skin 382 and the inner skin 38.
It becomes possible to make 1 thin. As a result, the diameter of the endoscope can be reduced.

Such effects become more remarkable by appropriately selecting the composition of the coating layer 4 and the lubricant 5.

Although the endoscope of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the portion where the coating layer 4 and the lubricant 5 are arranged is not limited to the above-mentioned portion. For example, the connecting portion flexible tube 9
And the coating layer 4, on another part such as a sliding part in the operation part 7,
A lubricant 5 can be provided. A coating layer may be formed on the inner surface of the forceps insertion tube 33, the inner surface of the air supply tube 34, the inner surface of the liquid supply tube 35, and the like. Also,
The coating layer 4 and the lubricant 5 may be limitedly arranged only in a specific part of the above-mentioned respective parts. Further, even if the conditions of the coating layer 4 (for example, the composition of the constituent material, the thickness, etc.) and the conditions of the lubricant 5 (for example, the composition of the constituent material, the particle size of the powder lubricant, etc.) are different in each part. Good.

The number of the wires 36 need not be one pair, that is, two, as described above. For example, the number of wires 36 may be one or may be three or more.

Further, the structure of each member can be replaced with any member having the same function.

For example, the above-described embodiment is an optical endoscope using an optical fiber bundle as an image guide, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a CCD (image pickup device) or the like is provided at the tip of the insertion portion. It may be a built-in electronic endoscope.

Although the above-described embodiment is an endoscope used for medical purposes, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be an endoscope used for industrial purposes.

[0156]

EXAMPLES Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.

1. Preparation of Endoscope (Example 1) An endoscope as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 was prepared using a fiber endoscope for bronchi "FB-15X type" manufactured by Asahi Optical Co., Ltd.

As the lubricant, fluorocarbon ((C
F) _n ) powder (powder lubricant) was used. This fluorocarbon had n of 30 to 40 and an average particle size of 5 to 6 μm.

The coating layer was made of TiN. The coating layer was formed by ion plating.

This ion plating was carried out as follows using an ion plating device manufactured by Nippon Vacuum Technology Co., Ltd.

First, the member to be coated with the coating layer was set in the furnace of the ion plating apparatus.

Next, the inside of the furnace of the ion plating apparatus was depressurized to heat the member. At this time, the pressure in the furnace of the ion plating apparatus was 5 × 10 ⁻³ Torr. The temperature of the member to be coated with the coating layer is 40
It was 0 ° C.

Then, a bias voltage is applied to the member to be coated with the coating layer to generate vacuum arc discharge between the Ti target of the cathode and the anode, thereby vaporizing Ti.
A coating gas was formed by introducing nitrogen gas as a process gas and performing metal bombardment for a predetermined time while ionizing.

The bias voltage applied to the member is -2.
It was V. The pressure inside the furnace of the ion plating apparatus at this time was 5 × 10 ⁻³ Torr.

The film forming rate of the coating layer was 1 μm / h. The average thickness of the coating layer thus formed was 1 μm.

(Example 2) The same procedure as in Example 2 was carried out except that 50 parts by weight of fluorocarbon ((CF) _n ) powder (powdered lubricant) was dispersed in 100 parts by weight of silicone oil. An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 1. Carbon fluoride has n of 30 to 40 and an average particle size of 5 to 6
was μm. As the silicone oil, fluorine-modified silicone oil (kinematic viscosity at 25 ° C .: 20
0 cst) was used.

Example 3 An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a TiN film formed by ion plating was subjected to chlorine ion implantation to form a coating layer.

Chlorine ion implantation was carried out as follows using an ion implantation apparatus manufactured by Nippon Vacuum Technology Co., Ltd.

First, as an ion source, the purity is 99.99%.
Of aluminum trichloride was prepared. This aluminum trichloride was vaporized in the ion implanter. This vaporized aluminum trichloride was ionized, mass-separated, and only monovalent chloride ions were selected, and this was injected into the TiN film to obtain a coating layer composed of the TiN film into which chlorine ions were injected.

The acceleration energy at this time is 10,000
0 eV, average ion beam current density is 4 μA / cm ²
Met.

On the surface of the coating layer thus formed,
Chlorine ion concentration in 1 x 10 ¹⁷[Ions / cm²]so
there were.

Example 4 The average thickness of the coating layer is 0.01
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 3 except that the thickness was changed to μm.

Example 5 The average thickness of the coating layer is 0.1 μm.
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 3 except that m was set.

Example 6 An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 3 except that the average thickness of the coating layer was 3 μm.

Example 7 An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 3 except that the average thickness of the coating layer was 8 μm.

(Embodiment 8) The same procedure as described above was carried out except that 50 parts by weight of powder of fluorocarbon ((CF) _n ) (powdered lubricant) was dispersed in 100 parts by weight of silicone oil as a lubricant. An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 3. Carbon fluoride has n of 30 to 40 and an average particle size of 5 to 6
was μm. As the silicone oil, fluorine-modified silicone oil (kinematic viscosity at 25 ° C .: 20
0 cst) was used.

Example 9 The average thickness of the coating layer is 0.01
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 8 except that the thickness was changed to μm.

(Example 10) The average thickness of the coating layer was 0.1.
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 8 except that the thickness was changed to μm.

Example 11 The average thickness of the coating layer was 3 μm.
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 8 except for the above.

Example 12 The average thickness of the coating layer is 8 μm.
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 8 except for the above.

Examples 13 to 15 Endoscopes were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 8 except that the chlorine ion concentration on the surface of the coating layer was changed as shown in Table 1.

Example 16 An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 3 except that boron nitride (BN) powder (powder lubricant) was used as the lubricant. The average particle size of this BN was 5 to 6 μm.

(Example 17) The average thickness of the coating layer was 0.1.
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 16 except that the thickness was changed to μm.

Example 18 The average thickness of the coating layer is 8 μm.
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 16 except for the above.

(Example 19) Except that 50 parts by weight of powder of boron nitride (BN) (powdered lubricant) was dispersed in 100 parts by weight of silicone oil as a lubricant,
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 3 above. The average particle size of BN was 5 to 6 μm. As the silicone oil, fluorine-modified silicone oil (kinematic viscosity at 25 ° C .: 200 cst) was used.

Example 20 The average thickness of the coating layer is 0.1.
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 19 except that the thickness was changed to μm.

Example 21 The average thickness of the coating layer is 8 μm.
An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 19 except for the above.

Example 22 An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 3 except that silicone oil was used as the lubricant. As the silicone oil, fluorine-modified silicone oil (kinematic viscosity at 25 ° C .: 200
cst) was used.

(Comparative Example 1) An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 16 except that the coating layer was not formed.

Comparative Example 2 An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1 except that molybdenum disulfide (MoS ₂ ) was used as the lubricant. The average particle size of this molybdenum disulfide was 5 μm.

Comparative Example 3 An endoscope was produced in the same manner as in Example 16 except that the coating layer was made of molybdenum disulfide (MoS ₂ ).

2. Evaluation <Evaluation of Friction Coefficient> First, the friction coefficient of the TiN film and the TiN film implanted with chlorine ions was evaluated.

As an index for evaluating the friction coefficient, JIS
The friction coefficient μ by the ball-on-disk method measured according to R 1613 was used.

The friction coefficient was measured by the ball-on-disk method under the following conditions. First, multiple SUS
Disks made of 304 were prepared, and T was formed on the upper surfaces of these disks under the same conditions as in Examples 1 to 6, respectively.
An i film or a chlorine ion-implanted TiN film (hereinafter simply referred to as “TiN film”) was formed. Sliding speed: 100 m using a disc (diameter 40 mm x thickness 5 mm) on which a TiN film is formed and a WC ball (diameter 10 mm)
The friction coefficient μ (friction coefficient μ in the initial, middle and final stages) was measured under the conditions of m / sec and load: 3N. As a ball-on-disc type friction wear tester, Center Su
"CSEM TRIBOMETER" manufactured by isse D'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA was used.

As a result, the measured values of the friction coefficient μ of the TiN film were all in the range of 0.05 to 0.4.

<Evaluation of Angle Ability> The following evaluations were carried out using the endoscopes obtained in the examples and the comparative examples.

First, the bending portion was bent by operating the bending operation lever of each endoscope. This operation is 100
Repeated 0 times. The angle strength in the 1000th bending operation was evaluated according to the following four-stage criteria. ⊚: Has the optimum angle power and is most suitable for use as an endoscope. ◯: It has an appropriate amount of angle power and is suitable for use as an endoscope. Δ: Angle power is rather large, and there is a problem in using it as an endoscope. X: The angle power is extremely large and is not suitable for use as an endoscope. Or it cannot be used as an endoscope due to damage.

Furthermore, a gas plasma sterilizer (“STERRA manufactured by Johnson & Johnson Medical Co., Ltd.
D ") was used to perform hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization on these endoscopes for about 75 minutes. After repeating this sterilization treatment 100 times, the bending portion was bent by operating the bending operation lever of each endoscope. The angle force at this time was evaluated in the same manner as described above.

The results are shown in Table 1. Table 1 also shows the conditions of the coating layer and the lubricant of each endoscope.

[0200]

[Table 1]

As is clear from Table 1, each of the endoscopes of the present invention had excellent bendability, and even after repeated sterilization treatment, excellent bendability was maintained.

On the other hand, the endoscope of Comparative Example 1 was inferior in bendability. Further, the endoscopes of Comparative Example 2 and Comparative Example 3 had excellent bendability before the sterilization treatment, but by repeating the sterilization treatment, the outer skin and the endothelium of the insertion portion were torn. Occurred.

[0203]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an endoscope which has a small bending resistance and is less likely to be damaged or broken even if it is repeatedly used.

Further, the coexistence of the coating layer and the lubricant further reduces the bending resistance. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent damage and breakage of the endoscope. Such an effect becomes more remarkable by using a lubricant containing a powder lubricant and silicone oil as the lubricant.

Further, since it also has excellent chemical resistance, it is possible to obtain an endoscope in which a high degree of sterilization can be repeated.

Further, since the coating layer has excellent chemical resistance, water repellency and gas barrier property, it is possible to thin the outer skin and inner skin which prevent chemicals and the like from penetrating into the insertion portion from the outside. Become. As a result, the diameter of the endoscope can be reduced.

Such an effect becomes more remarkable by properly selecting the lubricant, the composition of the coating layer and the like.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an embodiment of an endoscope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an insertion portion of the endoscope shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a bending portion in the insertion portion of the endoscope shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the vertical cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2 (around the center of the optical fiber bundle forming the light guide).

[Explanation of symbols]

1 endoscope 2 Insert 20 Flexible tube 21 curved part 22 Tip 23 The most advanced part 24 outer tube 31 Image Guide 311 1st protection tube 312 Second protection tube 32 Light guide 321 protective tube 33 Forceps insertion tube 34 Air supply tube 35 Liquid transfer tube 36 wires 37 Wire insertion frame 381 endothelium 382 hull 39 Objective lens 4 coating layer 5 Lubricants 6 optical fiber 7 Operation part 71 Operation unit body 72 Control cover 73 Bending control lever 8 Eyepiece 9 Flexible tube 10 connectors

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having a lumen and an elongated member disposed inside the lumen, wherein an inner surface of the lumen and / or at least a part of a surface of the elongated member is mainly formed. An endoscope comprising a coating layer made of TiN. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer contains chloride ions at least near the surface thereof. 3. The coating layer is one in which chlorine ions are ion-implanted at least near the surface thereof.
Or the endoscope according to 2. 4. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the chloride ion concentration on the surface of the coating layer is 2 × 10 ¹⁶ to 1 × 10 ¹⁷ [ions / cm ² ]. 5. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer is formed by a vapor deposition method. 6. The chemical vapor deposition method (CV)
The endoscope according to claim 5, which is one of methods selected from D), sputtering, vacuum deposition, ion plating, and ion beam mixing. 7. The average thickness of the coating layer is 0.01-8.
The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which has a thickness of μm. 8. The friction coefficient μ of the coating layer measured when a ball-on-disk method using balls made of WC as a mating material is performed under the conditions of a sliding speed of 100 mm / sec and a load of 3 N. , 0.05-0.4, The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the elongated member is movable relative to the lumen. 10. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a lubricant is provided inside the lumen. 11. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the lubricant contains a powder lubricant. 12. The powder lubricant has an average particle size of 0.0.
The endoscope according to claim 11, which has a thickness of 1 to 20 µm. 13. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the lubricant contains at least one of fluorocarbon, boron nitride, graphite, and a fluororesin. 14. The lubricant contains at least one of silicone oil and grease.
The endoscope according to any one of 0 to 13. 15. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the lubricant is provided around the member. 16. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the elongated member is a wire. 17. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the elongated member is a tube. 18. The inner member according to claim 10, wherein the elongated member is an optical fiber bundle, and the lubricant is provided on at least a part of an outer surface of the optical fiber bundle. Endoscope. 19. The elongated member is an optical fiber bundle, and the lubricant is disposed on at least a part of an outer surface of each optical fiber constituting the optical fiber bundle. The endoscope according to any one. 20. The inner member according to claim 1, wherein the elongated member is an optical fiber bundle, and the coating layer is formed on at least a part of an outer surface of the optical fiber bundle. Endoscope. 21. The elongated member is an optical fiber bundle, and the coating layer is formed on at least a part of an outer surface of each of the optical fibers constituting the optical fiber bundle. The endoscope according to any one.