JP2011067423A - Endoscope insertion part and manufacturing method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope insertion part by which both joint rings can be easily coupled and the turning property and coupling strength of both the joint rings can be prevented from lowering and a manufacturing method of the same. <P>SOLUTION: In the endoscope insertion part 22, a pair of coupling parts 41 symmetrical around the center axis of the first joint ring 32a has sliding faces 43 respectively, the sliding faces 43 are arranged in both the sides of the coupling parts 41 in a peripheral direction and form circular arcs viewing in a radial direction, a pair of coupling receiving parts 34 symmetrical around the center axis of the second joint ring 32a house the pair of coupling parts 41 respectively, have sliding receiving faces 38, the sliding receiving faces 38 are arranged in both the sides of the coupling receiving parts 34 in a peripheral direction, and form circular arcs with the generally same radius as the radius of the sliding faces 43 viewing in the radial direction and extending to the first joint ring 32a side beyond the centers of the circular arcs in an axial direction in both the side parts, and slidably supports the sliding faces 43. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope insertion portion and a manufacturing method thereof.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a node ring coupling structure in an endoscope. That is, the endoscope of Patent Document 1 has an insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity, and a bending portion that is operated to bend is disposed at a distal end portion of the insertion portion. In the bending portion, a large number of node rings are connected to a coaxial shaft so as to be rotatable relative to each other. In the node ring, a pair of tongue pieces each having a flat plate shape substantially perpendicular to the radial direction and symmetrical with each other about the center axis are extended in the axial direction from both end faces of the cylindrical portion. Protrusions project radially from the radially outer surface of each tongue piece on one end of the node ring, and through holes are formed radially on each tongue piece on the other end. For both adjacent node rings, the tongue piece portion having the through hole of the other node ring is superimposed on the radially outer side of the tongue piece portion having the protrusion portion of one node ring, and the protrusion portion is fitted into the through hole. Has been. In the through hole, the projecting portion is rotated about its own central axis, whereby both adjacent joint rings are rotated.

  Patent Document 2 also discloses a similar node ring connection structure. However, the protruding portion protrudes radially inward from the radially inner surface of the tongue piece portion, and the tongue piece portion having the through hole is overlapped on the radially inner side of the tongue piece portion having the protruding portion.

JP-A-11-244224 JP 2007-167260 A

  In the node ring connecting structure of Patent Document 1, when connecting both node rings, a tongue piece portion having a through hole is moved over the projection portion in the axial direction, and the projection portion is fitted into the through hole. At this time, it is necessary to greatly deform the tongue piece portion in the radial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion, and it is difficult to connect both joint rings. Further, unnecessary plastic deformation may remain in the node rings, and the rotation performance and connection strength of both node rings may be reduced.

  A similar problem is caused in the joint connection structure of Patent Document 2.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to enable easy connection of both joint rings and to prevent a decrease in rotational performance and connection strength of both joint rings. It is an object to provide an endoscope insertion portion and a method for manufacturing the same.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope insertion portion includes first and second node rings disposed substantially coaxially with each other, and the first node ring includes a first cylindrical portion. And the first tubular portion is formed on the second node ring side, has a convex shape from the first node ring side to the second node ring side, and the first and second A pair of connecting portions that are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the nodal ring, and the second nodal ring includes the second cylindrical portion and the first cylindrical portion in the first cylindrical portion. Formed on the node ring side, having a concave shape from the first node ring side to the second node ring side, accommodating the pair of connecting portions, and being substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis. A pair of connection receiving portions, wherein the connection portion is formed by an outer peripheral surface of the connection portion, and at least on both sides of the connection portion in the circumferential direction of the first and second node rings. And has a sliding surface that forms an arc when viewed in the radial direction of the first and second node rings, and the connection receiving portion forms an outer peripheral surface of the connection receiving portion, and An arc that is disposed on at least both side portions of the connection receiving portion and has a radius substantially equal to the radius of the sliding surface in the radial direction, and the axial directions of the first and second node rings in the both side portions. It has an arc extending from the center of the arc to the first node ring side, and has a sliding receiving surface that slidably supports the sliding surface.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, in the endoscope insertion portion, at least one of the first and second node rings is formed in the cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical shape is formed in the axial direction. It has the discontinuous part extended over the full length of the part and isolate | separating the said cylindrical part about the said circumferential direction, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In a third embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope insertion portion has a joint portion in which the at least one node ring joins both ends of the cylindrical portion in the circumferential direction at the discontinuous portion. It is characterized by that.

  In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope insertion portion is such that at least one of the first and second node rings is formed in the cylindrical portion, and the connection portion or the connection receiving portion is provided. It has the notch part which is arrange | positioned on the both sides of the said circumferential direction of a part and has extended in the said axial direction from the end surface part by the side of the other node ring of the said cylindrical part.

  In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope insertion portion is characterized in that at least one of the first and second node rings is made of an elastic material.

  In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope insertion portion is characterized in that at least one of the first and second node rings is made of a super elastic material.

  According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope includes the endoscope insertion portion of the above-described embodiment.

  In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the method for manufacturing the endoscope insertion portion is the first node ring, and the first cylindrical portion and the first cylindrical portion in the first cylindrical portion. A pair of connecting portions formed on one end side in the axial direction of the first portion, projecting outward in the axial direction of the first node ring, and substantially symmetrical with respect to a central axis of the first node ring And the connecting portion is formed by an outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion, and is disposed on at least both side portions of the connecting portion in the circumferential direction of the first node ring, and has a diameter of the first node ring. A first node ring preparation step for preparing a first node ring having a sliding surface that forms an arc when viewed in a direction, a second node ring, a second tubular portion, and the second A cylindrical portion is formed on one end side in the axial direction of the second cylindrical portion, and has a concave shape inward in the axial direction of the second node ring, and the center of the second node ring A pair of connection receiving portions that are substantially symmetrical to each other, the connection receiving portion forming an outer peripheral surface of the connection receiving portion, and the connection receiving portion of the connection receiving portion in the circumferential direction of the second node ring. An arc that is disposed at least on both side portions and has a radius substantially equal to the radius of the sliding surface when viewed in the radial direction of the second node ring, and the axial direction of the second node ring in the both side portions A second node ring preparation step of preparing a second node ring, having a sliding bearing surface that forms an arc extending from the center of the arc to the axially outer side of the second node ring; The pair of connection portions are deformed in the radial direction of the first node ring with respect to the cylindrical portion of the second node ring, or the pair of connection receiving portions are deformed with respect to the second cylinder portion. A deforming step of deforming in the radial direction; and the pair of connecting portions on the pair of connecting receiving portions. The overlapping step in the radial direction of the two node rings, and the pair of connection receiving portions or the pair of connection portions are restored and deformed to accommodate the pair of connection portions in the first pair of connection receiving portions, A housing step of slidably supporting the sliding surface by a sliding receiving surface.

  In a ninth embodiment of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing an endoscope insertion portion, the first node ring is formed on the first cylindrical portion, and the first node ring is formed in the axial direction of the first node ring. A first discontinuous portion extending over the entire length of one tubular portion and separating the first tubular portion in the circumferential direction of the first node ring; The second cylindrical portion is formed in the second cylindrical portion and extends in the axial direction of the second node ring over the entire length of the second cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion extends in the circumferential direction of the second node ring. A second discontinuous part separated from each other, and the manufacturing method of the endoscope insertion part uses the first or the second discontinuous part before the deformation step. Increase or decrease the diametrical distance between the pair of connection parts or the pair of connection receiving parts by expanding or reducing the diameter of one or the second cylindrical part. And further including a joining step of joining the circumferential ends of the cylindrical portion to each other at the discontinuous portion with respect to the first and second node rings after the accommodating step. It is characterized by.

  In a tenth embodiment of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing an endoscope insertion portion, the first node ring is formed on the first cylindrical portion, and the first node ring is formed in the axial direction of the first node ring. A first discontinuous portion extending over the entire length of one tubular portion and separating the first tubular portion in the circumferential direction of the first node ring; The second cylindrical portion is formed in the second cylindrical portion and extends in the axial direction of the second node ring over the entire length of the second cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion extends in the circumferential direction of the second node ring. The method for manufacturing the endoscope insertion portion includes: one of the first and second node rings before the deforming step. In the discontinuous portion, further comprising a first joining step of joining both ends of the cylindrical portion in the circumferential direction, after the first joining step and Before the deformation step, the one node ring is deformed by expanding or reducing the diameter of the cylindrical portion using the discontinuous portion, and the diametrical direction between the pair of connection portions or the pair of connection receiving portions. A diameter changing step for increasing or decreasing the distance of the cylindrical portion, and after the housing step, the other node ring of the first and second node rings is arranged at the discontinuous portion at the discontinuous portion. The method further comprises a second joining step for joining both ends in the circumferential direction to each other.

  According to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope manufacturing method includes the endoscope insertion portion manufacturing method according to the above embodiment.

  In the endoscope insertion portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when connecting the first node ring and the second node ring, a pair of connecting portions or While deforming the pair of connection receiving portions in the radial direction, the pair of connection portions and the pair of connection receiving portions are overlapped in the radial direction, and the pair of connection portions or the pair of connection receiving portions are restored by deformation of the pair of connection portions. It accommodates in a pair of connection receiving part. At this time, the first node ring and the second node ring are connected to each other only by slightly deforming the pair of connection portions or the pair of connection receiving portions in the radial direction with respect to the first or second cylindrical portion. Thus, the first node ring and the second node ring can be easily connected. Further, unnecessary plastic deformation remains in the first node ring or the second node ring, and the rotation performance and connection strength between the first node ring and the second node ring are prevented from being reduced. The

  In the endoscope insertion portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when connecting the first node ring and the second node ring, the cylindrical portion is enlarged or reduced in diameter using the discontinuous portion. Accordingly, the diametrical distance between the pair of connection portions or the pair of connection receiving portions can be increased or decreased, and the diameter of the pair of connection portions or the pair of connection receiving portions with respect to the first or second cylindrical portion. It is possible to sufficiently reduce the deformation in the direction.

  In the endoscope insertion portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention, since both ends in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion are joined to each other at the discontinuous portion, the strength of the node ring is increased, and the endoscope insertion The strength of the part is increased.

  In the endoscope insertion portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the pair of connection portions or the pair of connection receiving portions are easily deformed in the radial direction with respect to the first or second cylindrical portion by the notch portion. It is possible to connect the first node ring and the second node ring sufficiently easily. Further, it is possible to sufficiently prevent unnecessary plastic deformation from remaining in the first node ring or the second node ring.

  In the endoscope insertion portion of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, since the node ring is formed of an elastic material, a pair of connection portions or a pair of connection receiving portions is provided with respect to the first or second cylindrical portion. It is easy to be deformed in the radial direction, and the first node ring and the second node ring can be connected sufficiently easily. Further, it is possible to sufficiently prevent unnecessary plastic deformation from remaining in the first or second node ring.

  In the endoscope insertion portion of the sixth embodiment of the present embodiment, since the node ring is formed of a superelastic material, a pair of connection portions or a pair of connection receivers with respect to the first or second cylindrical portion. The portion is very easily deformed in the radial direction, and the first node ring and the second node ring can be connected very easily. Moreover, it is possible to reliably prevent unnecessary plastic deformation from remaining in the first or second node ring.

  The endoscope of the seventh embodiment of the present invention has the same effects as the endoscope insertion portion of the above embodiment.

  In the method for manufacturing an endoscope insertion portion according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the pair of connection portions or the pair of connection receiving portions are only slightly deformed in the radial direction with respect to the first or second cylindrical portion. The first node ring and the second node ring can be connected, and the first node ring and the second node ring can be easily connected. Further, unnecessary plastic deformation remains in the first or second node ring, and the rotation performance and the connection strength between the first node ring and the second node ring are prevented from being reduced.

  In the endoscope insertion portion manufacturing method according to the ninth and tenth embodiments of the present invention, a pair of connection portions or a pair of connection receivers are formed by expanding or reducing the diameter of the cylindrical portion using the discontinuous portions. The distance in the diametrical direction between the parts can be increased or decreased, and the deformation in the radial direction of the pair of connection parts or the pair of connection receiving parts with respect to the first or second cylindrical part can be sufficiently reduced. It has become. Further, since both ends of the cylindrical portion in the circumferential direction are joined to each other at the discontinuous portion, the strength of the node ring is increased and the strength of the endoscope insertion portion is increased.

  The endoscope manufacturing method according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention has the same effects as the endoscope insertion portion manufacturing method according to the above embodiment.

The perspective view which shows the endoscope of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the endoscope insertion part of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the flexible pipe node ring coupling body of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows a set of node ring of the flexible tube node ring coupling body of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The side view which shows a set of node ring of the flexible tube node ring coupling body of 1st Embodiment of this invention in a non-rotating state. The side view which shows a pair of node ring of the flexible tube node ring coupling body of 1st Embodiment of this invention in a rotation state. The perspective view which shows the junction part of a set of node ring of the flexible tube node ring coupling body of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the node ring of the bending pipe node ring coupling body of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows another node ring of the bending pipe node ring coupling body of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows another curved pipe node ring coupling body of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the node ring connection process of the node ring coupling body manufacturing method of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the node ring joining process of the node ring coupling body manufacturing method of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the 1st nodal ring joining process of the nodal ring coupling body manufacturing method of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the node ring connection process of the node ring coupling body manufacturing method of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the 2nd node ring joining process of the node ring coupling body manufacturing method of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the flexible pipe node ring coupling body of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The side view which shows a set of node ring of the flexible pipe node ring coupling body of 4th Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the node ring of 5th Embodiment of this invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the node ring connection process of the node ring coupling body manufacturing method of 6th Embodiment of this invention.

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

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10B.

  With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the endoscope 21 has the insertion part 22 inserted in a body cavity. In the insertion portion 22, a rigid distal end rigid portion 23, a bending portion 24 that is bent up and down, left and right, and a long and flexible flexible tube portion 26 are provided continuously from the distal end side to the proximal end side. . An operation unit 27 that is held and operated by an operator is connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion unit 22. The operation section 27 is provided with bending operation knobs 28u and 28r for bending the bending section 24. A universal cable 29 extends from the operation unit 27, and the universal cable 29 is connected to the light source device and the video processor. The illumination light generated by the light source device is guided through the light guide inserted through the endoscope 21 and is irradiated from the illumination optical system of the distal end rigid portion 23 onto the observation target. An observation image is captured by the imaging unit of the distal end rigid portion 23 to generate an image signal. The image signal is transmitted by a signal cable inserted through the endoscope 21 and output to a video processor.

  With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the flexible tube node ring connection body 31 that forms the skeleton of the flexible tube portion 26 will be described.

  In the flexible tube node ring connection body 31, a large number of node rings 32a are connected to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to each other.

  A pair of tongue receiving portions 34 serving as connection receiving portions are formed at the proximal end portion of the cylindrical portion 33 of the node ring 32a. The pair of tongue piece receiving portions 34 are substantially symmetric with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 33. Each tongue piece receiving portion 34 has a flat plate shape that is substantially orthogonal to the radial direction, is arranged at substantially the same position with respect to the cylindrical portion 33 in the radial direction, and has a concave shape from the proximal end side to the distal end side. Here, the tongue piece receiving portion 34 is formed by a deformed portion obtained by deforming a part of the cylindrical portion 33 inward in the radial direction. A supporting receiving wall 37 and a sliding receiving wall 38 as a sliding receiving surface are formed by the deformed portion. The support receiving wall 37 forms a radially inner side wall of the tongue piece receiving portion 34, is substantially parallel to the tangential plane of the cylindrical portion 33, and is disposed on the radially inner side of the non-deformed portion of the cylindrical portion 33 with respect to the radial direction. ing. The sliding receiving wall 38 forms an outer peripheral wall of the tongue piece receiving portion 34, is substantially orthogonal to the tangential plane, and connects the support receiving wall 37 and the non-deformed portion of the cylindrical portion 33. Here, the sliding receiving wall 38 of the tongue piece receiving portion 34 forms an arc as viewed in the radial direction. The arc is arranged symmetrically with respect to a symmetry axis that passes through the center point of the arc and extends in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 33, the center angle of the arc exceeds 180 degrees, and both end portions of the arc are in the axial direction. On the other hand, it extends to the base end side from the center point of the arc. In the present embodiment, the center angle of the arc is set to 270 degrees. In other words, the sliding receiving wall 38 of the tongue piece receiving portion 34 has a conical shape that narrows the width of the tongue piece receiving portion 34 with respect to the tangential direction orthogonal to the axial direction at the proximal end portion of the tongue piece receiving portion 34. The retaining portion 39 is formed.

  A pair of tongue pieces 41 as a connecting portion are formed on the tip side portion of the cylindrical portion 33 of the node ring 32a. The pair of tongue pieces 41 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 33, and are arranged so as to be shifted by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the pair of tongue pieces receiving portions 34. The tongue piece 41 projects from the annular end surface of the cylindrical portion 33, has a flat plate shape that is substantially orthogonal to the radial direction, and is disposed at substantially the same position as the non-deformed portion of the cylindrical portion 33 with respect to the radial direction. A convex shape is formed from the end side to the tip side. The radially inner side wall of the tongue piece 41 forms a support wall 42, and the outer peripheral wall forms a sliding wall 43 as a sliding surface. Here, the sliding wall 43 of the tongue piece 41 forms an arc as viewed in the radial direction. The arc is arranged symmetrically with respect to a symmetry axis that passes through the center point of the arc and extends in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 33, and the radius of the arc is substantially equal to the radius of the arc of the tongue piece receiving portion 34. Is slightly larger than the angle obtained by adding the double angle of the maximum rotation angle between the adjacent joint rings 32a to the central angle of the arc of the tongue piece receiving portion 34.

  For both adjacent node rings 32a, both tongue piece portions 41 of the proximal-side node ring 32a are fitted to both tongue piece receiving portions 34 of the distal-side node ring 32a. The support receiving walls 37 of the both tongue piece receiving portions 34 support the support walls 42 of the both tongue piece portions 41 in the radial direction, and the adjacent joint rings 32a are restricted from shifting in the radial direction. In addition, the tongue-shaped portion 41 is prevented from being pulled out from the tongue piece receiving portion 34 toward the proximal end in the axial direction by the constricted retaining portion 39 at the base end portion of the tongue piece receiving portion 34, and both adjacent nodes It is restricted that the wheels 32a are axially displaced from each other. The sliding wall 43 of the tongue piece portion 41 is slidably supported by the sliding receiving wall 38 of the tongue piece receiving portion 34, and the arc center of the tongue piece receiving portion 34 and the arc center of the tongue piece portion 41 are Are substantially coincident with each other, and the tongue piece portion 41 is rotatable with respect to the tongue piece receiving portion 34 about the arc center. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the adjacent joint rings 32 a can be rotated with each other by the rotation of the tongue piece portion 41 with respect to the tongue piece receiving portion 34. Note that the rotation between the adjacent joint rings 32a is restricted by the end faces of the joint rings 32a being in contact with each other, and the end face shapes of the joint rings 32a are appropriately set. Thus, it is possible to appropriately adjust the maximum rotation angle between both joint rings 32a.

  In the cylindrical portion 33 of the node ring 32a, a discontinuous portion 58 that extends over the entire axial length of the cylindrical portion 33 and separates the cylindrical portion 33 in the circumferential direction is formed. In the present embodiment, an engagement portion 46 and an engagement receiving portion 47 having a convex shape and a concave shape in the circumferential direction are formed at one end portion and the other end portion in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 33, respectively. The engagement part 46 and the engagement receiving part 47 are engaged with each other. As shown in FIG. 6, in the discontinuous portion 58, both ends in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 33 are joined to each other, and a joined portion 59 is formed. Thus, since the both ends of the circumferential direction of the cylindrical part 33 are mutually joined in the discontinuous part 58, the intensity | strength of the cylindrical part 33 is increased and the intensity | strength of the insertion part 22 whole is increased.

  With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the curved pipe joint assembly 48 that forms the skeleton of the bending portion 24 will be described.

  The configuration of the bent tube node ring connector 48 is the same as that of the flexible tube node ring connector 31. However, a wire receiving portion 49 is formed on each node ring 32b. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, in the cylindrical portion 33, a belt-like portion extending in the circumferential direction is projected in a U shape radially inward by cutting, and the U-shaped portion receives the wire. A portion 49 is formed. Instead, as shown in FIG. 8, the wire receiving portion 49 is formed by fixing the ring-shaped member to the inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 33 by welding or the like so that the center hole faces the axial direction. Also good. A pair of wire receiving portions 49 are formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the node ring 32b, and each wire receiving portion 49 is disposed at substantially the same position as the tongue piece receiving portion 34 in the circumferential direction.

  With reference to FIG.2 and FIG.9, the other structure of the insertion part 22 is demonstrated.

  An operation wire 50 for bending the bending portion 24 is inserted through the insertion portion 22. Each operation wire 50 for up / down / left / right bending operation is inserted into the up / down / left / right positions. In the flexible tube portion 26, the operation wire 50 is inserted through the wire guide 51. The wire guide 51 is formed by a coil sheath or the like. The distal ends of the wire guides 51 of the respective operation wires 50 for the left and right bending operations are the tongue piece receiving portions 34 at the left and right positions in the inner peripheral portion of the most proximal node ring 32b of the bending tube node ring coupling body 48, respectively. The support wall 42 is fixed. Similarly, the distal end portion of the wire guide 51 of each operation wire 50 for the up and down bending operation is located at the upper and lower positions on the inner peripheral portion of the second node ring 32b from the proximal end of the bending tube node ring coupling body 48, respectively. It is fixed to the support receiving wall 37 of the tongue piece receiving portion 34. In the bending portion 24, the operation wires 50 for up / down / left / right bending operation are inserted through the wire receiving portions 49 arranged at the up / down / left / right positions. The distal end portion of the operation wire 50 is fixed to the inner peripheral portion of a cylindrical distal end rigid member 52 that forms the skeleton of the distal end rigid portion 23.

  In the flexible tube node ring connector 31, the tongue piece receiving portion 34 is not formed on the proximal end portion of the cylindrical portion 33 of the most proximal node ring 32 c, and the flexible tube portion 26 is used as the operation portion 27. A connection portion 53 for connection is formed.

  At the connection portion between the flexible tube node ring connector 31 and the bent tube node ring connector 48, the most distal end node ring 32 a of the flexible tube node ring connector 31 and the most proximal end of the bent tube node ring connector 48. The node ring 32b is rotatably connected to each other in the same manner as the adjacent node rings 32a and 32b in the node ring coupling bodies 31 and 48. For this reason, in the connection part of the flexible tube part 26 and the bending part 24, the hard length which is the axial direction length which cannot be bent does not increase, and a connection part can be smoothly curved with a small bending radius. It is. Therefore, when inserting the insertion portion 22 into the body cavity, the insertion portion 22 can be deformed following the shape of the body cavity, and the burden on the patient can be reduced.

  A tongue piece receiving portion 34 similar to the node ring 32 b is formed at the proximal end portion of the distal end rigid member 52, and the bent tube node is connected at the connection portion between the bent tube node ring connection body 48 and the distal end rigid member 52. The most advanced node ring 32 b of the ring connection body 48 and the distal end rigid member 52 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable, like the adjacent node rings 32 b in the node ring connection body 48. Further, as described above, the distal end portion of the operation wire 50 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the distal end rigid portion 23. For this reason, the distal end of the insertion portion 22 can be smoothly bent with a small bending radius, and the distal end of the insertion portion 22 is small. Therefore, when the insertion part 22 is inserted into the body cavity for observation, it is easy to approach the distal end of the insertion part 22 to the observation target part, and the observation accuracy can be improved.

  In addition, when connecting the most advanced node ring of the bent tube joint ring assembly and the tip rigid member in a non-rotatable manner, the tip of the operation wire is used as the most advanced node ring of the bent tube joint ring assembly. It may be fixed.

  Further, two or more types of node rings 32d and 32e may be used in the bent tube node ring connector 48. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, as a node ring at the distal end portion of the bent tube node ring assembly 48, a short node ring 32d whose axial length of the cylindrical portion 33 is shorter than the node ring 32e at the proximal end portion. May be used. In this case, the distal end side portion of the bending portion 24 can be bent with a smaller bending radius than the proximal end side portion, and the distal end of the insertion portion 22 can be turned slightly. Makes it easier to approach.

  A net-like tube 56 is coated on the outer peripheral portions of the node ring coupling bodies 31 and 48 and the distal end rigid member 52. The mesh tube 56 is formed by braiding metal fine wires or the like into a tubular shape. The outer periphery of the mesh tube 56 is covered with an outer skin 57. The outer skin 57 is made of resin or the like. Here, when the insertion unit 22 is inserted into the body cavity and the inside of the body cavity is observed, the operation unit 27 is appropriately twisted about the central axis of the operation unit 27 so that the entire insertion unit 22 is entirely inserted. The distal end of the insertion portion 22 may be rotated by rotating about the central axis of 22. Since the insertion portion 22 is long, it is difficult to reliably transmit rotational torque from the proximal end to the distal end of the insertion portion 22, and there is a possibility that fatigue of an operator who performs a twisting operation may increase. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the mesh ring 56 is interposed between the node ring coupling bodies 31 and 48 and the distal end rigid member 52 and the outer skin 57, the insertion portion 22 has a rotational torque transmission performance. It is possible to reduce the operator's fatigue. Note that only the outer skin 57 may be covered without covering the mesh tube 56. In this case, the outer diameter of the insertion portion 22 can be reduced, the resistance when inserting the insertion portion 22 into the body cavity can be reduced, and the burden on the patient can be reduced.

  With reference to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the manufacturing method of the flexible pipe node ring coupling body 31 is demonstrated.

  In addition, the manufacturing method of the curved pipe node ring connector 48 is the same as the method of manufacturing the flexible tube node ring connector 31.

Node ring preparation process The node ring 32a is formed from a sheet metal formed of an elastic material such as stainless steel or phosphor bronze by pressing. Since the node ring 32a is formed by bending a plate-shaped portion of the sheet metal into a cylindrical shape, a discontinuous portion 58 is formed in the cylindrical portion 33 of the node ring 32a. After the press working, the discontinuous portion 58 remains unbonded.

Node ring connection process (see FIG. 10A)
The tongue piece portion 41 of the other node ring 32a is fitted into the tongue piece receiving portion 34 of one node ring 32a. That is, with respect to the other node ring 32a, the diameter of the pair of tongue pieces 41 is increased by deforming and expanding the cylindrical portion 33 while forming a gap between the circumferential ends of the cylindrical portion 33 at the discontinuous portion 58. Increase directional distance. Subsequently, both joint rings 32a are moved closer to each other in the axial direction, and the tongue piece portion 41 is moved in the axial direction by overcoming the constricted retaining portion 39 of the tongue piece receiving portion. At this time, in the other node ring 32 a, the tongue piece 41 is moved slightly outward in the radial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion 33. When the tongue piece portion 41 is superimposed on the tongue piece receiving portion 34 in the radial direction, in the other node ring 32a, the outward deformation of the tongue piece portion 41 with respect to the cylindrical portion 33 is released, and the tongue piece portion is released. 41 is returned and deformed inward in the radial direction, and further, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 33 is released and the cylindrical portion 33 is restored to the reduced diameter, and the tongue receiving portion 34 of one node ring 32a is subjected to the other node. The tongue piece 41 of the ring 32a is fitted. Instead of increasing the diameter of the other node ring 32a to increase the distance in the diameter direction between the pair of tongue pieces 41, the discontinuous portion 58 of the cylindrical portion 33 of the node ring 32a You may make it reduce the diameter direction distance between a pair of tongue piece receiving parts 34 by carrying out the diameter reduction deformation of the cylindrical part 33, overlapping the both ends of the circumferential direction. Further, the diameter reduction deformation of one node ring 32a and the diameter expansion deformation of the other node ring 32a may be used in combination.

  Thereafter, the node ring connecting step is repeated to connect all the node rings 32a.

Node ring joining process (see FIG. 10B)
After connecting all the node rings 32a, both ends in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 33 are joined to each other at the discontinuous portion 58 of each node ring 32a to form a joined portion 59. For the joining, welding such as spot welding, adhesion, welding or the like is used according to the material of the node ring 32a.

  Thus, when the node ring 32a is formed by press working, the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the node ring 32a is formed by cutting or the like. In particular, when the node ring assembly is formed of one type of node ring, the cost of the press working die can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be sufficiently reduced. For this reason, it is possible to provide an inexpensive endoscope 21.

  As described above, with respect to the node ring coupling bodies 31 and 48 of the present embodiment, the pair of tongue pieces 41 or the pair of tongue piece receivers 34 is only slightly deformed in the radial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion 33. Both node rings 32a and 32b can be connected to each other, and both node rings 32a and 32b can be easily connected. Further, unnecessary plastic deformation remains in the node rings 32a and 32b, and the rotation performance and connection strength between the node rings 32a and 32b are prevented from being lowered.

  Further, by increasing or decreasing the diameter of the cylindrical portion 33 using the discontinuous portion 58, the distance in the diametrical direction between the pair of tongue pieces 41 or the pair of tongue pieces receiving portions 34 can be increased or decreased. It is possible to sufficiently reduce the radial deformation of the pair of tongue pieces 41 or the pair of tongue piece receivers 34 with respect to the cylindrical portion 33.

  In addition, since the node rings 32a and 32b are formed of an elastic material, the pair of tongue pieces 41 or the pair of tongue piece receivers 34 are easily deformed in the radial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion 33. The node rings 32a and 32b can be connected sufficiently easily. Further, it is possible to reliably prevent unnecessary plastic deformation from remaining in the node rings 32a and 32b.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11C.

  A method for manufacturing the flexible tube node ring assembly 31 of this embodiment will be described.

Nodal ring preparation step As in the first embodiment, the nodal ring 32a is prepared.

First node ring joining process (see FIG. 11A)
About one node ring 32a, the both ends of the circumferential direction of the cylindrical part 33 are joined in the discontinuous part 58, and the junction part 59 is formed.

Node ring connection process (see FIG. 11B)
The tongue piece portion 41 of the other unjoined node ring 32a is fitted to the tongue piece receiving portion 34 of one joined node ring 32a. The fitting method is the same as in the first embodiment. In addition, you may make it fit the tongue piece part 41 of one joined node ring 32a to the tongue piece receiving part 34 of the other unjoined node ring 32a. In this case, by reducing the diameter of the cylindrical portion 33 in the other node ring 32a, the distance in the diameter direction between the pair of tongue piece receiving portions 34 is reduced.

Second joint ring joining step (see FIG. 11C)
About the other unjoined node ring 32a, the both ends of the circumferential direction of the cylindrical part 33 are joined in the discontinuous part 58, and the junction part 59 is formed.
Thereafter, the node ring connecting step and the second node ring joining step are repeated to connect and join all the node rings 32a.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the node ring 32 f of the flexible tube node ring assembly 31 of the present embodiment, a pair of recesses 61 are formed in the annular end surface of the cylindrical portion 33. The pair of recesses 61 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 33 and have a concave shape that is wide in the circumferential direction as viewed in the radial direction. In the bottom wall portion of the recess 61, the tongue piece portion 41 is arranged at the center portion in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, a pair of convex portions 62 are formed in the base end annular surface portion of the cylindrical portion 33. The pair of convex portions 62 are substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 33, and have a convex shape that is wide in the circumferential direction as viewed in the radial direction. In the convex part 62, the tongue piece receiving part 34 is arrange | positioned in the center part of the circumferential direction.

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The node ring 32g of the flexible tube node ring connector 31 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the node ring 32f of the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the cylindrical part 33, the notch part 63 is extended in the axial direction at the both sides of the circumferential direction of the tongue piece part 41, respectively. Further, in the cylindrical portion 33, cutout portions 63 are extended in the axial direction on both sides in the circumferential direction of the convex portion 62 having the tongue piece receiving portion 34.

  In the node ring 32g of this embodiment, the convex portion 62 having the tongue piece portion 41 and the tongue piece receiving portion 34 is easily deformed in the radial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion 33 by the action of the notch portion 63. For this reason, both node rings 32g can be connected sufficiently easily in the node ring connecting step. Further, unnecessary plastic deformation remains in the node ring 32g, and the rotation performance and the connection strength between the both node rings 32g are reliably prevented from being lowered.

  A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the node ring 32h of the flexible tube node ring assembly 31 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the node ring 32a of the first embodiment. However, the discontinuous portion 58 is not formed in the cylindrical portion 33.

  With reference to FIG. 15, the manufacturing method of the flexible pipe node ring coupling body 31 of this embodiment is demonstrated.

Node ring preparation step The node ring 32h is formed by cutting a circular pipe member made of a superelastic material or by cutting a cylindrical member. As the superelastic material, a titanium alloy containing nickel titanium, niobium and tin, a titanium alloy containing niobium and aluminum, an alloy containing copper, aluminum and manganese, an alloy containing iron, nickel, cobalt and the like are used.

Nodal ring connection process (see Fig. 15)
Both node rings 32h are moved closer to each other in the axial direction, and the tongue piece portion 41 is moved in the axial direction by overcoming the constricted retaining portion 39 of the tongue piece receiving portion 34. At this time, the tongue piece 41 is slightly deformed radially outward with respect to the cylindrical portion 33 in the other node ring 32h. When the tongue piece portion 41 is overlapped with the tongue piece receiving portion 34 in the radial direction, in the other node ring 32h, the deformation of the tongue piece portion 41 in the radially outward direction with respect to the cylindrical portion 33 is released, and the tongue piece portion. 41 is returned and deformed inward in the radial direction, and the tongue piece portion 41 of the other node ring 32h is fitted into the tongue piece receiving portion 34 of one node ring 32h.

  Thereafter, the node ring connecting step is repeated to connect all the node rings 32h.

  The node ring 32h of the present embodiment is made of a superelastic material, and the tongue piece 41 is very easily deformed in the radial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion 33, and the node ring 32h is very plastically deformed. It is difficult to remain. For this reason, in the node ring connecting step, both the node rings 32h can be connected sufficiently easily, and unnecessary plastic deformation remains in the node ring 32h, so that the rotation between the both node rings 32h can be performed. It is fully prevented that dynamic performance and connection strength are reduced.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Endoscope, 22 ... Insertion part, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f, 32g, 32h ... Node ring, 33 ... Cylindrical part (cylindrical part), 34 ... Connection receiving part (tongue piece receiving part) ), 38 ... Sliding receiving surface (sliding receiving wall), 41 ... Connecting part (tongue piece part), 43 ... Sliding surface (sliding wall), 58 ... Discontinuous part, 59 ... Joint part, 63 ... Notch Department.

Claims (11)

Comprising first and second node rings disposed substantially coaxial with each other;
The first node ring is formed on the second node ring side in the first cylindrical part and the first cylinder part, and from the first node ring side to the second node ring side A pair of connecting portions that are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the first and second node rings,
The second node ring is formed on the first node ring side in the second cylindrical part and the second cylinder part, and from the first node ring side to the second node ring side A concave shape, each of which accommodates the pair of coupling portions, and a pair of coupling receiving portions that are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis,
The connecting portion is formed by an outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion, and is disposed on at least both side portions of the connecting portion in the circumferential direction of the first and second node rings, and the first and second node rings. A sliding surface that forms an arc when viewed in the radial direction of the connection receiving portion, the connection receiving portion forms an outer peripheral surface of the connection receiving portion, and is disposed on at least both side portions of the connection receiving portion in the circumferential direction. An arc having a radius substantially equal to the radius of the sliding surface when viewed in the direction, the first node ring side from the center of the arc in the axial direction of the first and second node rings in the both side portions An arc extending up to and including a sliding bearing surface slidably supporting the sliding surface;
An endoscope insertion portion characterized by that. At least one node ring of the first and second node rings is formed in the cylindrical portion, extends in the axial direction over the entire length of the cylindrical portion, and separates the cylindrical portion in the circumferential direction. Have discontinuities that are
The endoscope insertion portion according to claim 1. The at least one node ring has a joint part joining the circumferential ends of the cylindrical part to each other at the discontinuous part,
The endoscope insertion portion according to claim 2, wherein At least one node ring of the first and second node rings is formed on the cylindrical portion and disposed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the connection portion or the connection receiving portion, and the other of the cylindrical portions. Having a notch extending in the axial direction from the end face of the node ring side of
The endoscope insertion portion according to claim 1. At least one of the first and second node rings is made of an elastic material;
The endoscope insertion portion according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the endoscope insertion portion is characterized in that At least one of the first and second nodes is formed of a superelastic material;
The endoscope insertion portion according to claim 1.   An endoscope comprising the endoscope insertion portion according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A first node ring, formed on one end side in the axial direction of the first tube portion in the first tube portion and the first tube portion; A pair of connecting portions that are convex outward in the axial direction and are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the first node ring, and the connecting portions are formed by the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion A first node ring is provided, which is disposed on at least both side portions of the connecting portion in the circumferential direction of the first node ring and has a sliding surface that forms an arc when viewed in the radial direction of the first node ring. A first node ring preparation step,
A second node ring, formed on one end side in the axial direction of the second cylinder portion in the second cylinder portion, and the second node ring, A pair of connection receiving portions that are concave inward in the axial direction and are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the second node ring, and the connection receiving portion is an outer periphery of the connection receiving portion. Forming a surface, disposed in at least both side portions of the connection receiving portion in the circumferential direction of the second node ring, and having a radius substantially equal to the radius of the sliding surface in the radial direction of the second node ring. A sliding bearing surface that forms an arc that extends from the center of the arc to the outside in the axial direction of the second node ring in the axial direction of the second node ring at both side portions; A second node preparation step for preparing a second node ring;
The pair of connecting portions are deformed in the radial direction of the first node ring with respect to the first cylindrical portion, or the pair of connection receiving portions are changed with respect to the second cylindrical portion to the second node. A deformation step of deforming the ring in the radial direction;
A superposition step of superimposing the pair of connection portions on the pair of connection receiving portions in the radial direction of the first and second node rings;
The pair of connection receiving portions or the pair of connection portions are restored and deformed to accommodate the pair of connection portions in the first pair of connection receiving portions, and the sliding surfaces are slidably supported by the sliding receiving surfaces. A containment process,
The manufacturing method of the endoscope insertion part characterized by comprising. The first node ring is formed in the first tubular portion and extends in the axial direction of the first node ring over the entire length of the first tubular portion. A first discontinuous portion that is separated in the circumferential direction of the first node ring, and the second node ring is formed in the second cylindrical portion and the shaft of the second node ring A second discontinuous portion extending in the direction over the entire length of the second tubular portion and separating the second tubular portion in the circumferential direction of the second node ring;
The method for manufacturing the endoscope insertion portion is such that, before the deformation step, the first or second cylindrical portion is enlarged or reduced in diameter using the first or the second discontinuous portion. A diameter changing step of increasing or decreasing a diametrical distance between the pair of connection portions or the pair of connection receiving portions, and after the accommodating step, the first and second node rings , Further comprising a joining step of joining the circumferential ends of the cylindrical part to each other in the discontinuous part,
The method for manufacturing an endoscope insertion portion according to claim 8. The first node ring is formed in the first tubular portion and extends in the axial direction of the first node ring over the entire length of the first tubular portion. A first discontinuous portion that is separated in the circumferential direction of the first node ring, and the second node ring is formed in the second cylindrical portion and the shaft of the second node ring A second discontinuous portion extending in the direction over the entire length of the second tubular portion and separating the second tubular portion in the circumferential direction of the second node ring;
In the manufacturing method of the endoscope insertion portion, the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion at the discontinuous portion of one of the first and second node rings before the deformation step A first joining step for joining the two ends of the cylindrical member to each other, and after the first joining step and before the deforming step, the one node ring using the discontinuous portion and the cylinder A diameter changing step of increasing or decreasing a diametrical distance between the pair of connection portions or the pair of connection receiving portions by expanding or reducing the diameter of the portion, and after the accommodating step, the first And a second joining step of joining the circumferential ends of the cylindrical portion to each other at the discontinuous portion with respect to the other node of the second nodes.
The method for manufacturing an endoscope insertion portion according to claim 8.   An endoscope manufacturing method comprising the method of manufacturing an endoscope insertion portion according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

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