JP2010029556A - Outer skin fixing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an outer skin fixing method capable of fixing an outer skin to a member disposed in its inside with adhesive without impairing the insertion property of a flexible tube of an insertion section. <P>SOLUTION: This outer skin fixing method includes steps for: disposing a hard section 5 to the interior of the outer skin 42 so as to store the end of the outer skin 42 inside a recessed section 51; binding the end of the outer skin 42 in the interior of the recessed section 51 from its peripheral face side with a binding thread 9; filling the interior of the recessed section 51 with adhesive to cover the binding thread 9; installing a tubular molding member 11 having a demolding property with respect to the adhesive 10 and elasticity to cover the recessed section 51 and molding the outer surface of the adhesive 10; hardening and solidifying the adhesive 10, with the outer surface of the adhesive 10 molded by the molding member; and removing the molding member 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for fixing the outer skin of a flexible tube at an insertion portion of an endoscope.

In recent years, endoscopes are used for examination and diagnosis in the medical field.
In endoscopy, it is necessary to insert the insertion tube flexible tube of an endoscope to a deep part of a body cavity such as the stomach, duodenum, small intestine or large intestine.

  The insertion portion flexible tube has a long flexible tube portion and a bending portion that is connected to the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion and can be bent. The insertion portion flexible tube rotates and bends. By bending the part, all directions in the body cavity can be observed.

  Such a bending portion of the insertion portion flexible tube usually has a tubular core material and an outer skin coated on the outer periphery thereof. The end portion of the outer skin is bound with a thread from the outside and fixed to the core, and the thread is covered with an adhesive (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Thereby, the liquid tightness of the insertion portion flexible tube is enhanced, and liquid such as body fluid is prevented from entering the endoscope.

  However, conventionally, since the applied adhesive is cured or solidified as it is, irregularities are formed on the outer surface of the adhesive after curing or solidification. Therefore, the insertion portion flexible tube to be obtained loses insertability and is painful for the subject.

  Moreover, since uneven thickness of the adhesive is likely to occur, there is a problem that the thin portion of the adhesive is easily damaged or dropped off. It is conceivable to cover the adhesive with a ring or tube in order to prevent the adhesive from being damaged or dropped off, but the outer diameter becomes thick and the insertion property of the insertion portion flexible tube is impaired.

JP-A-6-319677

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a skin fixing method that can fix an outer skin to a member disposed on the inner side thereof with an adhesive without impairing the insertability of an insertion tube flexible tube of an endoscope. There is.

Such an object is achieved by the present inventions (1) to (7) below.
(1) A skin fixing method for fixing an end portion of the outer skin to the member in the vicinity of a recess formed along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the member disposed inside the outer skin,
Disposing the member inside the outer skin so as to fit the end of the outer skin in the recess, and
The step of binding the end of the outer skin with the binding thread from the outer peripheral surface side in the recess,
Filling the recess with an adhesive so as to cover the binding thread;
A step of forming a tubular molding member having releasability and elasticity with respect to the adhesive so as to cover the recess, and molding an outer surface of the adhesive;
Curing or solidifying the adhesive in a state where the outer surface of the adhesive is molded with the molded member;
And a method for removing the molded member.

  Thus, the outer skin can be fixed to the member disposed on the inside by the adhesive without impairing the insertability.

  (2) A hole and / or groove for allowing excess adhesive to escape is formed in the molded member, and in the step of molding the outer peripheral surface of the adhesive with the molded member, the excess adhesive is removed from the hole and The skin fixing method according to (1), wherein the adhesive is molded on the inner peripheral surface of the molded member while escaping from the groove.

  Thereby, even if it does not strictly control the supply amount (filling amount) of the adhesive, the cured or solidified adhesive can be easily made into a desired volume and shape.

  (3) The skin fixing method according to (2), further including a step of removing a portion where the excess adhesive is cured or solidified after the step of removing the molded member.

  Thereby, even if it does not strictly control the supply amount (filling amount) of the adhesive, the cured or solidified adhesive can be easily made into a desired volume and shape.

  (4) The member has a space for releasing the excess adhesive, and in the step of forming the outer peripheral surface of the adhesive with the molded member, the excess adhesive is removed from the hole and / or the groove. The skin fixing method according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the adhesive is molded on the inner peripheral surface of the molded member while escaping from the process.

  Thereby, even if it does not strictly control the supply amount (filling amount) of the adhesive, the cured or solidified adhesive can be easily made into a desired volume and shape.

  (5) In the step of forming the outer surface of the adhesive with the molded member, the adhesive is brought on the adhesive in a state where the diameter of the molded member is expanded, and then the adhesive is obtained by contracting the molded member. The outer skin fixing method in any one of said (1) thru | or (4) which shape | molds the outer surface of this by the said shaping | molding member.

  Thereby, a shaping | molding member can be installed in a desired position, without the adhesive agent before hardening or solidification protruding from the inside of a recessed part.

  (6) The outer skin fixing method according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the molded member is configured with silicone rubber as a main material.

  Silicone rubber has elasticity and releasability from general adhesives. Therefore, by using such a molded member, the outer surface of the adhesive can be molded easily and reliably. Further, the molded member can be easily removed from the outer periphery of the insertion portion flexible tube.

  (7) The skin fixing method according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the adhesive is configured using a curable resin as a main material.

  The curable resin is easy to control the timing of curing or solidification. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adhesive from being unintentionally cured or solidified between the step of filling the concave portion with the adhesive and the step of forming the outer surface of the adhesive with the molded member.

  According to this invention, since the outer surface of an adhesive agent is shape | molded, generation | occurrence | production of the unevenness | corrugation of the outer surface of an adhesive agent can be prevented. In addition, since the adhesive is covered with the molded member before the adhesive is cured or solidified, the occurrence of uneven thickness or sagging of the adhesive is prevented, and the outer surface of the adhesive after being cured or solidified has a desired shape. can do. Furthermore, since the adhesive is filled in the recess, the adhesive can be prevented from protruding to the outer surface of the insertion portion flexible tube. Therefore, the outer skin can be fixed to the member disposed on the inside by the adhesive without impairing the insertability.

  Hereinafter, the skin fixing method of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

<Endoscope>
First, prior to the description of the skin fixing method of the present invention, an endoscope including an insertion portion flexible tube to which the skin fixing method is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of an endoscope provided with an insertion portion flexible tube using the outer skin fixing method according to the present invention. Hereinafter, in FIG. 1, the upper side is described as “base end” and the lower side is described as “tip”.

  An endoscope 1 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a long insertion portion flexible tube 2 having flexibility (softness) and a proximal end portion of the insertion portion flexible tube 2, and is held by an operator. An operation unit 6 for operating the endoscope 1 as a whole, a connection unit flexible tube 7 connected to the operation unit 6, and a light source insertion unit 8 connected to the distal end of the connection unit flexible tube 7 ing.

  The insertion portion flexible tube 2 is used by being inserted into a lumen (body cavity) of a living body, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion flexible tube 2 includes a flexible tube portion 3 from the proximal (base end) side, a bending portion 4 provided at the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 3 and capable of bending operation, And a rigid portion 5 connected to the distal end portion of the bending portion 4.

  Each of the flexible tube portion 3 and the bending portion 4 is provided with a space in which a built-in material (not shown) such as an optical fiber, an image signal cable, or tubes (not shown) can be placed and inserted. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible tube portion 3 includes a core material 31, an outer skin 32 that covers the outer periphery of the core material 31, and a connection tube 33 provided at the tip of the core material 31. Yes.

  The core material 31 includes a spiral tube 311 and a mesh tube (braided body) 312 that covers the outer periphery of the spiral tube 311, and is formed as a long tube-like object as a whole.

  The spiral tube 311 is formed by winding a strip-shaped material spirally with a uniform diameter with a gap 313 therebetween. For example, stainless steel or copper alloy is preferably used as the material constituting the belt-like material.

  The mesh tube 312 is formed by braiding a plurality of metal or non-metallic thin wires. As a material constituting the fine wire, for example, stainless steel, copper alloy and the like are preferably used. Further, at least one of the fine wires forming the mesh tube 312 may be coated with a synthetic resin (not shown).

  An outer skin 32 is coated on the outer peripheral surface of the core material 31. The outer skin 32 is composed mainly of a resin material.

  The resin material is not particularly limited as long as it has flexibility (flexibility), and examples thereof include polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). Polyolefin, cyclic polyolefin, modified polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polycarbonate, poly- (4-methylpentene-1), ionomer, acrylic resin, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile Butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol co Polyester such as coalescence (EVOH), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycyclohexane terephthalate (PCT), polyether, polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide, Polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene oxide, modified polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, aromatic polyester (liquid crystal polymer), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, other fluorine resins, styrene, Polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans polyisoprene, Examples include various types of thermoplastic elastomers such as silicon rubber and chlorinated polyethylene, and copolymers, blends, polymer alloys, etc. mainly composed of these, and use one or more of these in combination. Can do.

  The average thicknesses of the outer skin 32 and the outer skin 42 to be described later can protect the built-in objects disposed in the flexible tube portion 3 and the bending portion 4, respectively. Although it will not specifically limit if it does not prevent flexibility and curvature, It is preferable that it is about 100-3000 micrometers, and it is more preferable that it is about 200-1000 micrometers.

A connecting tube 33 is fixed to the tip of the core material 31.
The connection pipe 33 is a member whose distal end portion is disposed inside a base end portion (one end portion) of an outer skin 42 described later and to which the outer skin 42 is fixed. Such a connecting pipe 33 has a cylindrical shape, and a base end portion thereof is sandwiched (intervened) between the outer peripheral surface of the core 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer skin 32 described above. More specifically, the inner peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the connection pipe 33 is bonded and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the core member 31 described above. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end portion of the connection pipe 33 is covered with the outer skin 32 described above.

  On the other hand, the distal end portion of the connecting pipe 33 protrudes from the distal ends of the core material 31 and the outer skin 32, and a concave portion (groove) 331 is formed along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion. Inside, a base end portion of an outer skin 42 described later is fixed by a binding thread 9 and an adhesive 10. In addition, the fixing method of the base end part of the outer skin 42 to the connection pipe 33 by the binding thread 9 and the adhesive 10 is a fixing method of the distal end part of the outer skin 42 to the hard part 5 by the binding thread 9 and the adhesive 10 described later. Since it is the same, the description is omitted.

  The constituent material of the connecting pipe 33 is not particularly limited, and for example, a resin material, a metal material, a ceramic material, or the like can be used. In particular, it is preferable to use a metal material.

  Although it does not specifically limit as this metal material, For example, stainless steel, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, titanium, or a titanium alloy etc. are mentioned.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a scale 22 indicating the insertion depth into the body cavity is attached to the outer surface of the flexible tube portion 3. As a result, when the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is inserted into the body cavity, the tip of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 can be reliably guided to a desired position by operating while observing the scale 22. it can.

The bending portion 4 is connected to the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 3.
As shown in FIG. 2, the bending portion 4 includes a core material 41 and an outer skin 42 that covers the outer periphery of the core material 41.

  The core member 41 includes a node ring assembly 411 and a mesh tube 412 that covers the outer periphery of the node ring assembly 411, and is formed as a long tube-like object as a whole.

  The node ring assembly 411 is configured by arranging a plurality of node rings 411a having a substantially circular cross section in parallel along the center line A (axis). In these node rings 411a, adjacent node rings 411a are connected to each other by rivets (not shown) and can be tilted to each other. As a material constituting the node ring 411a, for example, stainless steel, copper alloy, or the like is preferably used.

  The node rings 411a are provided with wire guides (not shown) for each predetermined number of node rings 411a. The wire guide is inserted into a bending operation wire that is connected to a rigid portion 5 to be described later and continuously disposed in the bending portion 4 and the flexible tube portion 3. For example, the bending operation wires are provided in two pairs as a pair. By pulling or releasing each bending operation wire, the bending portion 4 is operated to bend in an arbitrary direction with the inclination of the node ring 411a. The

  At this time, the bending operation wire is supported by the wire guide so as to be able to advance and retract in the distal direction and the proximal direction.

  The outer periphery of the node ring assembly 411 is covered with a mesh tube 412 having the same configuration as the mesh tube 312.

  The base end portion of the core material 41 is connected to the distal end portion of the core material 31 included in the flexible tube portion 3 via the connection tube 33.

An outer skin 42 is coated on the outer peripheral surface of the core material 41.
Both end portions of the outer skin 42 protrude from both ends of the core member 41 and respectively cover the base end portion of the hard portion 5 and the distal end portion of the connecting pipe 33 which will be described later. In other words, the proximal end portion of the rigid portion 5 and the distal end portion of the connection pipe 33 are inserted (disposed) inside the both end portions of the outer skin 42, respectively.

  The distal end portion of the outer skin 42 of the bending portion 4 is fixed to the rigid portion 5 (a member disposed inside the outer skin), and the proximal end portion of the outer skin 42 of the bending portion 4 is fixed to the connecting tube 33. Yes.

  The outer skin 42 is composed of a rubber material as a main material. Thereby, when the binding thread described below binds the outer skin 42, the binding thread can bite into the outer skin 42, and the outer skin 42 can be more firmly fixed to the rigid portion 5 and the connecting pipe 33.

  The rubber material is not particularly limited. For example, butadiene rubber such as natural rubber (NR), isoprene rubber (IR), butadiene rubber (BR, 1,2-BR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene, and the like. Diene special rubber such as rubber (CR), butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), butyl rubber (IIR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM, EPDM), acrylic rubber (ACM, ANM), halogenated butyl rubber (X-IIR) ) Olefin rubber, urethane rubber (AU, EU), etc., hydrin rubber (CO, ECO, GCO, EGCO) ether rubber, polysulfide rubber (T), etc., polysulfide rubber, silicone rubber (Q), fluoro rubber (FKM, FZ), chlorinated polyethylene (CM), etc. It is, can be used singly or in combination of two or more of them.

  A rigid portion 5 is connected to the distal end portion of the curved portion 4. The rigid part 5 is composed of a cylindrical block body.

  An imaging device (CCD) (not shown) that captures a subject image at an observation site is provided inside the rigid portion 5, and the imaging device is provided in the insertion portion flexible tube 2, the operation portion 6, and the connection portion. An image signal cable (not shown) continuously disposed in the flexible tube 7 is connected to an image signal connector 82 provided in the light source insertion portion 8.

Further, the distal end of the bending operation wire is fixed to the rigid portion 5.
The rigid portion 5 is a member whose base end portion is disposed inside the distal end portion (the other end portion) of the outer skin 42 described above and to which the outer skin 42 is fixed. A concave portion (groove) 51 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rigid portion 5 along the circumferential direction. In the groove 51, the tip portion of the outer skin 42 described above is the binding thread 9 and the adhesive 10. It is fixed by.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the rigid portion 5 is inserted into the distal end portion of the outer skin 42 from the proximal end side, and the distal end portion of the outer skin 42 is accommodated in the recess 51. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the outer skin 42 on the proximal end portion 52 with respect to the concave portion 51 of the rigid portion 5 is equal to the outer diameter of the distal end portion with respect to the concave portion 51 of the rigid portion 5. The outer diameter of the proximal end portion 52 is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end portion 53.

The front end portion of the outer skin 42 in the recess 51 is bound by the binding thread 9 from the outer peripheral surface side.
The recessed portion 51 is filled with the cured or solidified adhesive 10 so as to cover the binding thread 9.

  The outer peripheral surface of the adhesive 10 is smoothed by using an outer skin fixing method described later. Further, the outer diameter of the adhesive 10 is equal to the outer diameter of the outer skin 42 on the portion 52 of the hard portion 5 and the outer diameter of the portion 53 of the hard portion 5. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the adhesive 10, the outer peripheral surface of the outer skin 42 on the portion 52 of the hard portion 5, and the outer peripheral surface of the portion 53 of the hard portion 5 form a smooth surface (being flush with each other). ) The binding thread 9 and the adhesive 10 will be described in detail in the description of the method for fixing the outer shell of the insertion portion flexible tube described later.

  Although it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the hard part 5, For example, stainless steel, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, titanium, or a titanium alloy etc. are mentioned.

  Further, a light source connector 81 is provided along with an image signal connector 82 at the distal end of the light source insertion portion 8, and the light source connector 81 and the image signal connector 82 are connected to a connection portion of a light source processor device (not shown). The light source insertion unit 8 is connected to the light source processor device. A monitor device (not shown) is connected to the light source processor device via a cable.

  The light emitted from the light source processor device is continuously arranged in the light source connector 81, the light source insertion portion 8, the connection portion flexible tube 7, the operation portion 6 and the insertion portion flexible tube 2. The light passes through a light guide (not shown), and the observation site is irradiated from the tip of the rigid portion 5 to illuminate. Such a light guide is configured by bundling a plurality of optical fibers made of, for example, quartz, multicomponent glass, plastic, or the like.

  The reflected light (subject image) from the observation site illuminated by the illumination light is imaged by the image sensor. The image sensor outputs an image signal corresponding to the captured subject image. This image signal is transmitted to the light source insertion unit 8 via the image signal cable.

  Then, predetermined processing (for example, signal processing, image processing, etc.) is performed in the light source insertion unit 8 and the light source processor device, and then input to the monitor device. In the monitor device, an image (electronic image) captured by the image sensor, that is, an endoscope monitor image of a moving image is displayed.

  Further, the operation unit 6 is provided with a first operation knob 61, a second operation knob 62, a first lock lever 63, and a second lock lever 64 on the upper surface in FIG. . When the operation knobs 61 and 62 are rotated, a bending operation wire (not shown) disposed in the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is pulled, and the bending portion 4 is bent in four directions. You can change the direction.

  Further, when the lock levers 63 and 64 are rotated counterclockwise, the bending state (the bending state in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction) of the bending portion 4 can be fixed (held), respectively. When the rotation operation is performed, the bending portion 4 fixed in the bent state can be released.

  Further, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of control buttons 65, suction buttons 66, and air / liquid feeding buttons 67 are provided on the side surface (circumferential surface) in FIG.

  With the endoscope 1 connected to the light source processor device (external device), by pressing each control button 65, various operations of peripheral devices such as the light source processor device and the monitor device (for example, moving images of electronic images and It is possible to remotely control a still image, an electronic image filing system and a photographing device, and / or stop, an electronic image recording device, and / or stop.

  The suction button 66 and the air / liquid supply button 67 are respectively formed continuously in the light source insertion portion 8, the connection portion flexible tube 7, the operation portion 6 and the insertion portion flexible tube 2, respectively. Has a function of opening and closing a suction channel and an air / liquid feeding channel (both not shown) opened at the distal end of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 and opened at the other end by the light source insertion portion 8.

  That is, before the suction button 66 and the air / liquid feeding button 67 are pressed, the suction channel and the air / liquid feeding channel are closed (the fluid cannot pass through), When the suction button 66 and the air / liquid feeding button 67 are pressed, the suction channel and the air / liquid feeding channel are communicated (the fluid can pass).

  Note that when the endoscope 1 is used, suction means is connected to the other end of the suction channel, and air supply / liquid supply means is connected to the other end of the air / liquid supply channel.

  Thereby, in a state where the suction channel is in communication, body fluid, blood, etc. in the body cavity can be sucked from the distal end of the insertion portion flexible tube 2, and in the state where the air / liquid supply channel is in communication, the insertion portion Liquid or gas can be supplied from the distal end of the flexible tube 2 into the body cavity.

(Skin fixing method)
Next, the skin fixing method of the present invention will be described.

  Below, the case where the outer skin of the flexible tube portion is fixed to the rigid portion in the insertion portion flexible tube included in the endoscope shown in FIG. Note that the case where the outer skin of the flexible tube portion is fixed to the connecting tube is the same as the case where the outer skin of the flexible tube portion is fixed to the rigid portion, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams for explaining a first example of the method for fixing the outer shell of the insertion portion flexible tube shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 shows the outer shell fixing of the insertion portion flexible tube shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the insertion portion flexible tube shown in FIG. 2, for explaining a second example of the method.

(First example)
The manufacturing method of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 includes the following steps [1] to [6] when the distal end portion of the outer skin 42 is fixed to the rigid portion 5 in the vicinity of the concave portion 51 of the rigid portion 5.

That is, the fixing method of the outer skin 42 (outer skin fixing method) is:
[1] The step of disposing the hard portion 5 inside the outer skin 42 so that the tip of the outer skin 42 is accommodated in the recess 51;
[2] A step of binding the tip of the outer skin 42 with the binding thread 9 from the outer peripheral surface side in the recess 51;
[3] A step of filling the concave portion 51 with the adhesive 10 so as to cover the binding thread 9;
[4] A step of installing a tube-shaped molding member 11 having releasability and elasticity with respect to the adhesive 10 so as to cover the recess 51, and molding the outer surface of the adhesive 10;
[5] A step of curing or solidifying the adhesive 10 in a state where the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is molded by the molding member 11;
[6] A step of removing the molded member 11.

Hereinafter, each process will be described in detail.
[1] First, the curved portion 4 and the hard portion 5 in which the outer periphery of the core material 41 is covered with the outer skin 42 are prepared.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), the rigid portion is connected so that the distal end portion of the core member 41 and the proximal end portion of the rigid portion 5 are connected and the distal end portion of the outer skin 42 is accommodated in the recess 51 of the rigid portion 5. 5 (first step). As a result, the hard portion 5 is disposed inside the outer skin 42.

  [2] Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the front end portion of the outer skin 42 is bound from the outer surface side by the binding thread 9 (second step).

  Here, the average diameter of the binding thread 9 is not particularly limited, but the depth of the concave portion formed when the tip portion of the outer skin 42 is placed in the concave portion 51 (that is, the thickness of the outer skin 42 from the depth of the concave portion 51). Is less than the value obtained by subtracting the thickness, specifically, it is preferably about 1 to 500 μm, and more preferably about 10 to 300 μm. If the diameter of the binding thread 9 is too small, the tensile strength of the binding thread 9 is lowered depending on the constituent material and the like, and it is difficult to sufficiently bind the outer skin 42 and fix it to the rigid portion 5. There is a risk. On the other hand, if the diameter of the binding thread 9 is too large, the outer diameter of the insertion section flexible tube 2 at the portion that is bound by the binding thread 9 becomes too large, and when inserting the insertion section flexible tube 2 into the body cavity, Patient pain may increase.

  [3] Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), in the recess 51 (in the recess formed when the tip of the outer skin 42 is placed in the recess 51) so as to cover the binding thread 9. The adhesive 10 is filled (third step).

  The adhesive 10 is preferably composed mainly of at least one of an epoxy adhesive, a urethane adhesive, an acrylic adhesive, and an ester adhesive. These adhesives are relatively high in chemical resistance and heat resistance. Therefore, even when the endoscope 1 is repeatedly sterilized and sterilized, the adhesive 10 is prevented from being altered or deteriorated. For this reason, the fixed state with respect to the hard part 5 of the outer cover 42 by the binding thread 9 can be reliably maintained, and high liquid tightness between the curved part 4 and the hard part 5 can be maintained for a long time.

  In addition, the curing method of the adhesive 10 is not particularly limited, and an adhesive having a curability such as a hot melt type, a thermosetting type, and a photocuring type can be used. Further, the form of the adhesive 10 when the adhesive 10 is supplied to the outer surface of the outer skin 42 may be either a one-component type or a two-component mixed type.

  The adhesive 10 is preferably composed of a curable resin as a main material (for example, an epoxy adhesive). The curable resin is easy to control the timing of curing or solidification. Therefore, between the step [3] and the step [4] to be described later, that is, between the step of filling the adhesive in the recess 51 and the step of molding the outer surface of the adhesive with the molding member 11. It is possible to prevent the agent 10 from being unintentionally cured or solidified. As a result, in step [4] described below, the outer surface of the adhesive 10 can be easily and reliably formed into a desired shape.

  By the way, although the endoscope 1 is repeatedly subjected to sterilization and sterilization treatment such as autoclave, it is possible to prevent contact with water or chemicals by covering the binding thread 9 with the adhesive 10. .

  In addition, since the binding thread 9 is covered with the adhesive 10, the unevenness due to the binding thread 9 formed on the outer surface of the insertion portion flexible tube 2 is alleviated or eliminated by the adhesive 10. When the flexible tube 2 is inserted into the body cavity, the patient's pain can be prevented from increasing. Further, since the unevenness is relaxed or disappeared and the surface area is reduced, it is possible to more reliably remove the dirt in the cleaning, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the binding portion due to the chemical solution or the like.

  [4] Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), a tubular molding member 11 is installed to mold the outer surface of the adhesive 10 (fourth step).

  Here, the molded member 11 has releasability and elasticity with respect to the adhesive 10 and is installed so as to cover the recess 51.

  In this step [4], the molded member 11 is brought on the adhesive 10 in an enlarged state, and then the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is molded by the molded member 11 by shrinking the molded member 11. Thereby, the shaping | molding member 11 can be installed in a desired position, without the adhesive agent 10 before hardening or solidification protruding from the inside of the recessed part 51 to the exterior.

  The constituent material of the molded member 11 is not particularly limited as long as it has releasability and elasticity with respect to the adhesive 10, and various rubber materials can be used, but it is preferable to use silicone rubber. . That is, the molded member 11 is preferably composed of silicone rubber as the main material. Silicone rubber has elasticity and releasability from general adhesives. Therefore, by using such a molded member 11, the outer surface of the adhesive 10 can be molded easily and reliably. Further, in step [6] described later, the molded member 11 can be easily removed from the outer periphery of the insertion portion flexible tube 2.

  [5] Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the adhesive 10 is cured or solidified in a state where the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is molded by the molded member 11 (fifth step).

  Thereby, the binding thread 9 is fixed to the outer surface of the outer skin 42 by the adhesive 10 in a state where the outer skin 42 is bound. Further, the binding thread 9 is fixed by being covered with the adhesive 10, thereby preventing the binding thread 9 from loosening or dropping off.

[6] Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the molded member 11 is removed (sixth step).
Thereby, the outer skin 42 is fixed to the hard portion 5 by the binding thread 9 and the adhesive 10 in a state where the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is molded.

  According to the method for fixing the outer shell of the insertion portion flexible tube as described above, since the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is molded, the occurrence of unevenness on the outer surface of the adhesive 10 can be prevented. Moreover, since the adhesive agent 10 is filled in the recess 51, it is possible to prevent the adhesive agent 10 from protruding to the outer surface of the insertion portion flexible tube 2. Therefore, the outer skin 42 can be fixed to the rigid portion 5 disposed on the inner side by the adhesive 10 without impairing the insertability.

(Second example)
Instead of the steps [4] to [6] described above, the following steps [4A] to [6A] can be performed. In addition, about the matter similar to process [4]-[6] mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  [4A] After step [3] described above, as shown in FIG. 6A, a tube-shaped molded member 11A is installed to mold the outer surface of the adhesive 10 (fourth step).

  Here, a hole 111 penetrating in the radial direction is formed in the molded member 11A. This hole 111 is to allow excess adhesive to escape. For this reason, when the molding member 11 </ b> A is installed, excess adhesive enters the hole 111.

  As described above, in this step [4A], the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the forming member 11A while letting excess adhesive through the hole 111 to the outside. Thereby, even if it does not strictly control the supply amount (filling amount) of the adhesive 10, the cured or solidified adhesive 10 can be easily made to have a desired volume and shape.

  The number of such holes 111 may be one or plural, but is preferably plural. In this case, the plurality of holes 111 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the molded member 11. It is preferred that they are provided (more preferably at regular intervals). Thereby, an excess adhesive agent can be missed efficiently.

  In addition to the hole 111 described above, for example, a groove may be formed in the molded member as an escape of excess adhesive. In this case, it is preferable that the end of the groove is opened at the end of the molded member in order to allow excess adhesive to escape smoothly.

[5A] Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the adhesive 10 is cured or solidified in a state where the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is molded with the molding member 11A (fifth step).
At this time, the adhesive that has entered the hole 111 is also cured or solidified.

  [6A] Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, the molded member 11A is removed (sixth step).

  Thereafter, as necessary, the adhesive 101 that has entered the hole 111 and has been cured or solidified is cut off. Thereby, even if it does not strictly control the supply amount (filling amount) of the adhesive 10, the cured or solidified adhesive 10 can be easily made to have a desired volume and shape.

  According to the method for fixing the outer shell of the insertion portion flexible tube as described above, since the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is molded, the occurrence of unevenness on the outer surface of the adhesive 10 can be prevented. Further, since the adhesive 10 is covered with the molding member 11 before the curing or solidification, the occurrence of uneven thickness or sagging of the adhesive 10 is prevented, and the outer surface of the adhesive 10 after the curing or solidification is desired. It can be a shape. Furthermore, since the adhesive 10 is filled in the recess 51, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 10 from protruding to the outer surface of the insertion portion flexible tube 2. Therefore, the outer skin 42 can be fixed to the rigid portion 5 disposed on the inner side by the adhesive 10 without impairing the insertability of the insertion portion flexible tube 2.

(Modification)
In addition to the second example described above, surplus adhesive can be released also by configuring the hard portion as follows.

  In the hard part 5 </ b> A shown in FIG. 7, a space 54 for allowing excess adhesive to escape is formed on the distal end side of the recess 51.

  The space 54 may be configured by a groove formed along the circumferential direction of the rigid portion 5 or may be configured by a plurality of concave portions spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the rigid portion 5.

  By using such a hard part 5A, the adhesive 10 can be molded on the inner peripheral surface of the molded member 11 while allowing excess adhesive to escape into the space 54 in the above-described step [4]. Thereby, even if it does not strictly control the supply amount (filling amount) of the adhesive 10, the cured or solidified adhesive 10 can be easily made to have a desired volume and shape.

(Other embodiments)
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another embodiment of the insertion portion flexible tube using the outer skin fixing method according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 explains the outer skin fixing method of the insertion portion flexible tube shown in FIG. FIG.

  The rigid portion 5B of the insertion portion flexible tube shown in FIG. 8 has an outer diameter that is narrower toward the tip. In addition, a concave portion (groove) 51 is formed along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the rigid portion 5B, and the distal end portion of the outer skin 42 is fixed by the binding thread 9 and the adhesive 10 in the groove 51. ing.

  When fixing the outer skin 42 to the hard portion 5B, the inner surface of the outer skin 42 is hardened so that the distal end portion of the outer skin 42 is accommodated in the recess 51 as in the above-described steps [1] to [2]. After disposing the portion 5, the front end portion of the outer skin 42 is bound in the recess 51 with the binding thread 9 from the outer peripheral surface side.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9A, the adhesive 10 is filled in the recess 51 so as to cover the binding thread 9 as in the above-described step [3].

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9B, a tubular molding member 11 </ b> B having releasability and elasticity with respect to the adhesive 10 is installed so as to cover the recess 51, and the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is molded. .

  Here, the inner peripheral surface of the molded member 11B has a diameter that decreases toward the tip, corresponding to the outer shape of the rigid portion 5B. By using such a forming member 11B, the outer surface of the adhesive can be formed into a desired shape.

  Next, as in step [5] described above, the adhesive 10 is cured or solidified in a state where the outer surface of the adhesive 10 is molded with the molded member 11B, and then the molded member 11B as shown in FIG. 9C. Remove.

  Although the illustrated embodiments of the skin fixing method of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these.

  In addition, the outer skin fixing method of the present invention can add an optional process as necessary.

  The outer skin fixing method of the present invention can be applied, for example, to the case where the outer skin of the insertion portion flexible tube is fixed to the operation portion.

  Further, the configuration of each part of the endoscope can be replaced with an arbitrary one that can exhibit the same function, or an arbitrary configuration can be added.

  An endoscope to which the present invention is applied is not limited to an electronic endoscope, but may be an optical endoscope (fiberscope), and is not limited to a medical endoscope, but is an endoscope used for industrial applications. It may be a mirror.

It is a top view of an endoscope provided with the insertion part flexible tube to which the skin fixing method concerning the present invention is applied. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the insertion part flexible tube with which the endoscope shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows the principal part of the insertion part flexible tube shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st example of the outer skin fixing method of the insertion part flexible tube shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st example of the outer skin fixing method of the insertion part flexible tube shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd example of the outer skin fixing method of the insertion part flexible tube shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the modification of the insertion part flexible tube shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the insertion part flexible tube using the skin fixing method concerning this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the outer skin fixing method of the insertion part flexible tube shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope 11 Molding member 11A Molding member 11B Molding member 111 Hole 2 Insertion part flexible tube 22 Scale 3 Flexible tube part 31 Core material 311 Spiral tube 312 Reticulated tube 313 Gap 32 Outer skin 33 Connection pipe 331 Recess (groove)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Curved part 41 Core material 411 Node ring assembly 411a Node ring 412 Reticulated tube 42 Outer skin 5 Hard part 5A Hard part 5B Hard part 51 Recessed part (groove)
52 part 53 part 54 space 6 operation part 61 first operation knob 62 second operation knob 63 first lock lever 64 second lock lever 65 control button 66 suction button 67 air / liquid supply button 7 connection part flexible tube 8 light source Insertion part 81 Light source connector 82 Image signal connector 9 Tightening thread 10 Adhesive 101 Adhesive

Claims (7)

A skin fixing method for fixing an end portion of the outer skin to the member in the vicinity of a recess formed along a circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface of a member disposed on the inner side of the outer skin,
Disposing the member inside the outer skin so as to fit the end of the outer skin in the recess, and
The step of binding the end of the outer skin with the binding thread from the outer peripheral surface side in the recess,
Filling the recess with an adhesive so as to cover the binding thread;
A step of forming a tubular molding member having releasability and elasticity with respect to the adhesive so as to cover the recess, and molding an outer surface of the adhesive;
Curing or solidifying the adhesive in a state where the outer surface of the adhesive is molded with the molded member;
And a method for removing the molded member.   The molding member is formed with holes and / or grooves that allow excess adhesive to escape. In the step of molding the outer peripheral surface of the adhesive with the molding member, the excess adhesive is removed from the holes and / or the The outer skin fixing method according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is molded on an inner peripheral surface of the molding member while escaping from the groove.   The outer skin fixing method according to claim 2, further comprising a step of removing a portion where the excess adhesive is cured or solidified after the step of removing the molded member.   The member is formed with a space for allowing the excess adhesive to escape, and in the step of forming the outer peripheral surface of the adhesive with the molding member, the excess adhesive is released from the hole and / or the groove. The outer skin fixing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adhesive is molded on an inner peripheral surface of the molded member.   In the step of molding the outer surface of the adhesive with the molded member, the outer surface of the adhesive is brought about on the adhesive in a state where the diameter of the molded member is expanded and then the molded member is contracted. The outer skin fixing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer shell is molded by the molding member.   6. The outer skin fixing method according to claim 1, wherein the molded member is made of silicone rubber as a main material.   The skin fixing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adhesive is composed of a curable resin as a main material.

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