JP2003235791A - Method and apparatus for manufacturing tube for endoscope and tube for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for manufacturing the tube for an endoscope, which enables the large formation of a plurality of respective channels in the insertion part of the endoscope, and apparatus therefor. <P>SOLUTION: The tube for the endoscope, which has a main lumen of which the cross-sectional shape is almost circular and two sub-lumens positioned so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral part of the main lumen formed thereto, is manufactured by an extrusion molding machine wherein the main core mold 5 and sub-core molds 6 and 7 are arranged in the extrusion passage 41 of a die 4. Each of the sub-core molds 6 and 7 is formed by providing in parallel three round rods having an almost circular cross-sectional shape, and grooves 64 and 65 and grooves 74 and 75 all of which have a V-shaped cross section are provided to the regions opposed to the main core mold 5 of the sub-core molds 6 and 7. At the time of extrusion molding, a material 9 can easily enter the vicinities of the grooves 64 and 65 and the grooves 74 and 75, and the tube can be certainly formed without damaging the partition walls for isolating the main lumen and the sub-lumens. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an endoscope tube, an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus, and an endoscope tube.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A treatment tool insertion channel for inserting and using a treatment tool such as forceps is provided inside an insertion portion (a slender portion to be inserted into a body cavity) of an endoscope, a liquid in a body cavity, and the like. A plurality of channels (passages) such as a suction channel for suctioning / exhausting, an air supply channel for supplying air into the body cavity, and a water supply channel for supplying water into the body cavity are provided. Conventionally, each of the plurality of channels is formed by a separate tube installed in the endoscope insertion portion.

However, the endoscope insertion part has a limitation (limit) in outer diameter when it is inserted into a body cavity, and the inside of the endoscope insertion part is provided with a tube forming each of the above-mentioned channels. Besides, for example, a light guide (optical fiber bundle)
Since it is necessary to install wires, electric wires, cables, etc., there is a problem that the size (width) of each channel cannot be secured sufficiently.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an endoscope tube capable of efficiently forming each of a plurality of channels by efficiently utilizing an internal space of an endoscope insertion portion, An object is to provide an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus and an endoscope tube.

[0005]

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

(1) By extruding the material,
A tube for an endoscope is manufactured in which a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one auxiliary hole located so as to cover at least a part of an outer peripheral portion of the main hole are formed along a longitudinal direction. A method of manufacturing a tube for an endoscope, wherein an extrusion molding machine for performing the extrusion molding includes a die having an extrusion passage through which a material passes, and a die formed inside the extrusion passage to form the main hole. A main cored bar and a sub-cored bar that forms the sub-hole. The sub-cored bar has at least one substantially V-shape formed along a longitudinal direction at a portion facing the main cored bar. A method for manufacturing an endoscope tube, which has a groove.

Thus, it is possible to provide a method of manufacturing an endoscope tube in which each of a plurality of channels can be formed large by efficiently utilizing the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion.

(2) The sub-core metal is formed by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross section in parallel.
The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube described in. This can reduce the manufacturing cost of the sub core metal.

(3) The method of manufacturing an endoscope tube according to (2), wherein the plurality of rod-shaped bodies include those having different outer diameters. Thereby, the main hole and the sub hole can be made larger.

(4) The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube according to any one of the above (1) to (3), wherein the cross-sectional shape of the extrusion passage is substantially circular or elliptical.

As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the endoscope tube can be made substantially circular or elliptical, and therefore,
It is possible to use the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion with higher efficiency to make the main hole and the auxiliary hole larger.

(5) The main core metal is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage, and the sub-core metal is located at a position where the eccentricity causes a large gap between the extrusion passage and the main core metal. The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube according to any one of (1) to (4) above, which is installed in Thereby, the main hole and the sub hole can be made larger.

(6) The sub-core bar comprises a plurality of rod-shaped bodies arranged in parallel with each other having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters. The plurality of rod-shaped bodies are the extrusion passage and the main core bar. The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube according to (5), wherein the tubes are arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in a direction in which the gap between and decreases. Thereby, the main hole and the sub hole can be made larger.

(7) By extruding the material,
A tube for an endoscope is manufactured in which a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one auxiliary hole located so as to cover at least a part of an outer peripheral portion of the main hole are formed along a longitudinal direction. A tube manufacturing apparatus for an endoscope, wherein a die having an extrusion passage through which a material passes is formed, a main cored bar that is installed in the extrusion passage, forms the main hole, and forms the sub-hole. A tube for an endoscope, comprising: a sub-core bar, wherein the sub-core bar has at least one groove formed in a portion facing the main core bar along a longitudinal direction. Manufacturing equipment.

Thus, it is possible to provide an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus capable of efficiently utilizing the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion to form each of the plurality of channels large.

(8) The sub-core metal is formed by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross section in parallel.
The tube manufacturing apparatus for an endoscope according to. This can reduce the manufacturing cost of the sub core metal.

(9) The endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to (8), wherein the plurality of rod-shaped bodies include those having different outer diameters. Thereby, the main hole and the sub hole can be made larger.

(10) The cross-sectional shape of the extrusion passage is
The endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to any one of (7) to (9), which is substantially circular or elliptical.

As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the endoscope tube can be made substantially circular or oval, and therefore,
It is possible to use the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion with higher efficiency to make the main hole and the auxiliary hole larger.

(11) The main core metal is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage, and the sub-core metal is located at a position where a large gap is formed between the extrusion passage and the main core metal due to the eccentricity. (7) to (10) installed in
The tube manufacturing apparatus for an endoscope according to any one of 1. Thereby, the main hole and the sub hole can be made larger.

(12) The sub-core bar comprises a plurality of rod-shaped bodies arranged in parallel with each other and having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters. The plurality of rod-shaped bodies are the extrusion passage and the main core bar. The endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to (11) above, which are arranged in the order of increasing outer diameter in a direction in which the gap between and decreases. Thereby, the main hole and the sub hole can be made larger.

(13) An endoscope tube manufactured by the method according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

As a result, it is possible to provide an endoscope tube in which each of a plurality of channels can be formed large by efficiently utilizing the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion.

(14) An internal view in which a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole located so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole are formed along the longitudinal direction. A tube for a mirror, wherein the partition wall separating the main hole and the sub hole has a portion in which the thickness locally increases in the circumferential direction of the main hole.

As a result, it is possible to provide the endoscope tube capable of preventing the auxiliary hole from being completely closed even in a curved state.

(15) An internal view in which a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one auxiliary hole located so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole are formed along the longitudinal direction. A tube for mirrors, characterized in that at least one substantially chevron-shaped ridge extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the side of the sub-hole of the partition wall that separates the main hole and the sub-hole. Endoscope tube.

As a result, it is possible to provide an endoscope tube in which each of a plurality of channels can be formed large by efficiently utilizing the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion.

(16) The tube for an endoscope according to the above (15), wherein a substantially mountain-shaped convex strip is formed on the inner wall of the sub-hole opposite to the partition wall so as to face the convex strip.

As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the auxiliary hole from being completely closed even in a curved state.

(17) The endoscope tube according to any one of (14) to (16), wherein the cross-sectional shape of the sub-hole is a shape in which a plurality of circles are arranged.

As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the auxiliary hole from being completely closed even in a curved state.

(18) The endoscope tube according to any one of (14) to (17), which has a substantially circular or elliptical outer shape in a cross section.

This makes it possible to use the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion with higher efficiency and to make the main hole and the sub hole larger.

(19) The main hole is formed eccentrically from the center of the endoscope tube, and the sub-hole is
The endoscope tube according to any one of the above (14) to (18), which is formed in a thickened portion due to the eccentricity. This makes it possible to secure a larger main hole and sub hole.

(20) The cross-sectional shape of the sub-hole has a shape in which a plurality of circles having different outer diameters are arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in the direction in which the outer peripheral portion of the main hole becomes thinner. The tube for an endoscope according to the above (19), which comprises This makes it possible to secure a larger main hole and sub hole.

(21) The endoscope tube according to any one of (13) to (20), which is composed of a material mainly containing a fluororesin. Thereby, excellent heat resistance and slidability of the treatment tool can be obtained.

[0037]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Before explaining the method for manufacturing an endoscope tube, the apparatus for manufacturing an endoscope tube, and the tube for an endoscope of the present invention, the functions and effects of the present invention will be explained in an easy-to-understand manner. First, a comparative example will be described.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the extrusion passage, the main core metal and the sub core metal of the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus (extrusion molding machine) in the comparative example, and FIG. 8 is for the endoscope shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view of an endoscope tube manufactured by the tube manufacturing apparatus.

As an effective method for efficiently utilizing the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion having a limited outer diameter (limit) and making each of a plurality of channels (passages) as large (wide) as possible, An endoscope tube (multi-lumen tube) having a plurality of holes (lumens) in the endoscope tube of the book is installed in the endoscope insertion portion, and the plurality of holes of this endoscope tube are respectively used as channels. Can be used as.

As this multi-lumen type endoscope tube, for example, one main hole 210 and two auxiliary holes 220 are provided.
When an endoscopic tube having three holes (2) and (230) is manufactured by extrusion molding, the die (base) of the extrusion molding machine that performs this extrusion molding shall be as shown in FIG. 7 simply. Can be considered. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, an extrusion passage 110 having a circular cross-sectional shape is formed inside the die 100. Inside the extrusion passage 110, a main core metal 120, a sub-core metal 130, and 140 and are installed.

The main core 120 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and is installed eccentrically from the center of the extrusion passage 110 to the lower side in FIG. The main cored bar 120 is for forming a main hole 210 used as a treatment instrument insertion channel for inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps.

The sub-cores 130 and 140 are respectively
The cross-sectional shape is a half of the crescent shape, and is installed above the main cored bar 120 in FIG. 7.
Since the two auxiliary holes 220 and 230 formed by the auxiliary cores 130 and 140 are used as an air supply channel and a water supply channel, respectively, there is no problem even if their cross-sectional shapes are not circular. Absent.

However, the die 10 as shown in FIG.
0, the main core metal 120, and the sub-core metals 130 and 140 actually perform extrusion molding, the main core metal 120 and the sub-core metal 130
Since the gap 150 between the core core 120 and the sub core metal 140 and the sub core bar 140 is narrow, no material can enter the gaps 150 and 160. Therefore, in the molded endoscope tube 200, as shown in FIG. 8, the partition wall 240 that separates the main hole 210 and the sub hole 220 or the main hole 210 and the sub hole 23.
The partition wall 250 that separates 0 is not formed and becomes defective.

If such a defect of the partition wall 240 or the partition wall 250 occurs even in a part of the entire length of the endoscope tube,
Since the air supply and the water supply are hindered, the partition walls 240 and 250 are
It must be completely formed over its entire length.

If the gaps 150 and 160 are made large (wide) so that the material can enter, the thickness of the partition walls 240 and 250 will increase, and the main holes 210 and the sub holes 2 will be increased.
The purpose of making 20 and 230 larger (wider) cannot be fully achieved.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, the above problems can be solved. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an endoscope tube, an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus, and an endoscope tube of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view showing an embodiment of an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional side view of a die of the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an endoscope tube of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a deformed state of the endoscope tube shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the sub-core metal according to the present invention. In the following description, the left side in FIGS. 1 and 2 is referred to as the “base end” and the right side is referred to as the “tip”.

First, an embodiment of the endoscope tube of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The endoscope tube 8 shown in FIG. 4 is used by being installed in an endoscope insertion portion (elongated portion to be inserted into a body cavity) (not shown) and has a main hole 81 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. And sub holes 82 and 83 positioned so as to cover a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole 81, a total of three holes (lumens).

In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the endoscope tube 8 is substantially circular. This makes it possible to use the internal space (outer diameter) of the endoscope insertion portion with higher efficiency while ensuring a large (wide) main hole 81 and sub holes 82 and 83. In the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the endoscope tube 8 is not limited, but it is preferable that it is substantially circular or elliptical.

The main hole 81 is formed at a position eccentric to the lower side in FIG. 4 from the center of the endoscope tube 8. The main hole 81 is used as a treatment instrument insertion channel through which various treatment instruments (inspection instruments) such as forceps are inserted in the endoscope to which the endoscope tube 8 is applied. The inner diameter of the main hole 81 is not particularly limited, but for example, when the outer diameter (average outer diameter) of the endoscope tube 8 is about 3.6 mm, the inner diameter of the main hole 81 is 1.8 to 2 The inner diameter of the main hole 81 is preferably about 2 to 2.8 mm when the outer diameter (average outer diameter) of the endoscope tube 8 is about 4 mm. In other words, when the outer diameter (average outer diameter) of the endoscope tube 8 is 1, the inner diameter of the main hole 81 is 0.45
It is preferably about 0.75, more preferably about 0.5 to 0.7. The main hole 81 may also be used as a suction channel for sucking and discharging the liquid and the like in the body cavity.

The sub-holes 82 and 83 are thickened by the eccentricity of the main hole 81, that is, the main hole 8 in FIG.
1 is formed on the upper side. These sub-holes 82, 8
3 are used as an air supply channel and a water supply channel for supplying air and water into the body cavity in the endoscope to which the endoscope tube 8 is applied. The auxiliary hole 82 or the auxiliary hole 83 may be used as a suction channel.

In this embodiment, the sub-holes 82 and 83 are formed as shown in FIG.
It is formed symmetrically inside. The cross-sectional shape of the sub-hole 82 located on the left side in FIG. 4 is substantially a shape in which a plurality of (three in the illustrated configuration) circles are arranged. Due to the boundary between the circles, on the side of the sub-hole 82 of the partition wall 84 that separates the main hole 81 and the sub-hole 82, ridges 841 and 842 having a substantially cross-sectional shape are formed along the longitudinal direction. Has been done. Similarly, on the inner wall on the side opposite to the partition wall 84, ridges 861 and 862 having a substantially mountain-shaped cross section are formed along the longitudinal direction.
2 are located opposite to the ridges 841 and 842, respectively.

As described above, the partition wall 84 has a portion where the thickness thereof is locally increased in the circumferential direction of the main hole 81 due to the formation of the ridges 841 and 842.

Since the sub-hole 82 is used as a fluid flow path as described above, there is no problem even if its cross-sectional shape is not circular as in the present invention. vice versa,
Since the sub-hole 82 is formed in the cross-sectional shape as described above, the space (outer diameter) in the endoscope tube 8 is efficiently used to secure a wider cross-sectional area of the sub-hole 82. be able to.

The three circles forming the shape of the auxiliary hole 82 have different outer diameters from each other, and the thickness of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole 81 (the inner peripheral surface of the main hole 81 and the endoscope tube 8). Are arranged in the order of increasing outer diameter in the direction in which the distance from the outer peripheral surface) becomes smaller. As a result, the space inside the endoscope tube 8 is utilized with higher efficiency, and the main hole 81 and the sub hole 82
Can be made larger (wider).

The sub-hole 83 is similarly formed in a shape and position symmetrical with the sub-hole 82. That is, the main hole 81 and the sub hole 8
3 are formed on the side of the sub-hole 83 of the partition wall 85 that separates them from each other, and ridges 851 and 852 each having a substantially mountain-shaped cross section are formed, and ridges 871 and 872 are formed at positions facing each other. ing.

As a constituent material of the endoscope tube 8,
It is not particularly limited, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester such as polybutylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene ( PTFE), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVD)
Fluorine-based resins such as F) and various synthetic resin materials such as polyimide can be used, and these can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, fluorine-based resins, especially those mainly containing PTFE Is preferred.
As a result, the friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surface of the main hole 81 is small, and excellent slidability of the treatment tool can be obtained. Also, excellent heat resistance can be obtained.

Such an endoscope tube 8 is manufactured by using the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.
It can be manufactured by extrusion.

Endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
Is for manufacturing the tube 8 for an endoscope by extruding the material 9, and the heating furnace 11 for firing the extrusion molding machine 2 and the molded body 10 extruded from the extrusion molding machine 2.
And an endoscope tube 8 obtained by firing the molded body 10.
And a take-up device 12 for taking in.

The extruder 2 has an extruder 3 having a cylinder 31 and a piston 32 inserted in the cylinder 31.
And a die (base) 4 installed on the tip side of the extruder 3.

The melted or softened material 9 is supplied and filled in the inner cavity of the cylinder 31 of the extruder 3, and the material 9 is transferred into the die 4 by moving the piston 32 in the distal direction. It The extruder 3 is not limited to the piston type as shown in the figure, and may be, for example, a screw type in which the material 9 is transferred by a screw that is rotationally driven.

Of the materials mentioned above as the constituent materials of the tube 8 for an endoscope, fluororesins such as PTFE do not flow even when heated and cannot be usually extruded. Extrusion can be carried out by adding an auxiliary agent (for example, an organic solvent such as naphtha) for forming a fine powder to a paste, and after forming, the auxiliary agent is volatilized and then fired. You can get the product. In this embodiment, the case of using this method will be described.

A heater 13 is installed on the outer circumference of the cylinder 31 and the die 4, and the heater 9 heats the material 9 as necessary.

Inside the die 4, there is an extrusion passage 41 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and a substantially constant inner diameter, and a tapered portion 42 formed on the base end side of the extrusion passage 41 and having the inner diameter gradually decreasing toward the tip end. And are provided. The inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 31 and the push-out passage 41 are smoothly connected via the tapered portion 42.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a main core metal (mandrel) 5 and two sub-core metals (mandrels) 6 and 7 are inserted and installed in the extrusion passage 41 of the die 4. There is. The main core metal 5 and the sub core metals 6 and 7 are supported by a support portion 14 provided at the base end portion thereof and fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the cylinder 31 (or the tapered portion 42).

As shown in FIG.
The material 9 transferred into the inside enters the extrusion passage 41 while being pressurized and accelerated through the taper portion 42, and is molded by the main core metal 5 and the auxiliary core metals 6 and 7 in the extrusion passage 41. The formed body 10 is extruded from the tip of 41.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main cored bar 5 is composed of a round bar (bar-shaped body) having a substantially circular cross section, and is eccentric from the center of the extrusion passage 41 to the lower side in FIG. It is installed in the position. The main cored bar 5 forms the main hole 81 of the endoscope tube 8.

The outer diameter of the main core metal 5 is not particularly limited,
When the inner diameter of the extrusion passage 41 is 1, 0.45-0.7
It is preferably about 5, and more preferably about 0.5 to 0.7.

The sub-cores 6 and 7 are located at positions where the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the extrusion passage 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the main core 5 is large due to the eccentricity of the main core 5, that is, in FIG. It is installed above the main core metal 5.

The sub-core bar 6 is formed by arranging a plurality of (three in the illustrated configuration) round bars (bar-shaped bodies) 61, 62 and 63 having a substantially circular cross section. The round bar 61 is a gap (distance) between the inner peripheral surface of the extrusion passage 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the main core metal 5.
The round bar 62 is located near the point where
The round bar 61 is located adjacent to the diagonally lower left side in FIG. 3, and the round bar 63 is located adjacent to the diagonally left lower side in FIG. 3 with respect to the round bar 62. With such a configuration, the sub core metal 6 has a cross-sectional shape at a portion facing the main core metal 5 due to a boundary portion between the round bars 61 and 62 and a boundary portion between the round bars 62 and 63. V-shaped grooves 64 and 65 are formed along the longitudinal direction.

In the present invention, since the grooves 64 and 65 are provided, the partition wall 84 of the endoscope tube 8 is provided.
Can be reliably formed with a relatively thin average thickness.
This is due to the following reasons. Grooves 64, 6
At the formation location of 5, the gap is relatively wide in a substantially triangular shape, so that the material 9 can easily enter the vicinity of the grooves 64 and 65. Then, the material 9 is the tapered portion 42.
While advancing in the extrusion passage 41, the materials 9 that have entered the vicinity of the grooves 64 and 65 are joined together, and these and the material 9 that has entered the portions A and B in FIG. The material 9 that has entered the gap between the gold 5 and the sub-core metal 6 continues. In this way, the partition wall 84 is reliably formed without being damaged.

In particular, when the material 9 is a paste made by adding an auxiliary agent to a fine powder of fluororesin such as PTFE as described above, its viscosity is relatively high and the method of the comparative example is used. However, it is very difficult to form the partition wall 84, but according to the present invention, the partition wall 84 can be reliably formed in this case as well.

The partition wall 84 formed in this manner has a relatively large thickness locally at the ridges 841 and 842, but can be made relatively thin at other portions, and the average thickness can be obtained. The thickness can be made relatively thin. Accordingly, in the present invention, the inner diameter of the main hole 81 and the auxiliary hole 8
The cross-sectional area of 2 can be made relatively large.

The round bars 61, 62 and 63 of the sub-core bar 6 are
The outer diameters are different from each other, and the outer diameter of the round bar 61> the round bar 62
Outer diameter> the outer diameter of the round bar 63. That is, the round bars 61, 62, and 63 are arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in the direction in which the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the extrusion passage 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the main core metal 5 decreases. This allows
The space between the inner peripheral surface of the extrusion passage 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the main core metal 5 can be utilized with higher efficiency to form the auxiliary hole 82 having a larger cross-sectional area.

The sub-core bar 7 is constructed symmetrically with the sub-core bar 6 in FIG. That is, the sub-core bar 7, like the sub-core bar 6, is formed by arranging three round bars (bar-shaped bodies) 71, 72 and 73 having a substantially circular cross section and different outer diameters. , Grooves 74 and 75.

With this sub-core bar 7, the same effect as that described for the sub-core bar 6 can be obtained. That is, the groove 74
Since the partition walls 85 are provided, it is possible to reliably form the partition wall 85 with a relatively thin average thickness, and thus the main hole 8
The inner diameter of 1 and the cross-sectional area of the auxiliary hole 83 can be formed to be relatively large.

Further, since the sub-cores 6 and 7 can be constructed by combining existing round bars and do not need to be designed and manufactured for exclusive use, they also contribute to cost reduction.

The molded body 10 molded by the die 4, the main core metal 5, the auxiliary core metals 6 and 7 and extruded from the tip of the extrusion passage 41 passes through the heating furnace 11. When the molded body 10 is heated in the heating furnace 11, the auxiliary agent is volatilized and fired to form the endoscope tube 8.

The endoscope tube 8 that exits the heating furnace 11 is
Enter the pick-up device 12. The take-up device 12 is a caterpillar type take-up device, and is used for the endoscope tube 8
With this take-up device 12, the size and shape are regulated (held), and the take-up device 12 is taken in at the constant speed in the distal direction. In the present invention, the take-up device 12 is not limited to the caterpillar type, but may be, for example, a roll type or a belt type.

In addition to the above-mentioned effects, the endoscope tube 8 as described above also exhibits the effect of being able to prevent the sub-holes 82 and 83 from being completely closed even in a curved state. To do. For example, in the state where the endoscope tube 8 is curved, the portion that is on the inside of the curve is compressed or interferes with other internal components of the endoscope insertion portion, so that as shown in FIG. It may be possible that the sub-hole 83 is deformed so as to be crushed. Even in this case, as shown in the figure, the ridges 851, 852, 871 and 872 function as columns to prevent the auxiliary hole 83 from being completely closed. Thus, in the endoscope to which the endoscope tube 8 is applied, even when the insertion portion is in the curved state,
The air supply channel and the water supply channel constituted by the sub-holes 82 and 83 have a reduced cross-sectional area, but there is no possibility of being completely blocked, and necessary air supply and water supply can be secured.

The round bars 61 and 62 which form the sub-core bar 6
And 63, and the round bars 71, 72, and 73 constituting the sub-core metal 7 do not have to be installed in contact with each other as shown in the drawing, and are installed apart from each other at an interval such that the material 9 does not enter. It may have been done.

Further, the round bars 61 and 62 forming the sub-core bar 6
And 63 and the round rods 71, 72, and 73 that form the sub-core 7 may be fixed (fixed) to each other by a method such as brazing, welding, or bonding with an adhesive. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sub-core metal 6 includes round bars 61, 62.
And 63 may be fixed to each other by a brazing material (fixing material) 66 by brazing.

In the present invention, the number of sub-holes and sub-cores is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more. For example, when the number of sub-holes is one, the round bar 61 and the round bar 71 are arranged in contact with or close to each other, and the sub-cores 6 and 7 are set as one sub-core, so that a substantially crescent-shaped sub-hole is formed. Can be formed.

The number of round bars forming the sub core is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more.

Although the endoscope tube manufacturing method, the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus, and the endoscope tube of the present invention have been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. is not.

[0086]

As described above, according to the present invention, the partition wall that separates the main hole and the sub hole can be surely formed with a relatively thin average thickness. Therefore, the main hole and the sub hole can be formed. An endoscopic tube having a large size can be obtained. When this endoscopic tube is installed in the endoscope insertion portion, the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion can be used with high efficiency, and various channels (passages) can be secured widely. Further, it is also advantageous when the diameter of the endoscope insertion portion is reduced.

Further, it is possible to obtain an endoscope tube capable of preventing the auxiliary hole from being completely closed even in a curved state.

Further, when the sub-core bar is constructed by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-section, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view showing an embodiment of an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.

2 is an enlarged sectional side view showing a die of the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the endoscope tube of the present invention.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing a deformed state of the endoscope tube shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the structure of the sub core metal according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion passage, a main core metal, and a sub core metal of an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus (extrusion molding machine) in a comparative example.

8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an endoscope tube manufactured by the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus 11 Heating furnace 12 Collection apparatus 13 Heater 14 Support part 2 Extrusion molding machine 3 Extruder 31 Cylinder 32 Piston 4 Die 41 Extrusion passage 42 Tapered part 5 Main core metal 6 Sub core metal 61, 62, 63 round bar 64, 65 groove 66 brazing filler metal 7 sub-core bar 71, 72, 73 round bar 74, 75 groove 8 endoscope tube 81 main hole 82, 83 sub-hole 84 partition wall 85 partition wall 841, 842, 851, 852 , 861, 862, 8
71, 872 Convex strip 9 Material 10 Molded body 100 Die 110 Extrusion passage 120 Main core bar 130, 140 Sub core bar 150, 160 Gap 200 Endoscope tube 210 Main hole 220, 230 Sub hole 240, 250 Partition wall

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A material is extrusion-molded so that a main hole whose cross-sectional shape is substantially circular and at least one auxiliary hole located so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole are formed in the longitudinal direction. A method of manufacturing an endoscope tube for manufacturing an endoscope tube formed along, wherein an extruder for performing the extrusion molding, a die in which an extrusion passage through which a material passes is formed, A main cored bar that forms the main hole and a sub-cored bar that forms the sub-hole is installed in the extrusion passage, and the sub-cored bar extends along a longitudinal direction at a portion facing the main cored bar. A method for manufacturing an endoscope tube, characterized in that it has at least one substantially V-shaped groove formed. 2. The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube according to claim 1, wherein the sub-core bar is formed by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular transverse cross-section. 3. The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of rod-shaped bodies include those having different outer diameters. 4. The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the extrusion passage is substantially circular or elliptical. 5. The main core metal is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage, and the sub-core metal is located at a position where a gap between the extrusion passage and the main core metal is increased due to the eccentricity. The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is installed. 6. The sub-core metal comprises a plurality of rod-shaped bodies arranged in parallel with each other and having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters. The plurality of rod-shaped bodies include the extrusion passage and the main core metal. 6. The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube according to claim 5, wherein the tubes are arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in a direction in which the gap becomes smaller. 7. A main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole positioned so as to cover at least a part of an outer peripheral portion of the main hole in a longitudinal direction by extruding a material. An endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an endoscope tube formed along with, a die having an extrusion passage through which a material passes, and a main hole installed in the extrusion passage. And a sub-core bar forming the sub-hole, wherein the sub-core bar has at least one groove formed along a longitudinal direction at a portion facing the main core bar. An endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus characterized by being a thing. 8. The endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sub-core bar is formed by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-section in parallel. 9. The endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of rod-shaped bodies include those having different outer diameters. 10. The endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the extrusion passage is substantially circular or elliptical. 11. The main core metal is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage, and the sub-core metal is provided at a position where a gap between the extrusion passage and the main core metal is increased due to the eccentricity. The tube manufacturing apparatus for an endoscope according to any one of claims 7 to 10, which is installed. 12. The sub-core bar comprises a plurality of rod-shaped bodies arranged in parallel, each having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters. The plurality of rod-shaped bodies are connected to the extrusion passage and the main core bar. The tube manufacturing apparatus for an endoscope according to claim 11, wherein the tubes are arranged in the order of increasing outer diameter in the direction in which the gap between the two becomes smaller. 13. An endoscope tube manufactured by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 14. An endoscope in which a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one auxiliary hole located so as to cover at least a part of an outer peripheral portion of the main hole are formed along a longitudinal direction. A tube for endoscopes, wherein the partition wall separating the main hole and the sub hole has a portion in which the thickness locally increases in the circumferential direction of the main hole. 15. An endoscope in which a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole located so as to cover at least a part of an outer peripheral portion of the main hole are formed along a longitudinal direction. A tube for use, wherein at least one substantially chevron-shaped ridge extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the side of the partition wall that separates the main hole and the sub hole from the side of the sub hole. Tube for endoscope. 16. The endoscope tube according to claim 15, wherein a substantially mountain-shaped convex strip is formed on the inner wall of the sub-hole opposite to the partition wall so as to face the convex strip. 17. The endoscope tube according to claim 14, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the sub-hole is substantially a shape in which a plurality of circles are arranged. 18. The endoscope tube according to claim 14, which has a substantially circular or elliptical outer shape in a cross section. 19. The main hole is formed eccentrically from the center of the endoscope tube, and the sub-hole is formed in a portion thickened by the eccentricity.
The tube for an endoscope according to any one of 1 to 18. 20. The cross-sectional shape of the sub-hole has a shape in which a plurality of circles having different outer diameters are arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in the direction in which the outer peripheral portion of the main hole becomes thinner. The endoscopic tube according to claim 19, which is not provided. 21. The endoscope tube according to any one of claims 13 to 20, which is made of a material mainly containing a fluorine-based resin.