JP2015198790A - Flexible tube for endoscope and endoscope including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flexible tube for endoscope capable of improving assemblability and securing high watertightness in the flexible tube for endoscope using a flexible tube with a three-layer structure.SOLUTION: The flexible tube for endoscope includes: a long net-like tube 21b having a distal end and a proximal end; a first resin tube 21a for covering the outer periphery of the net-like tube; a second resin tube 21c provided to be inscribed with the inner periphery of the net-like tube; and a first hard mouthpiece member 22 including a first joining part 22z with which an end portion on the tip side of the net-like tube is circumferentially joined, and a second joining part 22y that is located at the tip side with respect to the first joining part and with which an end potion on the tip side of the first resin tube is circumferentially joined.

Description

  The present invention relates to a structure of a flexible tube for an endoscope applied to an endoscope insertion portion, and an endoscope including the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes configured to have an elongated insertion portion have been widely used, for example, in the medical field and industrial field. Among these, medical endoscopes used in the medical field observe an organ in a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity as a subject, and an endoscope is provided as necessary. Various treatments can be performed using the treatment tool inserted into the treatment tool insertion channel. In addition, an industrial endoscope used in the industrial field is used to observe the state in a subject, for example, scratches and corrosion, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the subject, for example, a jet engine or factory piping. It is comprised so that an inspection can be performed.

  In this type of endoscope, particularly in an endoscope with a very thin insertion portion, the structure of the flexible tube for the endoscope applied thereto is, for example, an inner layer resin material, a metal mesh wire, etc. in order from the inside. Some use a flexible tube having a three-layer structure formed of a blade and an outer layer resin. By connecting a base to the flexible tube, it is possible to join the bending portion and the operation portion.

  For example, an endoscope flexible tube disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-99263, etc. includes an inner layer tube of a flexible resin, a mesh tube knitted from a metal strand, and an outer layer of a flexible resin. A flexible tube formed by laminating the tubes in order, and a bent portion side base fitted to the end of the flexible tube, the outer layer tube of the fitted portion is peeled off, and a cover member is attached to the peeled portion The connection structure with the curved part of the form which has arrange | positioned is comprised.

JP-A-10-99263

  However, in the endoscope flexible tube disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-99263, etc., the inner diameter of the flexible tube is expanded when the flexible tube and the base are connected. Then, an assembly is performed in which a base is fitted and arranged on the inner guard and the both are bonded and fixed. In this case, for example, the inner layer resin may be damaged when the inner diameter of the flexible tube is expanded. There is also a possibility that the adhesive may be peeled off due to secular change or the like. In such a case, that is, when a problem such as damage to the inner layer resin or peeling of the adhesive occurs, sufficient airtightness and watertightness cannot be maintained at the connection portion between the flexible tube and the base. The problem that it ends up occurs.

  Therefore, in order to improve the assemblability of the connecting portion, for example, means for welding a base and a blade of a flexible tube is considered. However, in the structure using the welding means as described above, since the adhesion of the resin member to the welded portion is low, sufficient airtightness and watertightness cannot be ensured. This may cause damage to the internal components of the endoscope.

  Further, in the case where the base and the blade are welded, a second base for fixing the bending wire insertion coil (A coil) is required in order to configure the serpentine tube unit. In such a configuration, since it is necessary to interpose the second base between the bending portion and the flexible tube portion, the hard length of the hard portion in the endoscope insertion portion becomes long, and therefore the insertion of the insertion portion There is a possibility of inhibiting the sex.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible tubular member for an endoscope using a flexible tube having a three-layer structure, and a flexible tubular member. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope flexible tube having a structure capable of improving assemblability when connecting a base member and ensuring high airtightness and watertightness.

To achieve the above object, an endoscope flexible tube according to an aspect of the present invention includes a long mesh tube having a distal end and a proximal end, and a first resin tube covering an outer periphery of the mesh tube. A second resin tube provided inscribed in the inner periphery of the mesh tube, a first joint portion where the end portion on the tip side of the mesh tube is circumferentially joined, and the first joint And a hard base member having a second joint portion that is circumferentially joined to the distal end side of the first resin tube.
An endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention includes the endoscope flexible tube.

  According to the present invention, in an endoscope flexible tube using a flexible tube having a three-layer structure, the assemblability when connecting the flexible tubular member and the base member is improved, and high airtightness, It is possible to provide a flexible tube for an endoscope having a structure capable of ensuring water tightness.

1 is an external perspective view showing an endoscope to which a flexible tube for an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged connection site between a flexible tube for an endoscope and a bending part in FIG. The principal part enlarged view which further expands and shows the site | part shown by code | symbol [3] of FIG. The principal part expanded sectional view which expands and shows the connection site | part of the flexible tube for endoscopes of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and a bending part. The figure which shows the modification of the 1st nozzle | cap | die member in the flexible tube for endoscopes of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The principal part expanded sectional view which expands and shows the connection site | part of the flexible tube for endoscopes and the bending part of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The principal part expanded sectional view which expands and shows the connection site | part of the flexible tube for endoscopes and the bending part of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. The principal part expanded sectional view which expands and shows the connection site | part of the flexible tube for endoscopes and the bending part of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The principal part expanded sectional view which expands and shows the connection site | part of the flexible tube for endoscopes of the 6th Embodiment of this invention, and a bending part.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. In each drawing used for the following description, each component may be shown with a different scale so that each component has a size that can be recognized on the drawing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the number of constituent elements, the shape of the constituent elements, the ratio of the constituent element sizes, and the relative positional relationship of the constituent elements described in these drawings are limited to the illustrated embodiments. It is not a thing.
[First Embodiment]

  First, before describing the flexible tube for an endoscope according to the present embodiment, a schematic configuration of the endoscope to which the flexible tube for an endoscope is applied will be briefly described with reference to FIG. To do. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an endoscope to which a flexible tube for an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  An endoscope 1 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a nephroscope. The endoscope 1 includes an elongated insertion portion 2 to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion 3 provided at the proximal end of the insertion portion 2, and an eyepiece provided at the proximal end of the operation portion 3. 5 etc. are comprised. Here, in the present embodiment, a configuration example of a so-called fiberscope will be described as the configuration of the endoscope 1, but the endoscope to which the present invention can be applied is limited to this form (fiberscope). Of course, it is not a thing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion 2 includes a distal end hard portion 11 located on the distal end side, a bending portion 12 provided continuously to the proximal end of the distal end hard portion 11, and a proximal end of the bending portion 12. The flexible tube 13 for endoscope which is provided and has flexibility etc. is comprised.

  Although not shown in the drawing, the distal end rigid portion 11 is provided with an observation lens, an illumination lens, and the like with this type of endoscope (fiber scope) of a conventional general configuration. It is the same.

  The bending portion 12 is configured to be able to be bent in, for example, two directions, up and down, when the bending lever 14 provided in the operation unit 3 is rotated by a user (user).

  The operation unit 3 is provided with a treatment instrument insertion port 15. The treatment instrument insertion port 15 is inserted into a proximal end side of a treatment instrument insertion channel (not shown) inserted into the insertion portion 2. As a result, the treatment instrument inserted into the treatment instrument insertion port 15 is guided to the distal end side of the insertion section 2 via the treatment instrument insertion channel in the insertion section 2 and formed on the distal end surface of the distal end hard section 11. It is configured so that it can protrude from the opening to the outside, that is, into the subject.

  In addition to the treatment instrument insertion channel, the insertion unit 2 and the operation unit 3 include, for example, a light guide that transmits illumination light to the illumination lens, and an object condensed by the observation lens. An image guide for transmitting an optical image in the specimen to the eyepiece 5, and a pulling wire for bending operation for bending the bending portion 12 in conjunction with the turning operation of the bending lever 14 provided in the operation unit 3. A bending wire 25 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 to be described later) is inserted and arranged.

  The configuration of the endoscope 1 itself is the same as that of this type of endoscope (fiber scope) having a conventional general configuration. Therefore, further detailed description is omitted.

  Next, a detailed configuration in the vicinity of the connection portion between the endoscope flexible tube 13 and the bending portion 12 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged connection portion between the endoscope flexible tube and the bending portion of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part showing the part indicated by the reference numeral [3] in FIG. 2 in a further enlarged manner. Here, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show a cross section including the central axis in the long axis direction of the endoscope flexible tube.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the flexible tube 13 for an endoscope according to the present embodiment includes a tubular member 21 that is a flexible tube, a first base member 22, a second base member 23, and the like. Yes. The proximal end side of the bending portion 12 is connected and fixed to the distal end side of the endoscope flexible tube 13 via the second cap member 23. The bending portion 12 includes a bending tube formed by connecting a plurality of bending pieces (only the final bending piece 27 is illustrated in FIG. 2), and a bending provided so as to cover the outer surface of the bending tube. It is comprised by rubber | gum 24 grade | etc.,.

  More specifically, in the endoscope flexible tube 13, the first base member 22 is connected and fixed to the distal end side of the tubular member 21, and the second base member 23 is further connected to the distal end side of the first base member 22. The connection is fixed. Here, the first base member 22 and the second base member 23 are connection members for connecting the tubular base member 21 and the bending portion 12 to each other.

  In addition, the bending part 12 in this embodiment is a structure part which is not directly related to this invention. Therefore, it is assumed that the bending portion 12 has the same configuration as the bending portion applied to a conventional general endoscope or the like, and a detailed description of the bending portion 12 itself is omitted.

  Of the constituent members constituting the endoscope flexible tube 13 of the present embodiment, the tubular member 21 is an elongated and hollow tubular (tubular) member. The tubular member 21 has a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to the plane including the central axis in the long axis direction, thereby forming a hollow portion.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a coil pipe 26, which is a bending wire insertion coil through which the bending wire 25 is inserted, is inserted and arranged in the tubular member 21, and the illustration thereof is omitted. For example, a treatment instrument channel tube, a water supply tube, an air supply tube, various signal cables and the like are inserted and arranged.

  The tubular member 21 has a so-called multilayer structure in which three layers of an inner resin layer 21c, a blade layer 21b, and an outer resin layer 21a are laminated in order from the inner layer side in the radial direction. The two resin layers 21a and 21c are tubular members formed using, for example, a flexible resin material having insulating properties, airtightness, and watertightness. The blade layer 21b is a long reticulated tube formed by weaving a metal material such as a metal wire or a non-metal wire, and having a distal end and a proximal end. The outer resin layer 21a is a first resin tube that covers the outer periphery of the blade layer 21b (mesh tube). The inner resin layer 21c is a second resin tube provided in contact with the inner periphery of the blade layer 21b (mesh tube).

  The first base member 22 and the second base member 23 are members formed of, for example, a hard member using a metal material or the like, and are tubular parts that are formed in a hollow, generally cylindrical shape as a whole. Of these, as shown in FIG. 3, the first base member 22 is formed with a region (see reference numeral 22w in FIG. 3) for connecting and disposing the distal end side of the tubular member 21 on the proximal end side. A region (see reference numeral 22x in FIG. 3) in which the proximal end side of the second base member 23 is connected and arranged is formed.

  In the region 22x of the first base member 22, the proximal end side of the second base member 23 is fitted and fixed to the inner diameter side thereof. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, a part of the base end of the final bending piece 27 of the bending portion 12 is connected and fixed to the second base member 23 so as to cover the outer peripheral side near the tip. A curved rubber 24 is provided so as to cover the outer surface of the curved portion 12 and to cover the outer surface region from the tip of the second base member 23 to the middle. The base end of the curved rubber 24 is disposed in contact with a position facing the front end edge of the first base member 22.

  In this state, a so-called pincushion bond 31 is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the contact portion between the curved rubber 24 and the tip edge portion of the first base member 22. Thus, the first base member 22 and the bending portion 12 (the curved rubber 24 and the final bending piece 27) are connected and fixed via the second base member 23.

  Further, the outer diameter of the region 22x of the first base member 22 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the other region 22w of the first base member 22. Therefore, the region 22x is referred to as a large diameter portion. The region 22w is referred to as a small diameter portion. The large-diameter portion 22x and the small-diameter portion 22w are stepped due to the difference in diameter in the radial direction in the cross section shown in FIGS.

  In the large diameter portion 22x of the first base member 22, as described above, the base end of the second base member 23 is fitted and disposed on the inner diameter portion thereof. Therefore, the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 22 x of the first base member 22 is set to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the second base member 23. Actually, since the second base member 23 is fitted and arranged in the inner diameter portion of the first base member 22, the outer diameter of the second base member 23 is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 22x. Has been.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 22x of the first base member 22 is that of the curved rubber 24 connected to the distal end side and that of the tubular member 21 connected to the proximal end side. It is set to be substantially the same size with respect to both the outer diameter.

  On the other hand, as described above, the distal end side of the tubular member 21 is connected to the small diameter portion 22w of the first base member 22 on the outer peripheral side thereof. In this case, the distal end side of the tubular member 21 is disposed so as to cover the outer surface of the small diameter portion 22 w of the first base member 22. That is, the tubular member 21 and the first base member 22 are connected to each other by arranging the thin-diameter portion 22w of the first base member 22 on the inner diameter side of the distal end side of the tubular member 21. . At this time, the distal end surface 21aa of the tubular member 21 is disposed in contact with the rear end surface 22xa of the large-diameter portion 22x of the first base member 22. (The end portion on the distal end side of the first resin tube is in contact with a large diameter portion provided on the distal end side of the second joint portion.)

  Here, in the connection part (refer FIG. 3) of the flexible tube for endoscopes, and the bending part, the tubular member 21 is formed as follows. That is, the inner resin layer 21c is removed in the region corresponding to the small diameter portion 22w at the distal end portion of the tubular member 21. That is, this region has a two-layer structure of the outer resin layer 21a and the blade layer 21b.

  Further, in a region corresponding to the small diameter portion 22w, a region in a predetermined range indicated by reference numeral 22y in FIG. 3 is formed by only the outer resin layer 21a. That is, in the region indicated by the region 22y, the blade layer 21b is further removed, and the portion corresponding to the removed blade layer 21b is filled with the outer resin layer 21a. . Therefore, the region indicated by the region 22y has a one-layer structure composed of only the outer resin layer 21a. The thickness of the outer resin layer 21a in the region 22y is thicker than the outer resin layer 21a in the other region of the tubular member 21, for example, two layers of the outer resin layer 21a and the blade layer 21b in the other region. It is formed to have a thickness corresponding to the wall thickness. However, the thickness of the outer resin layer 21a in the region 22y may be equal to or thinner than the thickness of the outer resin layer 21a in other regions.

  The outer peripheral resin layer 21 a in the region 22 y is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 22 w of the first cap member 22. Here, the end portion on the distal end side of the outer resin layer 21a (first resin tube) and the water-tightness securing portion 22y (second joint portion) of the small-diameter portion 22w are, for example, thermal welding, adhesion with an adhesive, or the like. It is fixed using the joining means. That is, in the region 22y, the resin member (outer resin layer 21a) is in close contact with the metal member (first base member 22) and fixed by heat welding or adhesion. With this configuration, the region indicated by the region 22y constitutes a water tightness securing portion that maintains airtightness and watertightness with respect to the outside. And this watertight ensuring part 22y is provided in the forefront part of the tubular member 21. Therefore, as described above, the distal end surface 21aa of the tubular member 21 in the water tightness securing portion 22y is disposed in close contact with the rear end surface 22xa of the large diameter portion 22x of the first base member 22. This configuration contributes to further improving airtightness and watertightness.

  Further, in the tubular member 21, a region connected to the water-tightness securing portion 22y and in a predetermined range indicated by reference numeral 22z in FIG. 3 has a two-layer structure in order of the blade layer 21b and the outer resin layer 21a from the inside. It has become. In this region 22z, the blade layer 21b is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 22w. That is, in the region 22z, the metal member (blade layer 21b) becomes the metal member (first base member 22). It adheres and is joined using joining means, such as welding. With this configuration, the region indicated by the region 22z is referred to as a base welded portion.

  That is, in the first base member 22, the base welded portion 22z is a first joint portion where the end portion on the tip side of the blade layer 21b (mesh tube) is joined in a circumferential shape. Further, the water-tightness securing portion 22y is provided on the distal end side with respect to the first joint portion, and a second end portion where the end portion on the distal end side of the outer resin layer 21a (first resin tube) is joined circumferentially. It is a junction.

  Here, the thickness of the small diameter portion 22 w of the first cap member 22 is set to be approximately equal to the thickness of the inner resin layer 21 c of the tubular member 21. However, in the present embodiment, in the illustrated example, the thickness of the small-diameter portion 22w and the thickness of the inner resin layer 21c are set to be approximately equal. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It does not necessarily have to be substantially equivalent. The base welded portion 22 z is provided on the rear end side of the first base member 22. Therefore, the end surface of the rear end portion 22b of the base welded portion 22z (the end portion on the base end side of the first base member 22) in the narrow diameter portion 22w of the first base member 22 and the inner resin layer 21c of the tubular member 21 are provided. The end face 21cb is disposed to face the end face (the end part on the tip side of the inner resin layer 21c (second resin tube)).

  As shown by an arrow 33 in FIG. 3, there is no tight contact between the end surface of the rear end portion 22b of the base welded portion 22z and the end surface of the front end portion 21cb of the inner resin layer 21c of the tubular member 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the part may be configured to have a slight gap. With this configuration, the inner diameter of the narrow-diameter portion 22w is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the portion forming the three-layer structure of the tubular member 21, that is, the region on the base end side other than the region corresponding to the region indicated by reference numeral 22w in FIG. It is set to be a dimension.

  A coil pipe 26 with a bending wire 25 inserted is disposed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the tubular member 21, the first cap member 22, and the second cap member 23 configured as described above. The distal end of the coil pipe 26 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the distal end side of the second base member 23. The bending wire 25 further extends from the tip of the coil pipe 26 and passes through the inside of the bending tube of the bending portion 12, and the tip thereof is fixed to a tip bending piece (not shown).

  As described above, the tip end of the coil pipe 26 is connected and fixed to the second base member 23. In this case, as a joining means between the second cap member 23 and the coil pipe 26, for example, a joining means such as brazing is used. In this part, when brazing is performed, for example, the brazing is poured from the front end side of the second base member 23. At this time, there is a possibility that the wax flowing between the second cap member 23 and the coil pipe 26 flows to the back and adheres to unnecessary portions. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second base member 23 is provided in the vicinity of the joining portion between the second base member 23 and the coil pipe 26 (see, for example, the part indicated by the arrow 32 in FIG. 2) in the vicinity of the tip. A through hole 23 a formed so as to open in a direction orthogonal to the major axis of the second cap member 23 is provided.

  By providing the through hole 23a of such a form on the second cap member 23 side, the solder flows into the through hole 23a during the brazing process. Can be prevented from flowing. The through hole 23 a is provided in a portion that avoids the water-tightness securing portion provided in the first base member 22. Therefore, the through hole 23a provided in the second cap member 23 does not hinder the function of the water tightness securing portion, that is, securing air tightness and water tightness.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the endoscope flexible tube 13, the water-tightness securing portion 22 y and the base welding portion 22 z are provided in the vicinity of the connection portion with the bending portion 12. Adhesion and reliable bonding between the outer resin layer 21a of the endoscope flexible tube 13 and the first cap member 22 can be ensured, so that sufficient airtightness and watertightness to the outside can be maintained.
[Second Embodiment]

  Next, an endoscope flexible tube according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged connection part between the endoscope flexible tube and the bending portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above, and shows a cross section including the central axis in the long axis direction of the endoscope flexible tube.

  The endoscope flexible tube 13A of the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the endoscope flexible tube 13 of the first embodiment described above, and a part of the configuration is different. Accordingly, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different components will be described below.

  In the endoscope flexible tube 13A of the present embodiment, a part of the shape of the first base member 22A is different. That is, in the present embodiment, the first base member 22A includes a plurality of concave portions that are concave in the inner diameter direction on the outer peripheral surface of the portion corresponding to the water-tightness securing portion 22y (second joint portion) in the small-diameter portion 22w. And it has a plurality of circumferential grooves 22Aa formed in the circumferential direction. The plurality of circumferential grooves 22Aa are formed side by side in the major axis direction of the first base member 22A, for example. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and at the same time, a plurality of small diameter portions 22w of the first cap member 22A can be provided at one site. By providing the circumferential groove 22Aa, the adhesion between the outer resin layer 21a and the first base member 22A in the water-tightness securing portion 22y can be further enhanced.

  Instead of the circumferential groove 22Aa provided on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 22w of the first base member 22A, a configuration in which a plurality of convex portions that protrude from the joint surface in the outer diameter direction may be provided. FIG. 5 is a view showing a modification of the first base member in the endoscope flexible tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view showing a cross section including the central axis in the major axis direction of the endoscope flexible tube, as in FIG. 4.

  The endoscope flexible tube 13B in this modification uses the first base member 22B instead of the first base member 22A shown in the second embodiment. The first base member 22B has a plurality of convex portions 22Bb each having a convex cross section and being formed in a rib shape over the entire circumference on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 22w. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

As described above, even in the configuration in which the plurality of convex portions 22Bb are provided, the adhesion between the outer resin layer 21a and the first base member 22B in the water-tightness securing portion 22y is further improved, just like the second embodiment. Can do.
[Third Embodiment]

  Next, a flexible tube for an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged connection part between the endoscope flexible tube and the bending portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is also a cross-sectional view including the central axis in the long axis direction of the endoscope flexible tube, similarly to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 in the first and second embodiments and the modifications thereof. is there.

  The endoscope flexible tube 13 </ b> C of the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the endoscope flexible tube of each of the above-described embodiments, and a part of the configuration is different. Therefore, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different components will be described below.

  In the endoscope flexible tube 13C in the present embodiment, the first base member 22C is applied instead of the first base member (22A, 22B) shown in the above-described embodiments. In the first base member 22C, a chamfered portion 22Cc is formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the rear end surface 22Cxa of the large diameter portion 22x. In accordance with this, the shape of the front end surface 21aa of the outer resin layer 21a of the tubular member 21 arranged in close contact with the rear end surface 22Cxa of the large diameter portion 22x is formed. That is, a part of the front end surface 21aa of the outer resin layer 21a is formed in a cross-sectional shape that protrudes forward.

  In other words, the large diameter portion 22x has a tapered portion 22Cxa whose outer diameter decreases from the distal end side to the proximal end side, and the distal end side of the outer resin layer 21a (first resin tube) with respect to the tapered portion 22Cxa. The end of each has a corresponding tapered contact surface.

  In this case, the diameter dimension of the portion near the rear end of the large diameter portion 22x of the first base member 22C is slightly larger than the diameter dimension near the front end portion of the tubular member 21 to which the first cap member 22C is connected. It is desirable that it is formed. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

By adopting such a configuration, the outer resin layer 21a of the tubular member 21 is peeled off from the first mouthpiece member 22C at the connection portion between the first mouthpiece member 22C and the tubular member 21 of the endoscope flexible tube 13C. A difficult structure can be obtained. Therefore, this makes it easy to ensure higher adhesion between the first base member 22C and the tubular member 21.
[Fourth Embodiment]

  Next, a flexible tube for an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged connection portion between the endoscope flexible tube and the bending portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment described above, and similarly, a cross-sectional view including the central axis in the major axis direction of the endoscope flexible tube.

  The endoscope flexible tube 13D of the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the endoscope flexible tube of each of the embodiments described above, and a part of the configuration is different. Therefore, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different components will be described below.

  In the endoscope flexible tube 13D in this embodiment, the first base member 22D is applied instead of the first base member (22A, 22B, 22C) shown in each of the above-described embodiments. The first base member 22D is formed to have a cylindrical shape with substantially the same diameter from the front end to the rear end. Unlike the first base member in each of the above-described embodiments, the first base member 22D has a large diameter portion 22x and a small diameter portion 22w. There is no site corresponding to each.

  The first base member 22D in the endoscope flexible tube 13D of the present embodiment includes a connection portion 22Dx, a water-tightness securing portion 22Dy, and a base welding portion 22Dz in order from the distal end side. Among these, the connection portion 22Dx is a region in a range corresponding to the large diameter portion of the first base member in each of the above-described embodiments, and is a portion that is fitted and connected to the inner diameter side of the second base member 23D.

  On the outer peripheral side of the connecting portion 22Dx, the rear end portion of the second base member 23D is disposed, and the outer peripheral side near the front end of the second base member 23D is covered with a curved rubber 24. The curved rubber 24 is fixed by a pincushion bond 31D. In this case, the outer peripheral surface side of the connection portion between the curved rubber 24 and the tubular member 21 is filled with the above-described adhesive of the pincushion bond 31D. Thus, the second base member 23D and the first base member 22D are formed so as not to be exposed to the outside.

  The water-tightness securing part 22Dy following the connection part 22Dx is a part for ensuring airtightness and water-tightness when the outer resin layer 21a of the tubular member 21 is in close contact with the watertightness securing part of each embodiment described above. is there. In the example illustrated by FIG. 7, similarly to the first base member of the second embodiment described above, a peripheral groove 22Da is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the water tightness securing portion 22Dy of the first base member 22D. An example is shown.

  The configuration of the base welding portion 22Dz following the water-tightness securing portion 22Dy and the configuration of the tubular member 21 corresponding thereto are the same as those of the above-described embodiments. That is, the outer peripheral side (metal part) of the base welded part 22Dz and the blade layer 21b (metal part) of the tubular member 21 are in close contact and are joined by welding. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiments.

Even with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments.
[Fifth Embodiment]

  Next, an endoscope flexible tube according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged connection portion between the endoscope flexible tube and the bending portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment described above, and similarly a cross-sectional view including the central axis in the long axis direction of the endoscope flexible tube.

  The endoscope flexible tube 13E according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the endoscope flexible tube according to each of the above-described embodiments, and a part of the configuration is different. Therefore, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different components will be described below.

  The endoscope flexible tube 13E in the present embodiment has substantially the same shape as the first base member 22D shown in the fourth embodiment, and passes through the region of the base weld portion 22Ez near the rear end. The only difference is that they are formed.

  The first base member 22E in the endoscope flexible tube 13E of the present embodiment includes a connection portion 22Ex, a water-tightness securing portion 22Ey, and a base welding portion 22Ez in order from the distal end side. Among these, the connection portion 22Ex is a portion that is fitted and connected to the inner diameter side of the second base member 23D, similarly to the connection portion 22Dx in the above-described fourth embodiment.

  On the outer peripheral side of the connection portion 22Ex, the rear end portion of the second base member 23D is disposed, and the outer peripheral side near the front end of the second base member 23D is covered with a curved rubber 24. The curved rubber 24 is fixed by a pincushion bond 31D. In this case, the outer peripheral surface side of the connection portion between the curved rubber 24 and the tubular member 21 is filled with the above-described adhesive of the pincushion bond 31D. Thus, the second base member 23D and the first base member 22E are formed so as not to be exposed to the outside. This configuration is the same as that of the above-described fourth embodiment.

  The water-tightness securing part 22Ey following the connection part 22Ex is a part for ensuring airtightness and water-tightness when the outer resin layer 21a of the tubular member 21 is in close contact with the watertightness securing part in the above-described embodiments. is there. In the example illustrated by FIG. 8, the circumferential groove 22Ea is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the water tightness securing portion 22Ey of the first base member 22E, similarly to the first base member of the second and fourth embodiments described above. The formed form is illustrated.

  The base welding part 22Ez following the water-tightness securing part 22Ey is formed such that its inner diameter is smaller than that of the water-tightness securing part 22Ey. The configuration of the tubular member 21 corresponding to the base welded portion 22Ez is substantially the same as that of each of the embodiments described above. That is, the outer peripheral side (metal part) of the base welded part 22Ez and the blade layer 21b (metal part) of the tubular member 21 are in close contact and are joined by welding. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiments.

Even with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments. At the same time, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, since the inner diameter of the welded portion of the blade layer 21b to be welded is not expanded, the tube outer diameter is changed to the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments in the base welded portion 22Ez. Compared to this, the diameter can be easily reduced.
[Sixth Embodiment]

  Next, an endoscope flexible tube according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged connection site between the endoscope flexible tube and the bending portion according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment described above, and similarly, a cross-sectional view including the central axis in the major axis direction of the endoscope flexible tube.

  The endoscope flexible tube 13F of the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the endoscope flexible tube of each of the above-described embodiments, and a part of the configuration is different. Specifically, this is an example of a configuration in which the second base member is omitted. Therefore, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different components will be described below.

  The endoscope flexible tube 13F in the present embodiment is substantially the same as the endoscope flexible tube of the first to third embodiments described above. In FIG. 9 showing the endoscope flexible tube 13F of the present embodiment, the water tightness securing portion of the small diameter portion 22w of the first base member 22F is similar to the endoscope flexible tube of the second embodiment. An example in which a circumferential groove 22Fa is provided in 22y and a chamfered portion 22Fc is provided in the outer peripheral edge portion of the rear end surface of the large diameter portion 22x is illustrated.

  In the present embodiment, the proximal end side of the final bending piece 27 of the bending portion 12 is fitted and connected to the inner diameter side of the distal end portion of the large diameter portion 22x of the first base member 22F. That is, in the present embodiment, the second base member provided in each of the above-described embodiments is omitted, and thus the first base member 22F and the final curved piece 27 are indicated by an arrow 32F in FIG. Connected directly at the connection site. Note that the end of the coil pipe 26 is fixed to the final bending piece 27 by means such as brazing.

  With such a configuration, the distal end surface of the first base member 22F is disposed to face the proximal end surface of the curved rubber 24, and both end surfaces are in contact with each other. In this state, the outer periphery of the curved rubber 24 is fixed by a pincushion bond 31.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the second cap member 23 is omitted, and the end of the coil pipe 26 is connected and fixed to the final bending piece 27. In this case, as a joining means between the final bending piece 27 and the coil pipe 26, for example, a joining means such as brazing is used. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the vicinity of the joining portion between the final bending piece 27 and the coil pipe 26 (see, for example, the portion indicated by the arrow 32F in FIG. 9), the final bending piece 27 is opened in a direction orthogonal to the long axis. A through-hole 27a is provided. By providing the through hole 27a on the side of the final bending piece 27, it is possible to prevent unnecessary brazing from flowing to the back during brazing. The through hole 27a corresponds to the through hole 23a of the second cap member 23 described in the first embodiment. The through hole 27a is also provided in a portion that avoids the water tightness securing portion 22y provided in the first base member 22F, so that the function of the water tight securement portion 22y is not hindered as described in the first embodiment. It is the same. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiments.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained. At the same time, the second base member can be omitted at the connection portion between the tubular member 21 of the endoscope flexible tube 13F and the bending tube of the bending portion 12, which contributes to shortening of the hard length. Can do. In addition, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the number of members can be reduced, which can contribute to reduction in manufacturing cost and downsizing of the apparatus.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can of course be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the above-described embodiment, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect of the invention can be obtained, this constituent requirement is deleted. The configured structure can be extracted as an invention.

  The present invention can be applied not only to an endoscope control device in the medical field but also to an endoscope control device in an industrial field.

1 …… Endoscope,
2 ... Insertion part,
3 …… Operation part,
5 ... Eyepiece,
11: Hard tip part,
12 ... curved part,
13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F ... flexible tube for endoscope,
14: Curved lever,
15 …… Instrument insertion port,
21 …… Tubular member,
21a: outer resin layer,
21aa …… the tip surface,
21b ... blade layer,
21c: inner resin layer,
21cb ...... the tip,
22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F ... the first base member,
22b ...... Rear end,
22w …… Small diameter part,
22x ...... large diameter part,
22xa …… Rear end face,
22y, 22Dy, 22Ey …… Watertightness securing part,
22z, 22Dz, 22Ez.
22Aa, 22Da, 22Ea, 22Fa ... Circumferential groove,
22Bb ... convex part,
22Cc, 22Fc: Chamfered part,
22Cxa ...... Rear end face, taper part,
22Dx, 22Ex …… Connection part,
23, 23D ...... second base member,
23a ...... through hole,
24 ...... curved rubber,
25 …… Curved wire,
26 …… Coil pipe,
27 …… Final curve piece,
27a ...... through hole,
31, 31D ...

Claims (11)

A long reticulated tube having a distal end and a proximal end;
A first resin tube covering an outer periphery of the mesh tube;
A second resin tube provided inscribed in the inner periphery of the mesh tube;
A first joining portion in which an end portion on the distal end side of the mesh tube is circumferentially joined, and an end portion on the distal end side of the first resin tube, which is closer to the distal end side than the first joining portion. A hard base member having a second joint portion joined circumferentially;
A flexible tube for an endoscope, comprising:   The end portion on the distal end side of the second resin tube is disposed so as to face an end portion on the proximal end side of the base member. Flexible tube.   The endoscope for an endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the mesh tube and the base member are made of metal, and an end portion of the mesh tube and the first joint are joined by welding. Flexible tube.   The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the end portion on the distal end side of the first resin tube and the second joint portion are joined by heat welding or adhesion by an adhesive. Flexible tube.   The flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the second joint portion has a concave portion in an inner diameter direction from a circumferential joint surface with the first resin tube.   The flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the concave portion is a circumferential groove provided in a circumferential direction of the second joint portion.   The flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the second joint portion has a convex portion in an outer diameter direction from a circumferential joint surface with the first resin tube. .   An end portion on the distal end side of the first resin tube is in contact with a large diameter portion provided on the distal end side of the second joint portion, and is outside an end portion on the distal end side of the first resin tube. The flexible tube for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the diameter and the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion are substantially the same size.   The large-diameter portion has a tapered portion whose outer diameter decreases from the distal end side to the proximal end side, and a tapered abutting portion corresponding to the end portion on the distal end side of the first resin tube with respect to the tapered portion. The flexible tube for an endoscope according to claim 8, which has a contact surface.   The endoscope provided with the flexible tube for endoscopes as described in any one of Claims 1-9.   A bending tube in which a coil pipe for inserting a pulling wire for bending operation is fixed to a base end portion, a base end portion of the bending tube is fixed to the base member, and the coil pipe is a portion of the flexible tube for an endoscope. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the endoscope is inserted inside.

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