JP2008253501A - Curved tube of endoscope, endoscope and production method for producing each joint ring of curved tube of endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a curved tube of an endoscope being mass-produced with high production efficiency retained while retaining a low friction resistance of an operation wire relative to a wire receiving section. <P>SOLUTION: Annular joint rings 72 of the curved tube 52 of the endoscope 10 are sequentially rotationally connected at two axially symmetrical hinges 76 and 78 and each has a discontinuous portion 74c or a portion joining the discontinuous portion in a circumferential part in the annular section. The joint ring has a chamfer section 106 formed by press working. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bending tube of an endoscope, an endoscope, and a manufacturing method for manufacturing each node ring of the bending tube of the endoscope.

  For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an operation wire receiving portion (hereinafter referred to as a wire receiving portion) is formed in a bent shape in each node ring of the bending tube of the endoscope. In this case, two slits are formed in the circumferential direction of the node ring, and the meat portion between the slits is formed by pressing and bending with a punch from the outside of the node ring toward the center.

And the process of forming slits uses electric discharge machining or electrolytic cutting that does not generate burrs, or laser machining, press machining, metal saws, band saws, etc. while taking into account barrel machining later. Yes.
JP-A-9-122786

  In Patent Document 1, the process of forming the slits is electric discharge machining or electrolytic cutting without burrs, but these machining speeds are extremely slow. In Patent Document 1, in addition to electrical discharge machining and electrolytic cutting, laser processing, press working, metal saw, band saw, etc. are used to remove the generated burrs by barrel polishing or the like. If removal or barrel polishing is performed, the number of processes increases. Therefore, when these means are used, the production efficiency of each node ring is remarkably lowered.

  On the other hand, if burrs are not removed, barrel polishing, etc., the ridges (edges) of slits formed by electrical discharge machining or electrolytic cutting are acute, or burrs are generated at the ridges. Therefore, when the operation wire is moved forward and backward between the ridge portion of the wire receiving portion after being pressed and bent between the slits and the operation wire, burrs or the like bite between the strands of the operation wire. As a result, the sliding resistance (friction resistance) of the operation wire tends to increase.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem. The object of the present invention is to maintain a state in which the friction resistance of the operation wire with respect to the wire receiving portion is low and to increase the manufacturing efficiency of the bending tube. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope bending tube, an endoscope, and a manufacturing method for manufacturing each node ring of the endoscope bending tube that can be mass-produced in a maintained state.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the bending tube of the endoscope according to the present invention is formed by connecting an annular node ring so as to be sequentially turnable by two axially symmetric hinges. It has a discontinuous part in one place in the circumferential direction, or a part where the discontinuous part is joined. The node ring has a chamfered portion formed by press working.
With such a chamfered portion, it is possible to keep a low frictional resistance with a member that contacts the chamfered portion of the node ring, such as an operation wire.

Further, the annular node ring has a sag portion at one end of the surface by press working, and the chamfered portion is formed at the end of the surface opposite to the plate sag direction of the sag portion. It is preferred that
For this reason, the frictional resistance between the members in contact with both sides of the end portion of the node ring can be kept low.

Further, the annular node ring includes a wire receiving portion cut and bent so that an operation wire for bending the bending tube is inserted, and the wire receiving portion is inserted with the operation wire. It is preferable that an outer edge portion of the opening portion provided in the opening portion is provided with a punching sag portion by press working, and an inner edge portion of the opening portion is provided with the chamfered portion.
For this reason, the frictional resistance between the operation wire inserted through the opening of the wire receiving portion and the wire receiving portion can be kept low.

Further, the annular node ring includes a wire receiving portion cut and bent so that an operation wire for bending the bending tube is inserted, and the wire receiving portion is inserted with the operation wire. It is preferable that the inner edge portion of the opening portion is provided with a punching-out portion by press working, and the outer edge portion of the opening portion is provided with the chamfered portion.
For this reason, the frictional resistance between the operation wire inserted through the opening of the wire receiving portion and the wire receiving portion can be kept low.

The annular node ring includes a wire receiving portion cut and bent so that a wire for bending the bending tube is inserted, and the wire receiving portion is opened so that the wire is inserted therethrough. It is preferable that a chamfered portion is provided on each of the outer edge and the inner edge of the opening.
For this reason, the frictional resistance between the operation wire inserted through the opening of the wire receiving portion and the wire receiving portion can be kept low.

Preferably, the node ring includes a base portion provided with the hinge, and an end portion of the base portion is formed with a punched portion and / or a chamfered portion by press working.
With such a sag portion or chamfered portion, it is possible to keep the frictional resistance between a member that contacts the node ring, such as an operation wire, low.

In order to solve the above problems, an endoscope according to the present invention includes an elongated insertion portion having a curved portion, and an operation portion disposed at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion. The bending portion includes a bending tube disposed rotatably with respect to each other in a state in which a plurality of node rings are aligned in the axial direction of the insertion portion, and an outer skin disposed on the outside of the bending tube. The node ring has a chamfered portion formed by press working.
With such a chamfered portion, it is possible to keep a low frictional resistance with a member that contacts the chamfered portion of the node ring, such as an operation wire.

The node ring includes a base formed in an annular shape, and a hinge that is provided integrally with the base and is rotatably connected to an adjacent node ring. It is preferable that an end portion of the surface has a sag portion, and the chamfered portion is formed at an end portion of the surface on the opposite side of the thickness direction of the sag portion.
For this reason, the frictional resistance between the members in contact with both sides of the end portion of the base portion of the node ring can be kept low. That is, it is possible to maintain a state in which the contact resistance of members such as the operation wire, the outer skin, and the optical system with respect to the end of the base portion of the node ring is low.

An operation wire for bending the bending portion is disposed between the node ring on the most distal side of the bending tube and the operation portion, and the operation wire is inserted through the node ring. A wire receiving portion that is cut and bent in such a manner that the wire receiving portion includes a sag portion by press working at an outer edge portion of the opening portion that is opened so that the operation wire is inserted. It is preferable that the chamfered portion is provided on the inner edge of the.
For this reason, the frictional resistance between the operation wire inserted through the opening of the wire receiving portion and the wire receiving portion can be kept low.

An operation wire for bending the bending portion is disposed between the node ring on the most distal end side of the bending tube and the operation portion, and the operation wire for the annular node ring is provided with the operation wire. A wire receiving portion cut and bent so as to be inserted, and the wire receiving portion includes a sag portion by press working at an inner edge portion of the opening that is opened so that the operation wire is inserted; It is preferable that the chamfered portion is provided on the outer edge of the opening.
For this reason, the frictional resistance between the operation wire inserted through the opening of the wire receiving portion and the wire receiving portion can be kept low.

An operation wire for bending the bending portion is disposed between the node ring on the most distal end side of the bending tube and the operation portion, and the operation wire for the annular node ring is provided with the operation wire. A wire receiving portion cut and bent so as to be inserted, and the wire receiving portion includes a chamfered portion on each of an outer edge and an inner edge of the opening that is opened so that the wire is inserted. It is suitable.
For this reason, the frictional resistance between the operation wire inserted through the opening of the wire receiving portion and the wire receiving portion can be kept low.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the manufacturing method for manufacturing each bending ring of the bending tube of the endoscope according to the present invention, the outer shape of the bending ring and the meat portion between the bending rings are bent from the flat plate member. A step of extracting the slit serving as the wire receiving portion from the first direction, a step of facing the edge of the flat plate member from at least a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a meat portion between the slits The step of bending a wire by press working to form a wire receiving portion, and the step of rounding the flat plate member into an annular shape so that the wire receiving portion is on the inside are provided.
By chamfering the edge of the flat plate member, for example, burr or dross can be used as the chamfered portion. For this reason, the node ring which can keep low frictional resistance between members which contact a chamfer part, such as an operation wire, for example can be provided.

Further, the step of extracting the slit that becomes the wire receiving portion by bending the outer shape of the node ring from the flat plate member in the first direction is performed between the punch for punching and the die for punching. A step of punching by pressing in a state in which the flat plate member is sandwiched, and the step of surface-striking the edge of the flat plate member from the second direction opposite to the first direction is formed by the press processing. It is preferable to include a step of pressing the burr to form a chamfered portion.
By chamfering the edge of the flat plate member from the second direction, the burr can be pressed to form a chamfered portion. For this reason, the node ring which can keep low frictional resistance between members which contact a chamfer part, such as an operation wire, for example can be provided.

Further, the step of extracting from the first direction the outer shape of the node ring and the slit that becomes the wire receiving portion by bending the outer portion of the node ring from the first member from the first direction is a step of cutting from the flat member by laser processing. And the step of chamfering the flat plate member from the second direction opposite to at least the first direction includes a step of pressing a burr formed by the laser processing to form a chamfered portion. Is preferred.
By chamfering the edge of the flat plate member from at least the second direction, the burr can be pressed to form a chamfered portion. For this reason, the node ring which can keep low frictional resistance between members which contact a chamfer part, such as an operation wire, for example can be provided.

Further, the step of chamfering the edge of the flat plate member from the second direction opposite to the first direction at least presses the burr formed by the laser processing from the first direction so that the chamfered portion is pressed. It is preferable to include a forming step.
By chamfering the edge of the flat plate member from at least the first direction, the burr can be pressed to form a chamfered portion. For this reason, the node ring which can keep low frictional resistance between members which contact a chamfering part, such as an operation wire, for example can be provided.

  According to the present invention, the bending tube and endoscope of an endoscope capable of mass-producing the bending tube while maintaining a high manufacturing efficiency while maintaining a state in which the friction resistance of the operation wire with respect to the wire receiving portion is low. And the manufacturing method which manufactures each node ring of the bending tube of an endoscope can be provided.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 10 includes an elongated insertion portion 12, an operation portion 14 provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 12, and a universal cable 16 extending from the operation portion 14. I have.

  The insertion portion 12 includes a distal end hard portion 22, a bending portion 24 provided at the proximal end portion of the distal end hard portion 22, and a serpentine tube portion 26 provided at the proximal end portion of the bending portion 24. A proximal end portion of the snake tube portion 26 is connected to the operation portion 14. Although not shown, the distal end hard portion 22 is provided with an observation optical system, an image sensor, an illumination optical system, an air / water supply nozzle, a forceps outlet, and the like.

The operation unit 14 includes an operation unit main body 14a, a grip 14b, and a switch cover 14c.
The operation unit main body 14a includes, for example, a state in which a suction control valve 32, an air / water supply valve 34, and a remote switch 36 are arranged in parallel. A part of the remote switch 36 is disposed inside the switch cover 14c. A forceps plug 48 is detachably attached to the grip 14 b on the insertion portion 12 side of the operation portion 14.

The operation unit 14 includes an angle knob 42 (first and second bending operation knobs 42UD and 42RL) and a bending fixing lever 44 (first and second engagement levers 44UD and 44RL) each formed of a hard resin material. And are attached.
The first bending operation knob 42UD is operated when the bending portion 24 of the insertion portion 12 is bent in the vertical direction. The second bending operation knob 42RL is operated when the bending portion 24 of the insertion portion 12 is bent in the left-right direction, which is a position that is 90 degrees different from the vertical direction. The first engagement lever 44UD is operated when the first bending operation knob 42UD is fixed in a desired state. That is, the first engagement lever 44UD is used when the bending portion 24 is held in a state of being bent in the vertical direction. The second engagement lever 44RL is operated when fixing the second bending operation knob 42RL in a desired state. That is, the second engagement lever 44RL is used when the bending portion 24 is held in the left-right direction.
A base end of a pair of operation wires 50 (see FIG. 2A) extending to the distal end of the bending portion 24 is connected to each of the first bending operation knob 42UD and the second bending operation knob 42RL. . The distal ends of these operation wires 50 are fixed to the distal end of a bending tube 52 described later of the bending portion 24.

  The bending portion 24 includes a bending tube 52 shown in FIG. 2A and a bending tube outer skin 54 (see FIG. 1) disposed on the outer periphery of the bending tube 52. The curved tube outer skin 54 is formed of, for example, a heat shrinkable tube that contracts when heat is applied.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (A) to 2 (C), the bending tube 52 is composed of a plurality of first node rings (the first ring) having a ring shape or a substantially cylindrical shape (hereinafter collectively referred to as an annular shape). 1 bending piece) 62 and a second node ring (second bending piece) 72 disposed between the first node rings 62. That is, the first node ring 62 and the second node ring 72 are provided in a state where a plurality of the first node rings 62 and the second node rings 72 are alternately adjacent to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the first node ring 62 includes a cylindrical base portion 64 and an ear portion extending integrally from the one end portion and the other end portion of the base portion 64 in the axial direction. Two pairs of rotation fulcrums (hinges) 66 and 68, which are also called, are provided. The pair of rotation fulcrums 66 are formed at positions of 0 degrees and 180 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of the first node ring 62 from the end face of the base 64, and the center axis of the first node ring 62 It extends substantially in parallel. The other pair of rotation fulcrums 68 are formed at positions of 90 degrees and 270 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of the first node ring 62 from the other end face of the base 64. It extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the. Each rotation fulcrum 66, 68 includes shaft portions 66a, 68a projecting radially outward.

  The second node ring 72 includes a cylindrical base portion 74 and two pairs of rotation fulcrums, also referred to as ear portions, which are integrally extended from the one end portion and the other end portion of the base portion 74 in the axial direction. (Hinges) 76, 78. The pair of rotation fulcrums 76 are formed at positions of 90 degrees and 270 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of the second node ring 72 from the end surface of the base 74, and the center axis of the second node ring 72 It extends substantially in parallel. The other pair of rotation fulcrums 78 are formed at positions of 0 degrees and 180 degrees in the circumferential direction from the other end surface of the base 74 with respect to the central axis of the second node ring 72. It extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the. Each rotation fulcrum 76, 78 is provided with holes 76a, 78a in which the shafts 66a, 68a of the first node ring 62 are fitted.

  Therefore, with the first node ring 62 in between, the shaft portion 66a of the first node ring 62 and the hole 78a of the second node ring 72 on the one end side are fitted, and the first node ring 62 is fitted. The shaft portion 68a of the ring 62 and the hole 76a of the second node ring 72 on the other end side are fitted. In other words, the second node ring 72 adjacent to the first node ring 62 can rotate. Therefore, the bending tube 52 can be bent.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that a wire receiving portion 80 into which the operation wire 50 (see FIG. 2A) is inserted is formed only in the second node ring 72. Of course, it is also preferable that a wire receiving portion 80 into which the operation wire 50 is inserted is formed in the first node ring 62.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the bending tube 52 of the bending portion 24 of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Here, in particular, a method for manufacturing the second node ring 72 will be described in detail.

  For example, a flat plate member (sheet member) such as a stainless steel material is prepared. The thickness of the flat plate member is, for example, about 0.3 mm. From this flat plate member, the outer shape shown in FIG. 3A of the second node ring 72 having a base portion 74 and two pairs of rotation fulcrums 76 and 78 by press working is changed into a second node ring forming flat plate member ( Hereinafter, it is punched as 74e). That is, the second flat plate member 74e in FIG. 3 (A) is obtained by developing the second node ring 72 shown in FIG. 2 (C) in a state before the wire receiving portion 80 is formed. At this time, the position of the second flat plate member 74e corresponding to one end and the other end of the base 74 of the second node ring 72 is as shown in FIGS. 3 (B) and 3 (C). Due to the relationship between the punching punch (first punch) 82 and the punching die (first die) 84 during the press working, a cut sag (sagging part) 86a and a burr 86b are generated. Here, a cut sag 86a occurs at the edge (end) of the first surface (one side surface) 74a of the second flat plate member 74e, which is the developed outer shape of the second node ring 72, and the second surface (others) A burr 86b is formed at the edge of the side surface 74b.

The 2nd flat plate member 74e which developed the 2nd node ring 72 is conveyed to the next process. Then, the second flat plate member 74 e is placed on a punching die (second die) 94. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, in order to form the wire receiving portion 80, a pair of slits 90 are formed with a center line C at the center in the width corresponding to the wire receiving portion 80 interposed therebetween. Punched by press working. The position of the slit 90 is at a position corresponding to the rotation fulcrums 76 and 78 of the second flat plate member 74e where the second node ring 72 is developed. At this time, the relative movement direction of the punching punch (second punch) 92 with respect to the second flat plate member 74e, which is the developed outer shape of the second node ring 72, is shown in FIGS. This is the same direction as when the second flat plate member 74e, which is the developed outer shape of the second node ring 72, is punched with the punching punch 82 shown in FIG. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4D, an edge of the first surface (one side surface) 74a of the slit 90 is formed with an extraction sag (extraction sag portion) 96a, and an edge of the second surface (other side surface) 74b. A burr 96b is generated in the portion.
In addition, when the slit 90 is punched by press working, it is also preferable to perform the punching simultaneously with punching the second flat plate member 74e which is the outer shape of the second node ring 72.

  The 2nd flat plate member 74e which developed the 2nd node ring 72 is conveyed to the next process. Then, the portion of the intermediate line C between the pair of slits 90 in the second flat plate member 74 e is placed on the surface punch (third punch) 102. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the burr 96b at the edge of the second surface 74b of the slit 90 is faced. At this time, for example, the punching punch 102 is moved from the lower side toward the punching die (third die) 104. Here, as shown in FIG. 5C, the edge of the face punching punch 102 is provided with an inclined surface portion 102a formed obliquely. Therefore, the burr 96b (see FIG. 4D) at the edge of the slit 90 is chamfered by pressing deformation (see FIG. 5C), and the chamfered portion 106 is formed.

  The 2nd flat plate member 74e which developed the 2nd node ring 72 is conveyed to the next process. As shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B), a portion corresponding to the wire receiving portion 80 between the slits 90 of the second flat plate member 74e, which is the developed outer shape of the second node ring 72, is formed. The bending punch (fourth punch) 112 on the lower side (second surface side) 112 is moved and pushed and bent with respect to the bending die (fourth die) 114.

  For this reason, as shown to FIG. 7 (A), the opening part 80a of the wire receiving part 80 is formed in the 2nd flat plate member 74e. The edges around the slit 90 on the first surface 74a side, which is the side close to the central axis of the second node ring 72, in the wire receiving portion 80 are as shown in FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B). In addition, it is a sag 96a. Further, in the second flat plate member 74e, the outer shape on the first surface 74a side, which is the side close to the central axis of the second node ring 72, and the edge of the hole 76a are also the sag 86a. And the edge by the side of the 2nd surface 74b used as the side close | similar to the base 74 of the 2nd node ring 72 among the wire receiving parts 80, Comprising: The edge by the side of the centerline C of the slit 90 in which the opening part 80a was formed is As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C, a chamfered portion 106 is formed.

  Therefore, even if the operation wire 50 is inserted into the opening 80a of the wire receiving portion 80 after the second flat plate member 74e is formed in a C-shaped or O-shaped annular shape, the operation wire 50 Since the contact surface is the sag 96a and the chamfered portion 106, the sliding resistance between the operation wire 50 and the wire receiving portion 80 is kept low. Furthermore, since the edge of the base 74 of the second node ring 72 is a sag 86a, the sliding resistance between the operation wire 50 and the second node ring 72 is kept low.

  The 2nd flat plate member 74e which developed the 2nd node ring 72 is conveyed to the next process. As shown in FIG. 8, the second flat plate member 74 e that becomes the base portion 74 of the second node ring 72 that was in the flat plate state has a C shape or an O shape with the wire receiving portion 80 protruding inward. Bend to. At this time, the first surface 74a faces inward and the second surface 74b faces outward. And it hold | maintains in the state which faced the discontinuous part (joint) 74c. In this way, the second node ring 72 is formed in which the second flat plate member 74 e serves as the base 74. Note that the discontinuous portion 74c may be welded by laser welding or the like in a butted state.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B, which shows a cross section in FIG. 9A, the edge portion indicated by reference numeral 86a of the second node ring 72 is rounded by cutting. Further, the edge portion indicated by the reference numeral 96a of the base portion 74 is rounded due to the punching. On the other hand, since the edge part shown by the code | symbol 106 on the opposite side to the edge part shown by the code | symbol 96a of the wire receiving part 80 is chamfered, the frictional resistance at the time of the operation wire 50 contacting is suppressed low.

  On the other hand, in the same manner as the second node ring 72, the first node ring 62 also has an outer shape formed from a flat plate member, and a first node ring forming flat plate member (hereinafter referred to as a first flat plate member) 62e (not shown). As punched. Then, the shaft portions 66a and 68a of the rotation fulcrums 66 and 68 shown in FIG. 2B of the first node ring 62 are formed by drawing, for example. A first flat plate member 62e (not shown) corresponding to the base portion 64 of the first node ring 62 in this state is bent into a C shape or an O shape so that the shaft portions 66a and 68 face outward, for example. And it hold | maintains in the state which faced the discontinuous part. In this way, the first node ring 62 is formed.

  Then, the second node ring 72 is arranged on both sides with the first node ring 62 formed in this manner in between, the rotation fulcrums 66 and 68 of the first node ring 62, The rotation fulcrums 76 and 78 of the second node ring 72 are sequentially connected. Then, the bending tube 52 is formed as shown in FIG.

The outer skin 54 is covered as it is to maintain the shape of the bending tube 52, or the discontinuous portions 64c or 74c are joined by laser welding, for example, and then the outer skin 54 is covered.
When joining using laser welding, it is also preferable to arrange the first node ring 62 and the second node ring 72 so that the discontinuous parts 64c and 74c are aligned, and the discontinuous parts 64c and 74c are also arranged. It is also preferable to arrange the first node ring 62 and the second node ring 72 so that they are arranged in a spiral shape. Furthermore, it is also preferable to arrange the first node ring 62 and the second node ring 72 so that the discontinuous parts 64c and the discontinuous parts 74c are arranged at random.
In this way, the bending tube 52 is formed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In order to maintain the state in which the friction resistance of the operation wire 50 with respect to the base 74 of the second node ring 72 and the wire receiving part 80 is low during the process of manufacturing the second node ring 72 having the wire receiving part 80 by press working. These steps can be put in. Such a process for maintaining the state in which the friction resistance of the operation wire 50 with respect to the base portion 74 and the wire receiving portion 80 of the second node ring 72 is low is chamfered by chamfering the burr 96b at the edge of the slit 90. This is a pressing process for forming the portion 106.

  For this reason, the second node ring 72 is mass-produced while maintaining high manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the state in which the friction resistance of the operation wire 50 with respect to the base 74 and the wire receiving unit 80 of the second node ring 72 is low. Can do.

  In this embodiment, it has been described that the bending pipe 52 is formed by sequentially connecting the first node ring 62 and the second node ring 72, but only the second node ring 72 is used. It is also preferable to form 52. In this case, the rotation fulcrum 76 of the second node ring 72 is preferably provided with a shaft portion by, for example, drawing, and the rotation fulcrum 78 is preferably provided with a hole. In addition, in order to define the circumferential direction of the second node ring 72, it is also preferable that one of the pair of rotation fulcrums 76 includes a shaft portion and the other includes a hole portion. The same applies to the other pair of rotation fulcrums 78.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and the same members as those described in the first embodiment or the members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and are described in detail. Is omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the second flat plate member 74e is formed with the first surface 74a of the base portion 74 of the second node ring 72 as the inner side and the second surface 74b as the outer side. Then, the case where the 2nd flat plate member 74f which makes the 1st surface 74a of the base 74 of the 2nd node ring 72 the outside and makes the 2nd surface 74b the inside is demonstrated.

  Here, the structure of the second node ring 72 is the same as that of the second node ring 72 described in the first embodiment. Further, the process until the second node ring 72 is formed from a flat plate member and the slit 90 is formed is the same.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the burr 96b of the second surface 74b in the longitudinal direction of the slit 90 is faced with a face punch (third punch) 116. Further, the burr 86b at the position corresponding to the end surface of the second flat plate member 74f for forming the base 74 formed by the punching punch 82 (see FIG. 3) is also simultaneously hit by the hitting punch 116. At this time, for example, the surface punch 116 is moved from the lower side of the second flat plate member 74 f toward the surface die (third die) 118. Here, as shown in FIG. 10 (C), the edge portion of the face punching punch 116 that becomes the portion that faces the burr 96b and the burr 86b of the second flat plate member 74f is an inclined portion 116a formed obliquely. It has. Therefore, the burr 96b (see FIG. 4D) at the edge of the slit 90 on the second surface 74b side is chamfered by pressing deformation, and the chamfered portion 120 is formed. The chamfered portion 120 is also formed on the burr 86b on the end surface of the second flat plate member 74f that becomes the base portion 74 by the pressure deformation by the inclined surface portion 116a.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the wire receiving portion 80 is located between the slits 90 of the second flat plate member 74f, which is the developed outer shape of the second node ring 72. The portion to be bent is pushed and bent with respect to the bending die (fourth die) 124 by the bending punch (fourth punch) 122 on the upper side (first surface 74a side).

  For this reason, as shown to FIG. 12 (A), the opening part 80a of the wire receiving part 80 is formed. The edges around the slit 90 on the second surface 74b side that is closer to the central axis of the second node ring 72 in the wire receiving portion 80 are as shown in FIGS. 12 (A) and 12 (C). Further, the chamfered portion 120 is provided. Furthermore, the edge of the second flat plate member 74 f that is close to the central axis is also the chamfered portion 120. And the edge by the side of the 1st surface 74a used as the side close | similar to the base 74 of the 2nd node ring 72 among the wire receiving parts 80, Comprising: The edge by the side of the centerline C of the slit 90 in which the opening part 80a was formed is As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a sag 96a is formed. Further, in the second flat plate member 74f, the outer shape on the first surface 74a side, which is the side close to the central axis of the second node ring 72, and the edge of the hole 76a are also sag 86a.

  Therefore, even if the operation wire 50 is inserted into the opening 80a of the wire receiving portion 80 after the second flat plate member 74f is formed in a C-shaped or O-shaped annular shape, the operation wire 50 Since the contact surface is the sag 96a and the chamfered portion 120, the sliding resistance between the operation wire 50 and the wire receiving portion 80 is kept low. Furthermore, since the edge of the base portion 74 of the second node ring 72 is the chamfered portion 120, the sliding resistance between the operation wire 50 and the second node ring 72 is kept low.

  The 2nd flat plate member 74f which developed the 2nd node ring 72 is conveyed to the next process. As shown in FIG. 13, the second flat plate member 74 f that becomes the base portion 74 of the second node ring 72 that was in the flat plate state is formed in a C shape or an O shape with the wire receiving portion 80 protruding inward. Bend to. And it hold | maintains in the state which faced the discontinuous part 74c.

  Since the subsequent manufacturing method is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained according to this embodiment.

  By buffing the end portions of the second flat plate members 74e and 74f that become the base portion 74 of the second node ring 72 and the edge portion of the slit 90, burrs 86b at the end portions of the second flat plate members 74e and 74f are formed. Further, since the burr 96b at the edge of the slit 90 can be deformed into the chamfered portion 120, the operation wire at the opening 80a of the wire receiving portion 80 can be obtained even when the second surface 74b is set inside the second node ring 72. 50 can be prevented from interfering with sliding.

  Further, when the bending portion 24 is bent, the contact when the sag 86 a at the end of the outer shape forming the base portions 64 and 74 of the node rings 62 and 72 of the bending tube 52 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer skin 54. The resistance can be kept low.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is a modification of the first and second embodiments, and the same reference numerals are used for the same members as those described in the first and second embodiments or the members having the same functions. The detailed description is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the second flat plate member 74e or the second flat plate member 74f (hereinafter, described using the second flat plate member 74e) in which the second node ring 72 is developed is formed by laser cutting. The case where it does is demonstrated.

  The flat member is irradiated with laser light for laser cutting from the light source 130. From the flat plate member, the second flat plate member shown in FIG. 4A of the second node ring 72 having the base 74, the two pairs of rotation fulcrums 76 and 78, and the slit 90 by laser cutting shown in FIG. The outer shape of 74e is cut. At this time, the position corresponding to the end surface of the second flat plate member 74e, which is the developed shape of the base 74 of the second node ring 72, is as shown in FIGS. 14, 15A, and 15B. In addition, burrs 132 and 134 caused by dross or the like are generated at the respective end portions of the first surface 74a and the second surface 74b. Further, burrs 132 and 134 caused by dross or the like are also generated at the edge of the slit 90.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 16 (A) and 16 (B), burrs 132 and 134 made of dross or the like are sandwiched by facing punches 136 and 138 facing each other, and face-cutting is performed. For this reason, chamfered portions 142 and 144 are formed at the edge of the slit 90 on the first surface 74a side and the edge of the second surface 74b side, respectively.

  Although not shown here, the end portion of the second flat plate member 74e is also preferably chamfered by chamfering.

  Since subsequent manufacturing methods are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, when both surfaces of the edge part of the base part 74 are beveled, both the 1st surface 74a and the 2nd surface 74b can be made into an annular | circular shape inside.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In order to maintain the state in which the friction resistance of the operation wire 50 with respect to the base 74 of the second node ring 72 and the wire receiving part 80 is low during the process of manufacturing the second node ring 72 having the wire receiving part 80 by laser processing. These steps can be put in. Such a process for maintaining the state in which the friction resistance of the operation wire 50 with respect to the base portion 74 and the wire receiving portion 80 of the second node ring 72 is low occurred on the end face and the edge portion of the second flat plate member 74e. This is a pressing process in which burrs 132 and 134 by dross or the like are used as chamfered portions 142 and 144.

  Therefore, according to the second flat plate member 74e formed in a cylindrical shape, the second resistance is maintained while the friction resistance of the operation wire 50 with respect to the base portion 74 and the wire receiving portion 80 of the second node ring 72 is kept low. The node ring 72 can be mass-produced while maintaining high production efficiency.

  In this embodiment, the second flat plate member 74e (74f), which is the outer shape of the second node ring 72 shown in FIG. 4A, is described as being laser-cut from the flat plate member. It is also preferable to laser-cut only the outer shape of the second node ring 72 shown in FIG. 3 (A) or only the slit 90 shown in FIG. 4 (A).

  Although several embodiments have been specifically described so far with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and all the embodiments performed without departing from the gist of the present invention are described. Including implementation.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a schematic perspective view which shows a part of bending tube of the bending part of the insertion part of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (B) shows the 1st node ring which comprises a bending tube. (C) is a schematic perspective view showing a second node ring constituting the bending tube, and (D) is a schematic view showing the inside of a broken line portion indicated by reference numeral 2D in (C). Perspective view. (A) is a schematic plan view showing a state in which the outer shape of the second node ring of the bending tube of the bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment is punched from a flat plate member by pressing. , (B) is a schematic longitudinal sectional view taken along line 3B-3B when punching the outer shape shown in (A), and (C) is a schematic showing the inside of the part indicated by reference numeral 3C in (B). Longitudinal sectional view. (A) is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a slit is further punched out from the outer shape of the second node ring of the bending tube of the bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment, (B). Is a schematic longitudinal sectional view taken along line 4B-4B when punching the slit shown in (A), (C) is 4C-4C when punching the slit shown in (A) and (B) The schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which follows a line, (D) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the inner side of the part shown by the code | symbol 4D in (B). (A) shows a chamfer by chamfering a burr after punching a slit from the outer shape of the second node ring of the bending tube of the bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment. Schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the state, (B) is a schematic longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 5B-5B when facing the burr shown in (A), (C) is in (B) The schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the inner side of the part shown with the code | symbol 5C. (A) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which forms a wire receiving part in the external shape of the 2nd node ring of the bending tube of the bending part of the insertion part of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment. B is a schematic longitudinal sectional view taken along line 6B-6B when forming the wire receiving portion shown in (A). (A) is a schematic top view showing a state where a wire receiving portion is formed on the outer shape of the second node ring of the bending tube of the bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment; ) Is a schematic plan view showing a state observed from an arrow 7B direction shown in (A), and (C) is a schematic plan view showing a state observed from an arrow 7C direction shown in (A). The schematic plan view which shows the state which bent the base part of the 2nd node ring of the bending tube of the bending part of the insertion part of the endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment in O shape or C shape. (A) is a schematic plane showing a state where the base portion of the second node ring of the bending tube of the bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment is bent in an O shape or a C shape. The figure and (B) are schematic sectional drawings which follow the 9B-9B line in (A). (A) is a state in which the outer shape of the bending tube of the bending tube of the bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the second embodiment and the burr after punching the slit are chamfered to form a chamfered portion. (B) is a schematic longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 10B-10B when chamfering the burr shown in (A), and (C) is a symbol in (B). The schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the inner side of the part shown by 10C. (A) is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which forms a wire receiving part in the external shape of the 2nd node ring of the bending tube of the bending part of the insertion part of the endoscope which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. B is a schematic longitudinal sectional view taken along line 11B-11B when forming the wire receiving portion shown in (A). (A) is a schematic top view showing a state where a wire receiving portion is formed on the outer shape of the second node ring of the bending tube of the bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the second embodiment; ) Is a schematic plan view showing a state observed from an arrow 12B direction shown in (A), and (C) is a schematic plan view showing a state observed from an arrow 12C direction shown in (A). The schematic plan view which shows the state which bent the base part of the 2nd node ring of the bending tube of the bending part of the insertion part of the endoscope which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in O shape or C shape. The outline which shows the state which cuts the external shape of the 2nd node ring of the bending tube of the bending part of the insertion part of the endoscope concerning a 3rd embodiment from a flat plate member by laser processing, and forms a slit further Sectional drawing. (A) is the state which cut | disconnected the external shape of the 2nd node ring of the bending tube of the bending part of the insertion part of the endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment from the flat member by laser processing, and also formed the slit. The schematic sectional drawing shown, (B) is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the inner side of the part shown with the code | symbol 15B in (A). (A) is the case where the outer shape of the second node ring of the bending tube of the bending portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the third embodiment is cut from a flat plate member by laser processing, and further a slit is formed. The rough sectional view which shows the state which pinches the burr | flash by the generated dross etc. and makes it a chamfer, (B) is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the inner side of the part shown with the code | symbol 16B in (A).

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Operation wire, 52 ... Curve pipe, 62 ... 1st node ring, 64 ... Base part, 66 ... Turning fulcrum, 66a ... Shaft part, 68 ... Turning fulcrum, 68a ... Shaft part, 72 ... 2nd node Ring 74, base, 74a, first surface, 74b, second surface, 74c, discontinuous portion, 76, rotating fulcrum, 76a, hole, 78, rotating fulcrum, 78a, hole, 80, wire receiver Part, 80a ... opening, 86a ... punching, 90 ... slit, 92 ... punch for punching, 96a ... punching, 106 ... chamfering part

Claims (15)

An annular node ring is formed by sequentially connecting two axially symmetrical hinges so as to be rotatable, and has a discontinuous portion at one circumferential direction of the annular portion, or has joined the discontinuous portions. In a curved tube of an endoscope having a location,
The bending tube of an endoscope, wherein the node ring has a chamfered portion formed by pressing. The annular node ring has a sag portion at the end of one surface by pressing,
The bending tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the chamfered portion is formed at an end portion of a surface on the opposite side to the plate thickness direction of the punched-out sagging portion. The annular node ring includes a wire receiving portion cut and bent so that an operation wire for bending the bending tube is inserted;
The wire receiving portion includes a punching-out portion by pressing at an outer edge portion of the opening portion that is opened so that the operation wire is inserted, and includes the chamfered portion at an inner edge portion of the opening portion. The bending tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending tube is an endoscope. The annular node ring includes a wire receiving portion cut and bent so that an operation wire for bending the bending tube is inserted;
The wire receiving portion includes a punching sag portion at an inner edge of the opening that is opened so that the operation wire is inserted, and includes the chamfered portion at an outer edge of the opening. The bending tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending tube is an endoscope. The annular node ring includes a wire receiving portion cut and bent so that a wire for bending the bending tube is inserted;
2. The internal view according to claim 1, wherein the wire receiving portion includes a chamfered portion on each of an outer edge portion and an inner edge portion of an opening portion that is opened so that the wire is inserted therethrough. Mirror curved tube. The node ring includes a base portion provided with the hinge,
2. The bending tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein an end portion of the base portion is formed with a punched portion or a chamfered portion by press working. In an endoscope comprising an elongated insertion portion having a curved portion and an operation portion disposed at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion,
The curved portion is
A plurality of node rings arranged in an axial direction of the insertion portion, and curved tubes arranged rotatably with respect to each other;
An outer skin disposed on the outside of the bending tube,
The said node ring has the chamfered part formed by press work, The endoscope characterized by the above-mentioned. The node ring includes a base portion formed in an annular shape, and a hinge that is integrally provided on the base portion and rotatably connected to an adjacent node ring,
The base has a sag portion at the end of one surface by press working,
The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein the chamfered portion is formed at an end portion of a surface opposite to the plate thickness direction of the punched-out sagging portion. Between the most distal node ring of the bending tube and the operation portion, an operation wire for bending the bending portion is disposed,
The node ring includes a wire receiving portion cut and bent so that the operation wire is inserted therethrough,
The wire receiving portion includes a punching-out portion by pressing at an outer edge portion of the opening portion that is opened so that the operation wire is inserted, and includes the chamfered portion at an inner edge portion of the opening portion. The endoscope according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the endoscope is provided. Between the most distal node ring of the bending tube and the operation portion, an operation wire for bending the bending portion is disposed,
The annular node ring includes a wire receiving portion that is cut and bent so that the operation wire is inserted;
The wire receiving portion includes a punching sag portion at an inner edge of the opening that is opened so that the operation wire is inserted, and includes the chamfered portion at an outer edge of the opening. The endoscope according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the endoscope is provided. Between the most distal node ring of the bending tube and the operation portion, an operation wire for bending the bending portion is disposed,
The annular node ring includes a wire receiving portion that is cut and bent so that the operation wire is inserted;
The internal view according to claim 7, wherein the wire receiving portion includes a chamfered portion at each of an outer edge portion and an inner edge portion of the opening portion that is opened so that the wire is inserted therethrough. mirror. A manufacturing method for manufacturing each node ring of a bending tube of an endoscope,
The step of extracting the slit that becomes the wire receiving part by bending the outer shape of the node ring from the flat plate member and the meat part therebetween from the first direction;
Chamfering the edge of the flat plate member from at least a second direction opposite to the first direction;
Bending the meat part between the slits by press working to form a wire receiving part;
And a step of rounding the flat member into an annular shape so that the wire receiving portion is on the inside. The step of extracting the outer shape of the node ring from the flat plate member and the slit serving as a wire receiving portion by bending the meat portion from the first direction is performed between the punch and the punch die. It is equipped with a process of punching out by pressing while sandwiching the members,
The step of chamfering the edge of the flat plate member from at least the second direction opposite to the first direction includes a step of forming a chamfered portion by pressing the burr formed by the pressing. The manufacturing method according to claim 12. The outer shape of the node ring from the flat plate member, and the step of extracting the slit serving as the wire receiving portion by bending the meat portion from the first direction includes a step of cutting from the flat plate member by laser processing,
The step of chamfering the flat plate member from the second direction at least opposite to the first direction includes a step of pressing a burr formed by the laser processing to form a chamfered portion. The manufacturing method according to claim 12.   The step of chamfering the flat plate member from the second direction at least opposite to the first direction comprises a step of pressing a burr formed by the laser processing from the first direction to form a chamfered portion. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein:

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