JP2008100077A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope capable of keeping an initial condition of a flexible part's property for a long time even after repeated steam sterilization under pressure. <P>SOLUTION: A non-metal constituent member and metal constituent member on an insertion part are constituted when the endoscope is manufactured so that a value of a second capacity could be not less than 50% of that of a first capacity after comparing the first capacity necessary to bend a predetermined region of a flexible tube made of the non-metal and metal constituent members so as to be a predetermined circular arc shape with the second capacity necessary to bend a region of a metal tube including just an internal material made of a plurality of metals corresponding to the predetermined region of the flexible tube so as to be the predetermined circular arc shape. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope provided with a flexible soft portion in which a plurality of built-in objects are arranged.

  Conventionally, by inserting a long and thin insertion portion into a body cavity, the inside of a body cavity can be observed, and various medical treatments can be performed using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel as necessary. Endoscopes are widely used.

  Endoscopes used in the medical field are used for various treatments and treatments by inserting an insertion portion into a body cavity to observe an organ or the like or using a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool channel of an endoscope. Do. For this reason, when reusing an endoscope or treatment tool once used for another patient, it is necessary to prevent infection between patients via the endoscope or treatment tool. The mirror device had to be cleaned and disinfected.

  In recent years, autoclave sterilization (high-pressure steam sterilization) that can be used immediately after sterilization without complicated work and has low running cost is becoming the mainstream of disinfection sterilization processing of endoscope devices.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-285103 discloses an endoscope autoclave device for autoclaving an endoscope without adversely affecting the function of the endoscope.

  This high-pressure steam sterilization environment is a very severe condition for an endoscope which is a precision electronic device. Therefore, in order to realize an endoscope that is resistant to this condition, various measures such as high pressure measures, high temperature measures, and steam measures are taken compared to endoscopes that are premised on use with general disinfection and sterilization means. Has been given.

  However, by repeatedly autoclaving the endoscope, the endoscope insertion part that is inserted into the patient's body is softer than the hard part, which is a soft and flexible part that is a subtle characteristic with elasticity and elasticity. Tended to deteriorate easily.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an endoscope that retains the delicate characteristics of the initial state of the soft part for as long as possible even when the endoscope is repeatedly autoclaved with high pressure. It is aimed.

A first endoscope of the present invention includes a mantle tube formed by covering a metal tube portion with a non-metal tube portion, and a plurality of metal and non-metal built-in components arranged inside the mantle tube. A non-metallic component made up of the non-metallic tube part and the non-metallic built-in object, and a soft part made up of the metallic tube part and the metal component member made up of the metallic built-in object. An insertion portion having a flexible tube portion;
The non-metallic component member has a property of softening from the initial state as the entire non-metallic component member when the endoscope including the insertion portion has undergone a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization treatment,
The non-metallic component member and the metallic component member are predetermined portions of the flexible tube portion in a state where the flexible tube portion includes the non-metallic component member and the metallic component member at the time of manufacturing the endoscope. A first force required to bend until a predetermined arc shape is formed, and the same portion as the predetermined portion of the flexible tube portion in the metal tube portion in which only the plurality of metal built-in objects are provided. The second force amount required to bend until the predetermined circular arc shape is compared, and the value of the second force amount is configured to be 50% or more of the value of the first force amount. And

A second endoscope of the present invention includes an outer tube formed by covering a metal tube portion with a non-metallic tube portion, and a plurality of metallic and non-metallic built-in components arranged inside the outer tube. A non-metallic component made up of the non-metallic tube part and the non-metallic built-in object, and a soft part made up of the metallic tube part and the metal component member made up of the metallic built-in object. The insertion portion having the flexible tube portion and the metal built-in component constituting the metal component member are arranged in advance in the flexible tube portion at the time of manufacture, and the amount of force required to bend the flexible tube portion is adjusted. A flexible adjustment metal member for
The non-metallic component member has a property of softening from the initial state as the entire non-metallic component member when the endoscope including the insertion portion has undergone a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization treatment,
The non-metallic component member and the metallic component member are predetermined portions of the flexible tube portion in a state where the flexible tube portion includes the non-metallic component member and the metallic component member at the time of manufacturing the endoscope. A first force required to bend until a predetermined arc shape is formed, and the same portion as the predetermined portion of the flexible tube portion in the metal tube portion in which only the plurality of metal built-in objects are provided. The second force amount required to bend until the predetermined circular arc shape is compared, and the value of the second force amount is configured to be 50% or more of the value of the first force amount. And

  According to the present invention, even when an endoscope is repeatedly sterilized by high-pressure steam, it is possible to provide an endoscope that maintains the delicate characteristics of the initial state of the soft part for as long as possible.

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

  1 to 3 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an endoscope apparatus, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outer tube constituting a soft part, and FIG. It is a figure explaining the built-in thing inserted and arranged.

  2A is a view for explaining the appearance of each member constituting the outer tube, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the outer tube.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an electronic endoscope (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope) 2 provided with an imaging unit, a light source device 3 that supplies illumination light, and an imaging unit. And a video processor 4 for processing signals obtained from the image pickup means and a monitor 5 connected to the video processor 4. Reference numeral 50 denotes a sterilization storage case which stores the endoscope 2 to be described later.

  The endoscope 2 includes an elongated and flexible insertion portion 10, an operation portion 11 provided continuously with a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 10, and a flexibility extending from a side of the operation portion 11. And a universal cord 12 having

  A connector 12 a detachably attached to the light source device 3 is provided at the end of the universal cord 12. By connecting the connector 12a to the light source device 3, illumination light from a lamp (not shown) provided in the light source device 3 is transmitted through a light guide (not shown) of the endoscope 2 to irradiate an observation site. ing.

  The connecting portion between the insertion portion 10 and the operation portion is provided with an insertion portion bending prevention member 7a made of an elastic member that prevents sudden bending, and the connection portion between the operation portion 11 and the universal cord 12 is the same. Further, an operation portion folding preventing member 7b is provided, and a connector folding preventing member 7c is similarly provided at a connecting portion between the universal cord 12 and the connector 12a.

  The elongated and flexible insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 2 is rigid in order from the distal end side, for example, a distal end rigid portion 13 provided with an observation window and an illumination window (not shown) on the distal end surface, and a plurality of bending pieces. A curved portion 14 that can be connected and bent, and a flexible tube portion 15 that is a flexible soft portion having delicate flexibility and elasticity are connected to each other. The bending portion 14 is bent by appropriately operating a bending operation knob 16 provided in the operation portion 11 so that the distal end surface of the distal end rigid portion 13 provided with an observation window or the like is directed in a desired direction. It has become.

  In addition to the bending operation knob 16, the operation unit 11 performs an air supply operation and a water supply operation when a cleaning liquid or gas is ejected from an air supply / water supply nozzle (not shown) provided on the distal end surface toward the observation window. An air supply operation button 17 and a suction operation button 18 for performing a suction operation through a suction port (not shown) provided on the distal end surface, a plurality of remote switches 19,..., 19 for remotely operating the video processor 4 and an endoscope A treatment instrument insertion port 20 that communicates with a treatment instrument channel disposed in the two insertion portions is provided.

  An electrical connector portion 12b is provided on the side of the connector 12a. A signal connector 6a of a signal cord 6 connected to the video processor 4 is detachably connected to the electrical connector portion 12b. By connecting the signal connector 6a to the video processor 4, the imaging means of the endoscope 2 is controlled, and a video signal is generated from the electrical signal transmitted from the imaging means, and the endoscopic observation image is converted into the above-mentioned endoscope observation image. It is displayed on the screen of the monitor 5. The electrical connector portion 12b is provided with a vent (not shown) that communicates the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2. For this reason, a waterproof cap with a pressure regulating valve (hereinafter abbreviated as a waterproof cap) 9 a provided with a pressure regulating valve (not shown) for closing the vent is detachably attached to the electrical connector portion 12 b of the endoscope 2. It has become.

  The connector 12a has a gas supply base 12c that is detachably connected to a gas supply source (not shown) built in the light source device 3, and a water supply tank that is detachably connected to a water supply tank 8 that is a liquid supply source. A pressure base 12d and a liquid supply base 12e, a suction base 12f connected to a suction source (not shown) for performing suction from the suction port, and an injection base 12g connected to a water supply means (not shown) for water supply are provided. ing.

  Further, when a high frequency leakage current is generated in the endoscope 2 when performing a high frequency treatment or the like, an earth terminal base 12h is provided for returning the leakage current to a high frequency treatment device (not shown).

  The endoscope 2 is configured to be capable of high-pressure steam sterilization after washing when used for observation or treatment. When the endoscope 2 is high-pressure steam sterilized, the waterproof cap 9a is used. Is attached to the electrical connector portion 12b.

  When the endoscope 2 is sterilized by high-pressure steam, the endoscope 2 is stored in the sterilization storage case 50. The sterilization storage case 50 includes a tray 51, which is a case body, and a lid member 52. The tray 51 includes parts such as an insertion portion 10, an operation portion 11, a universal cord 12, and a connector 12a of the endoscope 2. A restricting member (not shown) corresponding to the shape of the endoscope is disposed so as to fit in a predetermined position. The tray 51 and the lid member 52 are formed with a plurality of vent holes for guiding high-pressure steam.

  The tray 51 is provided with a composite film having a porous structure that is resistant to a cleaning agent used for endoscope cleaning prior to high-pressure steam sterilization and allows water vapor to pass therethrough. The cleaning liquid can be stored in the tray for cleaning, and after cleaning, it can be placed in a high-pressure steam sterilizer.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the flexible tube portion 15 includes a spiral tube 15a in which a metal piece, which is a thin strip-shaped metal constituent member, is spirally wound from the innermost layer side, and a metal strand or Various built-in objects shown in FIG. 3 are inserted into a sheath tube 15d formed by laminating a mesh tube 15b braided with non-metallic strands and an outer tube 15c formed of a resin material that is a non-metal constituent member. is doing.

  The outer tube 15c is made of, for example, an ester thermoplastic elastomer, an amide thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene resin, a fluorine rubber, a silicon rubber, or the like. The universal cord 12 has substantially the same configuration as the flexible tube portion 15. Further, the spiral tube 15a may be formed by overlapping a plurality of strip-shaped metal pieces in a double or triple manner.

  The built-in object includes a built-in object that is a metallic component and a built-in object that is a non-metallic component, and the metal built-in object moves forward and backward by the operation of the bending operation knob 16 to bend the bending portion 14. A metal bending wire 21, a metal wire-covered coil 22 that covers the bending wire 21 in a loose-fitting state, a stylet 23 that is a flexible adjusting metal member to be described later, and the like. Are a water supply tube 24, an air supply tube 25, a treatment instrument channel tube 26, which is a resin tube, a signal cable 27 which is a combination of a resin outer sheath and a metal wire, and the like.

  In addition, the said metal structural member is members, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and a superelastic alloy.

Here, typical conditions for autoclaving the endoscope 2 will be described.
As typical conditions, the American Standards Association approved and the American Standard ANSI / AAMI ST37-1992 issued by the Medical Device Development Association, the pre-vacuum type sterilization process at 132 ° C for 4 minutes and the gravity type sterilization process at 132 ° C. 10 minutes.

  The temperature condition during the sterilization process of high-pressure steam sterilization varies depending on the type of the high-pressure steam sterilization apparatus and the time of the sterilization process, but is generally set in the range of about 115 ° C to 138 ° C. Some sterilizers can be set to around 142 ° C.

  About time conditions, it changes with temperature conditions of a sterilization process. Generally, it is set to about 3 to 60 minutes. Some types of sterilizers can be set to about 100 minutes.

  The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally set to about +0.2 MPa with respect to atmospheric pressure.

Next, the high-pressure steam sterilization process of an endoscope in a general pre-vacuum type will be briefly described.
First, a waterproof cap 9a is attached to the electrical connector portion 12b of the endoscope 2 that is a device to be sterilized, accommodated in the sterilization storage case 50, and placed in the sterilization chamber. By attaching the waterproof cap 9a to the electrical connector portion 12b, the pressure regulating valve is closed to close the vent. That is, the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 are hermetically sealed. Then, the sterilization chamber before the high-pressure sterilization process is brought into a reduced pressure state (pre-vacuum process).

  In addition, this pre-vacuum process is a process for infiltrating vapor | steam to the detail of the sterilization object apparatus at the time of a sterilization process, and a high pressure, high temperature steam will spread over the whole sterilization object apparatus by depressurizing the sterilization chamber. . The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this pre-vacuum process is generally set to about -0.07 to -0.09 MPa with respect to atmospheric pressure.

  However, when the pressure in the sterilization chamber decreases in the pre-vacuum process, the external pressure becomes lower than the internal pressure of the endoscope 2 and a pressure difference is generated. Then, the pressure adjustment valve of the waterproof cap 9a is opened, and the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 are in communication with each other through the vent. This prevents a large pressure difference from occurring. That is, the endoscope 2 is prevented from being damaged by the pressure difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure.

Next, sterilization is performed by sending high-pressure and high-temperature steam into the sterilization chamber (sterilization process).
In this sterilization step, the inside of the sterilization chamber is pressurized. Then, a pressure difference is generated such that the external pressure is higher than the internal pressure of the endoscope 2. For this reason, the pressure regulating valve of the waterproof cap 9a is closed to block high-pressure steam from passing through the vent and entering the endoscope.

  However, the high-pressure steam is formed of fluoro rubber, silicon rubber, or the like which is a sealing means provided in the outer tube 15c of the flexible tube 15 formed of a polymer material or a connecting portion of the exterior body of the endoscope 2. The light penetrates through the O-ring and the like and gradually enters the endoscope.

  At this time, the exterior body of the endoscope 2 is in a state in which pressure from the outside to the inside is generated by adding the pressure decompressed in the pre-vacuum process and the pressure pressurized in the sterilization process.

  Next, in order to dry the sterilization target device after sterilization, the sterilization chamber is again depressurized and dried (drying step) after the sterilization step. In this drying step, the interior of the sterilization chamber is depressurized to remove steam from the sterilization chamber and promote drying of the sterilization target device in the sterilization chamber. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this drying step is generally set to about -0.07 MPa to -0.09 MPa with respect to atmospheric pressure. In addition, the said drying process is arbitrarily performed as needed.

  In the decompression process after the sterilization process, a pressure difference is generated such that the pressure in the sterilization chamber decreases and the external pressure becomes lower than the internal pressure of the endoscope 2. When this pressure difference occurs, the pressure regulating valve of the waterproof cap 9a is opened almost simultaneously, and the inside and outside of the endoscope 2 are in communication with each other through the vent, so that a large gap is formed between the inside and outside of the endoscope. A pressure difference is prevented from occurring. When the pressure reduction process is completed and the inside of the sterilization chamber is pressurized and a pressure difference is generated such that the external pressure is higher than the internal pressure of the endoscope 2, the pressure regulating valve of the waterproof cap 9a is closed. .

  At the end of the entire high-pressure steam sterilization process, the exterior body of the endoscope 2 is in a state in which pressure from the outside toward the inside is generated by the amount reduced in the pressure reducing process. Then, by removing the waterproof cap 9a from the electrical connector portion 12b, the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 communicate with each other through the vent, and the inside of the endoscope 2 becomes atmospheric pressure. The load due to the pressure difference generated in the outer casing is eliminated.

  As described above, the inside and the outside of the flexible tube portion 15 of the endoscope 2 are exposed to high-pressure steam during the sterilization process. When the endoscope 2 having the flexible tube portion 15 is repeatedly sterilized by high-pressure steam, the characteristics of the metal constituent member are relatively unlikely to change, but the characteristics of the non-metallic constituent member, particularly a resin member, gradually deteriorate. Tend.

  That is, the flexibility and elasticity of the flexible tube portion 15 which are important when the insertion portion 10 is inserted into the patient's body are gradually softened by repeated high-pressure steam sterilization or vice versa. As a result, the insertability changes. And when it becomes hard, a curved diameter will become large and insertability will fall, and when it becomes soft, insertability will fall by buckling. Further, when the elasticity is lowered, the property of quickly returning from the bent state to the original state is lost and the insertion property is lowered.

  For this reason, in the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, each component (constituent member) constituting the outer tube 15d is configured so that the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 is not greatly changed by repeated high-pressure steam sterilization. (Also referred to as “hardness”) and the hardness relationship of each component of the built-in component.

  That is, when setting the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15, the outer tube 15 d constituting the flexible tube portion 15 and the built-in object inserted through the outer tube 15 d are respectively a metal component member and a non-metal component member. The total hardness of metal components whose characteristics are not easily changed by high-pressure steam in a predetermined range, which is one set part, is harder than the total hardness of non-metallic components whose characteristics tend to be deteriorated by high-pressure steam. It is set as follows.

  The metal constituent members of the flexible tube portion 15 include the spiral tube 15a constituting the outer tube 15d, the bending wire 21, the wire-covered coil 22, and the stylet 23, and the non-metallic constituent members include the outer tube 15d. The reticulated tube 15b, the outer tube 15c, and the built-in water supply tube 24, air supply tube 25, treatment instrument channel tube 26, and signal cable 27 are included.

  The stylet 23 is formed of a superelastic alloy and is provided for setting the flexibility (hardness) of the flexible tube portion 15 to a desired state, that is, a flexibility adjusting metal member. In addition to being able to obtain properties, it has resistance when the flexible tube portion 15 is repeatedly bent with a small curvature.

  And since the diameter dimension of this stylet 23 is about (phi) 0.5 mm-1.5 mm, it can be arrange | positioned easily in the dead space of another built-in thing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stylet 23 is arranged in the longitudinal direction along one or more spiral tubes 15a at predetermined positions so as to realize a desired flexibility.

  The stylet 23 has no function of directly acting on the patient's mucous membrane such as air supply, water supply, suction, and energization, and the main purpose is to make the soft part desired flexibility and elasticity. Therefore, the stylet 23 is provided in the soft part, but does not reach the distal end hard part 13 and does not hinder the bending performance of the bending part 14.

  The mesh tube 15b constituting the flexible tube portion 15 may be a metal or a non-metal, but even if it is a metal, the mesh tube 15b is usually in close contact with the outer tube 15c. Therefore, it is set as the nonmetallic structural member with the outer tube 15c. Further, since the signal cable 27 is usually a combination of a resin sheath and a metal wire, it is also a non-metallic component.

Here, an example of examining the ratio of the hardness of the metal constituent member and the hardness of the non-metal constituent member will be described.
First, an assembled endoscope 2 having desired flexibility is prepared, and the hardness of a predetermined portion of the flexible tube portion 15 is measured.

  Next, the hardness of the metal constituent member constituting the flexible tube portion 15 is measured. Therefore, the bending wire 21, the wire-covered coil 22, and the stylet 23 are arranged in the spiral tube 15a that is a metal hard member of the same portion constituting the flexible tube portion 15 of the endoscope 2, and the hardness in the configuration is provided. Measure. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the hardness at this time exceeds 50% of the hardness of the flexible tube portion 15.

  When the hardness exceeds 50%, the total hardness of the metal constituent members is set to be harder than the total hardness of the non-metallic constituent members in a predetermined range which is one set portion.

  In this embodiment, the amount of force required to bend the member by a predetermined amount is referred to as hardness for convenience. For example, in the flexible tube portion 15, the amount of force required to bend a set portion until it becomes an arc shape having a diameter of 20 cm, for example. This is called the hardness of the flexible tube portion 15. This 20-cm arc shape is a bending condition necessary to insert the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 2 into the cecum of the large intestine, for example, without bending.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, among the constituent elements constituting the flexible portion, the hardness due to the metal constituent member is configured to be harder than the hardness due to the non-metallic constituent member. In other words, the flexibility, which is a characteristic of the soft part, is mainly set by the hardness of the metal component whose characteristics do not easily change due to high-pressure steam, so that the characteristics of the flexible pipe part deteriorate due to repeated high-pressure steam sterilization. Can be reliably prevented.

  The configuration of the present embodiment is also effective for the configuration of the flexible tube portion 15 of the endoscope for sterilization and disinfection means other than high-pressure steam sterilization. It is possible to prevent deterioration of the characteristics of the part.

  In addition, the flexible tube portion 15 may have different hardness in advance for each part in consideration of insertability. As a common pattern, the tip part is formed softer than the hand part for improving the insertability.

  In this case, it is particularly desirable to prevent the deterioration of the insertion characteristics at the distal end as much as possible. Therefore, in the case of this configuration, the hardness of the metal constituent member is set to exceed 50% of the hardness of the flexible tube portion 15 as shown in the present embodiment at least at the tip portion thereof.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the flexible tube section according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, instead of the stylet 23, the flexible adjustment metal member is formed between the mesh tube 15b and the spiral tube 15a, for example, the first belt-like line 31 and the second wire having different length dimensions. A belt-like line 32 is provided. The band-like lines 31 and 32 are, for example, about 500 mm, 1000 mm, or more so that the thickness dimension is about 0.1 mm, the width dimension is about 1 mm, and the length dimension corresponds to the flexible tube portion 15 of the endoscope 2. Etc. are set.

  The both ends of the strips 31 and 32 are firmly fixed to the helical tube 15a or a hard part provided in the vicinity of the helical tube 15a by soldering or soldering. At this time, the fixing part 33a on the base end side of the belt-like lines 31 and 32 is made substantially the same position on the base end side of the flexible tube part 15, and the position of the fixing part 33b on the tip end side is greatly changed. As a result, the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 is harder on the proximal end side than on the distal end side, and the insertability is improved. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In this way, by arranging the strip line between the mesh tube and the spiral tube, it is possible to obtain the desired flexibility by restricting the hardness of the strip line and the bending of the spiral tube by the strip line. it can. By arranging this strip-like line, the influence of the metal component on the flexibility of the flexible tube portion is increased.

  Further, by arranging the band-like line between the spiral tube and the net-like tube, it is possible to prevent the band-like line from pressing other built-in objects when the flexible tube portion is bent.

  Furthermore, since the thickness of the belt-like wire is small, the desired flexibility can be easily obtained without increasing the outer diameter of the endoscope.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the flexible tube section according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, instead of arranging the stylet 23 and the strip-like lines 52 and 53 in the flexible tube portion 15 as the flexibility adjusting metal member, the hardness of the flexible tube portion is adjusted. The hardness varying means provided on the substrate is a flexibility adjusting metal member.

  The hardness varying means is a metal component inserted through the insertion portion 10, for example, a stainless steel hardness changing coil 41 and a hardness changing wire 42, and a traction member 43 fixed to the base end of the hardness changing wire 42. And a hardness changing ring 44 for adjusting the hardness having a cam mechanism for changing the longitudinal position of the pulling member 43.

  The tip of the hardness changing coil 41 is fixed to the hardness changing wire 42. For this reason, when the hardness changing wire 42 is not pulled by the pulling member 43 (the position of the solid line), no external force is applied to the hardness changing coil 41, so that the hardness changing coil 41 is in a soft state. Then, when the hardness changing ring 44 is rotated to move the pulling member 43 from the position of the solid line to the position of the two-dot chain line, a compressive force is gradually applied to the hardness changing coil 41 to increase the hardness against bending. It becomes harder and reaches the hardest state when it reaches the position of the two-dot chain line.

  In the present embodiment, at least the hardness of the metal component including the hardness changing wire 42 and the hardness changing coil 41 with respect to the hardness of the flexible tube portion 15 in a state where the hardness changing coil 41 is set to the maximum hardness. Is set to exceed 50% of the hardness of the flexible tube portion 15.

  As a result, for example, by repeated high-pressure steam sterilization (or other sterilization / disinfection, etc.), for example, the characteristics of the outer tube 15c are deteriorated, and the flexible tube portion 15 becomes softer than the initial state, thereby reducing the elasticity. In this case, by changing the hardness of the hardness changing coil 41, which is a metal component that is not easily deteriorated, the desired hardness and elasticity can be reproduced and used. In addition, the operator can control the hardness of the flexible tube portion 15 by rotating the hardness changing ring 44 during the examination.

  Thus, even when the characteristics of the flexible tube portion deteriorate due to the hardness varying means also serving as the flexibility adjusting member, the hardness of the hardness changing coil is changed, so that the desired hardness and elasticity can be obtained again. It is possible to reproduce the onset.

  In addition, the hardness of the flexible tube portion can be changed as appropriate, and the operation can always be performed with a desired feeling of hardness.

  Even if the user prefers the maximum hardness within a range where the hardness can be changed, at least the hardness of the flexible tube portion 15 at the maximum hardness exceeds 50% by the metal element. Therefore, the same operation and effect as described above can be obtained with respect to the deterioration of hardness and elasticity over time.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention as described above in detail, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) In an endoscope having an insertion portion with a flexible portion in which a plurality of metallic and non-metallic built-in objects are inserted and disposed inside an outer tube formed by covering a metallic tube portion with a non-metallic tube portion. ,
The flexibility of the soft part is the hardness relationship with respect to the bending of the metal constituent member and the non-metallic constituent member in at least one set part of the soft part. Endoscope configured and configured to be harder than bending.

(2) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the metal component constituting the soft part includes a stylet as a flexible adjustment metal member whose main purpose is to increase the hardness.

(3) The endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the stylet is formed of a superelastic alloy.

(4) The endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the stylet is a band-shaped member disposed in the longitudinal direction along the outer tube.

(5) The mantle tube is composed of a spiral tube constituting a metal tube portion, a mesh tube and a skin tube constituting a non-metal tube portion,
When changing the hardness of the outer tube constituting the outer tube between the distal end side and the proximal side,
An endoscope set so that the hardness of the metal member is harder than the hardness of the non-metal member at least on the distal end side.

(6) The metal constituent member constituting the soft part includes a hardness variable means for changing the hardness of the soft part against bending,
The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the hardness varying means is set to a hardest state so that the hardness of the metal constituent member constituting the flexible portion is harder than that of the non-metallic constituent member. .

1 to 3 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an endoscope apparatus. The figure explaining the mantle tube which constitutes the soft part The figure explaining the built-in thing inserted and arranged in the soft part A figure explaining other composition of a flexible tube part concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. The figure explaining another structure of the flexible tube part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Endoscope 10 ... Insertion part
15 ... Flexible tube
15a ... spiral tube 15b ... mesh tube 15c ... outer tube
15d ... Mantle tube
21 ... Bending wire
22 ... Wire-coated coil 23 ... Stylet 24 ... Water supply tube 25 ... Air supply tube 26 ... Treatment instrument channel tube 27 ... Signal cable

Claims (3)

An outer tube formed by covering a non-metallic tube portion on a metallic tube portion, and a plurality of metallic and non-metallic built-in objects arranged inside the outer tube, the non-metallic tube portion and An insertion portion having a non-metallic constituent member made of the non-metallic built-in material, a flexible tube portion that is a soft portion composed of the metallic tube portion and the metallic constituent member made of the metallic built-in material. ,
The non-metallic component member has a property of softening from the initial state as the entire non-metallic component member when the endoscope including the insertion portion has undergone a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization treatment,
The non-metallic component member and the metallic component member are predetermined portions of the flexible tube portion in a state where the flexible tube portion includes the non-metallic component member and the metallic component member at the time of manufacturing the endoscope. A first force required to bend until a predetermined arc shape is formed, and the same portion as the predetermined portion of the flexible tube portion in the metal tube portion in which only the plurality of metal built-in objects are provided. The second force amount required for bending until the predetermined arc shape is compared, and the value of the second force amount is configured to be 50% or more of the value of the first force amount. Endoscope. An outer tube formed by covering a non-metallic tube portion on a metallic tube portion, and a plurality of metallic and non-metallic built-in objects arranged inside the outer tube, the non-metallic tube portion and An insertion part having a flexible pipe part which is a soft part constituted by a non-metallic constituent member made of the non-metallic built-in object, the metallic pipe part and a metallic constituent member made of the metallic built-in object, and
A flexible adjustment metal member which is arranged in advance in the flexible tube portion during manufacture as the metal built-in component constituting the metal component member and adjusts the amount of force required to bend the flexible tube portion; ,
Comprising
The non-metallic component member has a property of softening from the initial state as the entire non-metallic component member when the endoscope including the insertion portion has undergone a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization treatment,
The non-metallic component member and the metallic component member are predetermined portions of the flexible tube portion in a state where the flexible tube portion includes the non-metallic component member and the metallic component member at the time of manufacturing the endoscope. A first force required to bend until a predetermined arc shape is formed, and the same portion as the predetermined portion of the flexible tube portion in the metal tube portion in which only the plurality of metal built-in objects are provided. The second force amount required for bending until the predetermined arc shape is compared, and the value of the second force amount is configured to be 50% or more of the value of the first force amount. Endoscope.   The first force level is an arc shape having a diameter of 20 cm by applying a bending load to a predetermined portion of the flexible tube portion in a state where the flexible tube portion includes the non-metallic component member and the metal component member. The second force is a bending load applied to the same portion of the flexible tube portion of the metal tube portion in which only the plurality of metal built-in objects are provided. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the force is required to bend until an arc shape with a diameter of 20 cm is applied.

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