JP2017148300A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope in which a bending portion and a soft portion of the insertion section thereof are firmly and detachably joined to each other.SOLUTION: A connection ring 29 on a distal side of a soft portion 12 is internally fitted to a proximal piece 20a on a soft-portion side of a bending portion 11. The proximal piece 20a is provided with an introduction portion 217a axially extending from an end of the proximal piece 20a, and a notch 217 having an engaging portion 217b in connection with the introduction portion 217a and extending circumferentially. The connection ring 29 on the distal side of the soft portion is provided with a protrusion 201 formed integrally with the connection ring 29 and received in the engaging portion 217b of the notch 217. A head portion 212 of the protrusion 201 is swaged to an outer peripheral surface around the notch 217 of the proximal piece 20a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope.

  The insertion portion of an endoscope is typically configured such that a relatively soft flexible portion is connected to a bending portion configured to be capable of bending operation. The proximal end portion of the tubular body constituting the bending portion and the distal end portion of the tubular body constituting the flexible portion are fitted to each other, straddling the proximal end portion of the fitted bending portion and the distal end portion of the flexible portion. A common connecting member is engaged, and the bending portion and the soft portion are connected to each other.

  In the endoscope described in Patent Document 1, the connecting member is provided at the proximal end portion of the bending portion disposed outside the fitting portion among the proximal end portion of the fitted bending portion and the distal end portion of the soft portion. Is inserted into the engaging hole, and is engaged with an engaging groove provided at the tip of the soft portion disposed inside the fitting.

  Then, in order to suppress the detachment of the connecting member when an axial tensile force acts on the bending portion and the soft portion, the connecting member is covered with a stopper member made of a thin metal tape or the like from the outer peripheral side, and further curved. It is fixed to the engaging hole of the part and the engaging concave part of the soft part by an adhesive or the like.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-115427

  In addition to pulling in the axial direction, torsion around the axis also acts on the connecting portion of the bending portion and the soft portion. In the endoscope described in Patent Document 1, pulling and twisting are received by a common connecting member, and appropriate strength is required for fixing the connecting member to the bending portion and the flexible portion.

  In the endoscope described in Patent Document 1, the connecting member is bonded to the curved portion and the soft portion, and when the fixing strength sufficient to receive the tension and the twist is obtained by bonding, It becomes difficult to separate the curved portion and the soft portion during repair.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope in which a bending portion and a soft portion of an insertion portion are firmly connected so as to be separable.

  An endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of annular pieces arranged in a row, and a curved portion in which two adjacent pieces are rotatably connected to each other, and one of the curved portions. A flexible portion having a connection ring connected to a base piece disposed at an end, and the connection ring includes a connection portion fitted into the base piece, and the base end The piece is provided with at least one notch having an introduction portion extending in the axial direction from the end of the base piece and an engagement portion extending in the circumferential direction connected to the introduction portion, and is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connection portion. Is provided with at least one protrusion inserted into the engaging portion of the notch, and the head of the protrusion is crimped to the outer peripheral surface around the notch of the base piece. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope in which the bending portion and the flexible portion of the insertion portion are firmly connected so as to be separable.

It is a perspective view showing composition of an example of an endoscope and an endoscope system for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the insertion part of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structural example of the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of an endoscope. It is the perspective view which showed the top node ring of the head part and the curved part in the state which removed the balloon and the outer wall member. It is the perspective view which abbreviate | omitted the front-end | tip sleeve and the balloon and showed the front node ring of a front-end | tip part and a curved part. It is the perspective view which showed only the front-end | tip part main body from the base end side. It is the front view which showed the front end surface of the front-end | tip part (insertion part). It is the perspective view which showed only the front-end | tip sleeve from the front end side. It is the perspective view which showed the front-end | tip sleeve from the base end side. It is sectional drawing which expanded and showed the screw threading part. It is a top view which shows the structural example of the bending part of the insertion part of an endoscope. It is a perspective view of the four-way piece used for the curved part of FIG. It is a perspective view of the two-way piece used for the curved part of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the connection location of two adjacent pieces in the curved part of FIG. It is a top view which shows the other structural example of the bending part of an endoscope. It is a perspective view of the four-way piece used for the curved part of FIG. It is a perspective view of an example of the two-way piece used for the curved part of FIG. It is a perspective view of the other example of the two-way piece used for the curved part of FIG. It is a perspective view of the modification of the two-way piece of FIG. It is a perspective view of the modification of the two-way piece of FIG. It is a top view which shows the other structural example of the bending part of an endoscope. It is sectional drawing of the two-way piece in the other structural example of the bending part of an endoscope. It is sectional drawing of the two-way piece in the other structural example of the bending part of an endoscope. It is sectional drawing of the modification of the two-way piece of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the other modification of the two-way piece of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the other modification of the two-way piece of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the connection location of the curved part and soft part of the insertion part of an endoscope. It is a disassembled perspective view of the connection location of the curved part and soft part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connection process of the connection location of the curved part and soft part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connection process of the connection location of the curved part and soft part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connection process of the connection location of the curved part and soft part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connection process of the connection location of the curved part and soft part of FIG. FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a broken-line circle XXVIII in FIG. 27D. It is a principal part expansion perspective view which shows the other structural example of the connection location of the curved part of the insertion part of an endoscope, and a soft part. It is a principal part expansion perspective view which shows the other structural example of the connection location of the curved part of the insertion part of an endoscope, and a soft part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the soft part of the insertion part of an endoscope. FIG. 32 is a plan view of an example of an anchor portion of the outer skin that joins the reticular tube of the soft portion and the outer skin shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line XXXIII-XXXIII in FIG. 32. It is a top view of the other example of the anchor part of a skin. FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken along line XXXV-XXXV in FIG. 34. It is a top view of the other example of the anchor part of a skin. FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along line XXXVII-XXXVII in FIG. 36. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the junction location of the front end side connection ring of the tubular body of the soft part shown in FIG. FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a broken-line circle XXXIX in FIG. 38. It is sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the junction location of the front end side connection ring of the tubular body of a soft part. It is sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the junction location of the front end side connection ring of the tubular body of a soft part. It is sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the junction location of the front end side connection ring of the tubular body of a soft part. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the junction location of the base end side connection ring of the tubular body of the soft part shown in FIG. FIG. 44 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a broken-line circle XXXXIV in FIG. 43. It is sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the junction location of the base end side connection ring of the tubular body of a soft part. It is sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the junction location of the base end side connection ring of the tubular body of a soft part.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an example of an endoscope and an endoscope system for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

  The endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source unit 3, and a processor unit 4. The endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 6 that is inserted into a subject, an operation portion 7 that is continuous with the insertion portion 6, and a universal cord 8 that extends from the operation portion 7.

  The distal end portion 10 of the insertion unit 6 is provided with an illumination window that emits illumination light that illuminates the subject, an imaging unit that includes an imaging device that captures the subject, and the like.

  A connector 9 is provided at the end of the universal cord 8, and the endoscope 2 captures the light source unit 3 that generates illumination light emitted from the illumination window of the distal end portion 10 and the distal end portion 10 via the connector 9. It is connected to a processor unit 4 that processes image signals acquired by the apparatus. The processor unit 4 processes the input image signal to generate image data of the subject, and displays and records the generated image data on the monitor 5.

  A light guide and an electric wire group are provided inside the insertion portion 6, the operation portion 7, and the universal cord 8. Illumination light generated by the light source unit 3 is guided to the illumination window of the distal end portion 10 via the light guide, and signals and power are transmitted between the imaging unit of the distal end portion 10 and the processor unit 4 via the electric wire group. Is transmitted.

  The insertion portion 6 includes a bending portion 11 that is continuous with the distal end portion 10, and a flexible portion 12 that connects the bending portion 11 and the operation portion 7. The bending portion 11 is configured to be able to bend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 6, and the bending operation of the bending portion 11 is operated by the operation portion 7. Further, the flexible portion 12 is configured to be relatively flexible so as to be deformable following the shape of the insertion path of the insertion portion 6.

  The operation unit 7 is provided with buttons for operating the imaging operation of the imaging device at the distal end portion 10 and a rotary knob for operating the bending operation of the bending unit 11. In addition, the operation unit 7 is provided with a treatment instrument insertion port 13 into which a treatment instrument such as a lever is inserted, and the insertion unit 6 reaches the distal end portion 10 from the treatment instrument insertion port 13, and performs treatment. A channel through which the tool is inserted is provided.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the insertion portion 6.

  The distal end portion 10 is mounted on the distal end side of the distal end main body 22 and a columnar distal end main body 22 to which various built-in objects mounted on the distal end portion 10 such as the illumination window and the imaging device are fixed. 10, that is, a cap-shaped protective cover 23 that forms the distal end surface of the insertion portion 6, and a cylindrical distal end sleeve 24 that is fixed to the proximal end side of the distal end portion main body 22.

  The bending portion 11 includes a plurality of annular pieces 20. These pieces 20 are arranged in a line with the central axis aligned, and covered with a mesh tube formed by braiding a metal wire, so that the bending portion 11 has the above-described light guide, electric wire group, And it is formed in a tubular shape that can accommodate a channel and the like. Two adjacent pieces 20 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis by a pair of shaft members 21 arranged on a rotation axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 11. The bending portion 11 is bent as a whole by combining the individual rotations of the two adjacent pieces 20.

  In the example shown in the drawing, as the rotation axes of two adjacent pieces 20, a rotation axis X extending in a first direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 11, and a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and orthogonal to the first direction. Rotating axes Y extending in two directions are alternately provided. The bending portion 11 is based on reciprocal two directions (hereinafter referred to as the vertical direction) based on the rotation of the two adjacent pieces 20 around the rotation axis X and the rotation of the two adjacent pieces 20 around the rotation axis Y. It can be bent in a total of four directions in two reciprocal directions (hereinafter referred to as left and right directions).

  The flexible part 12 includes a flexible tube 28 that accommodates the light guide, the electric wire group, the channel, and the like. The tubular body 28 is, for example, a net-like shape formed by braiding a wire bundle formed by bundling metal strands in a strip shape around the outer periphery of a screw tube formed by spirally winding a metal strip plate material, for example. Covered with a tube. A distal end side connection ring 29 that connects the flexible portion 12 and the bending portion 11 is joined to the distal end portion (the end portion on the bending portion 11 side) of the tubular body 28, and the proximal end portion ( A proximal end side connection ring 30 that connects the flexible portion 12 and the operation portion 7 is joined to the end portion on the operation portion 7 side.

  Of the plurality of pieces 20 included in the bending portion 11, the proximal end piece 20 a located on the soft portion 12 side is connected to the distal end side connection ring 29 of the soft portion 12. On the other hand, the tip piece 20 b positioned closest to the tip portion 10 is connected to the tip sleeve 24 of the tip portion 10.

  Inside the bending portion 11 and the flexible portion 12, a plurality of wires for bending the bending portion 11 in accordance with an operation at the operation portion 7 are provided. In the present example in which the bending portion 11 is configured to be able to bend in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, a pair of wires 25 corresponding to the vertical curvature and a pair of wires 26 corresponding to the horizontal curvature are provided. Yes. In the figure, one of the pair of wires 25 and the pair of wires 26 is shown.

  A pair of wires 25 corresponding to the bending in the vertical direction respectively extend from the operation portion 7, and the distal end portion of the wire 25 is fixed to the distal end sleeve 24 of the distal end portion 10 through the flexible portion 12 and the bending portion 11. . Inside the bending portion 11, one wire 25 is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 11 in the upper region when the inside of the bending portion 11 is divided in the vertical direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 11. The wire guides 27 are sequentially inserted into the wire guides 27 provided on the plurality of pieces 20, and the other wire 25 is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 11 in the lower region and is provided on the plurality of pieces 20. 27 are inserted in order.

  A pair of wires 26 corresponding to the bending in the left-right direction also extend from the operation portion 7, and the distal end portion of the wire 26 is fixed to the distal end sleeve 24 of the distal end portion 10 through the flexible portion 12 and the bending portion 11. ing. Inside the bending portion 11, one wire 26 is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 11 in the left region when the inside of the bending portion 11 is divided in the left-right direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 11. The wire guides 27 are sequentially inserted into the wire guides 27 provided on the plurality of pieces 20, and the other wire 26 is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 11 in the right side region and is provided on the plurality of pieces 20. Are inserted in order.

  In the vertical bending of the bending portion 11, one wire 25 of the pair of wires 25 is pulled and the other wire 25 is drawn out in accordance with the operation of the operation portion 7, whereby the bending portion 11 is moved upward or downward. Curved in the direction. In the bending of the bending portion 11 in the left-right direction, one wire 26 of the pair of wires 26 is pulled and the other wire 26 is drawn out in accordance with the operation of the operation portion 7, thereby causing the bending portion 11 to move leftward or rightward. Curved in the direction.

  Hereinafter, a configuration example of each unit of the insertion unit 6 will be described in order.

  First, the structural example of the front-end | tip part 10 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end portion 10 cut along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 6.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end portion 10 includes the distal end portion main body 22, the protective cover 23, and the distal end sleeve 24 as described above. The distal end sleeve 24 is connected to the distal end piece 20 b of the bending portion 11 at the proximal end side, and thereby the distal end portion 10 is joined to the bending portion 11.

  Here, in FIG. 4, the distal end sleeve 24 and the distal end piece 20 b are shown from the proximal end side, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the distal end sleeve 24 has a cylindrical main body portion 40 on the distal end side. A cylindrical recess 41 having a step from the main body 40 and being provided on the base end side and having a diameter smaller than that of the main body 40; and a step from the recess 41 to the base end. The connecting portion 42 has a diameter larger than that of the concave portion 41 and a diameter smaller than that of the main body portion 40.

  The outer diameter of the recess 41 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tip piece 20b, the inner diameter of the connecting portion 42 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tip piece 20b, and the connecting portion 42 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion of the tip piece 20b. By fitting, the tip sleeve 24 is connected to the tip piece 20b. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion 42 has a plurality of holes 43 penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface, and the joint portion between the connecting portion 42 and the tip piece 20b is soldered in the hole 43. By attaching, the tip sleeve 24 and the tip piece 20b are fixed to each other.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a circumferential balloon mounting groove 44 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end sleeve 24, and the balloon 45 is formed along the balloon mounting groove 44 as shown in FIG. The tip portion is pressed from the outside by a rubber fixing ring 46 and fixed in a state of being in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tip sleeve 24. The balloon 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose both end portions are narrowed by an elastic body such as rubber, and the base end portion is fixed at the curved portion 11 or the like by a fixing ring in the same manner as the distal end portion. The both ends of the balloon 45 may be fixed by a method other than a method using a fixing ring. For example, the balloon 45 may be fixed by winding a thread.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the distal end portion 10 and the distal end piece 20b without the distal end sleeve 24 and the balloon 45. As shown in FIG. 11, the tip portions of the electric wire group 47, the channel 48, the pair of light guides 49, the air / water supply tube 50, and the balloon air / air supply tube 51 are arranged.

  The tip end body 22 is formed of a hard material such as metal, and is formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 6 showing only the tip end body 22. The central axis of the distal end body 22 is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 6.

  The distal end portion main body 22 is provided with a plurality of space portions 52 to 55 that communicate from the proximal end surface 22 a to the distal end surface 10 a of the distal end portion 10 via the protective cover 23 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging device 56 to which the wire group 47 is connected is inserted and fixed as an integral part.

  FIG. 7 is a front view showing the front end surface 10a. As shown in FIG. 7, the front end surface 10a is positioned on the most objective side (front end side) of the objective optical system that is a component of the imaging device 56. An observation window 57 is disposed. As a result, subject light from the site to be observed existing in front of the front end surface 10 a is taken into the objective optical system through the observation window 57, and the solid-state imaging device 58 (see FIG. 3) that is a component of the imaging device 56. An optical image of the site to be observed is formed on the imaging surface. Then, the optical image is photoelectrically converted by the solid-state imaging device 58 and the image signal is transmitted to the processor unit 4 connected to the endoscope 2 by the universal cord 8 via the electric wire group 47 connected to the imaging device 56. Is done.

  In FIG. 6, a pipe 59 (see FIG. 3) to which the distal end side of the channel 48 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) is connected is fixed to the space 53 provided in communication with the space 52. As shown in FIG. 7, the distal end surface 10a is provided with a treatment instrument outlet 60 through which the distal end of the pipe 59 communicates. The proximal end side of the channel 48 is connected to the treatment instrument insertion port 13 shown in FIG. 1, and a treatment instrument such as forceps inserted from the treatment instrument insertion port 13 passes through the channel 48 and the pipe 59. Derived from the outlet 60.

  In FIG. 6, a light emitting portion (not shown) to which each tip portion of the light guide 49 (see FIG. 5) is connected is fixed to each of the pair of space portions 54. As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of illumination windows 61, which are constituent elements of the light emitting portions, are disposed on the distal end surface 10a. Illumination light from the light source unit 3 connected to the endoscope 2 by the universal cord 8 is guided to the light emitting portion by the light guide 49 and emitted from the light guide 49, and is directed to the observation site via the illumination window 61. Irradiated.

  In FIG. 6, the space portion 55 forms a pipeline for the air / water supply channel, and the distal end side of the air / water supply tube 50 is connected. As shown in FIG. 7, an air / water supply nozzle 62 for injecting water or gas to the observation window 57 in order to clean the observation window 57 is provided on the distal end surface 10 a, and a space portion is provided in the air / water supply nozzle 62. 55 communicates. Thereby, the gas or water supplied to the endoscope 2 by the pump of the processor unit 4 connected to the endoscope 2 by the universal cord 8 is supplied to the air / water supply nozzle via the air / water supply tube 50 and the space portion 55. Injected from 62 toward the observation window 57.

  Further, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 4, the distal end sleeve 24 is provided with a balloon air supply port 63, and the balloon air supply port 63 has a balloon air supply tube on the inner peripheral surface side of the distal end sleeve 24. The front end side of 51 is connected. The proximal end side of the balloon air supply tube 51 is installed at the proximal end portion of the operation unit 7, and is connected to the balloon control device via a tube connected to the proximal end portion of the operation unit 7. As a result, the supply and discharge of gas to and from the inside of the balloon 45 is performed via the balloon air supply tube 51 and the balloon air supply port 63 under the control of the balloon control device, and the balloon 45 is inflated or deflated.

  Subsequently, a fixing structure for fixing the distal end portion main body 22 and the distal end sleeve 24 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end portion body 22 and the distal end sleeve 24 are fitted with the distal end side of the distal end sleeve 24 (main body portion 40) on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion main body 22, and on the inner peripheral surface 24 a side of the distal end sleeve 24. It is fastened and fixed by a screw 65 in the provided screwed portion 64.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the distal end body 22 has a screw hole 66 that extends from the proximal end surface 22 a along the central axis of the distal end body 22 near the outer peripheral surface and into which a screw 65 is screwed. Is formed.

  On the other hand, on the inner peripheral surface 24a of the tip sleeve 24, there is formed a screw receiving portion 68 that protrudes in the radial direction and has an insertion hole 67 through which the screw 65 is inserted as shown in FIG.

  Here, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing only the distal end sleeve 24 from the distal end side. As shown in the figure, the tip sleeve 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is formed of the main body portion 40, the concave portion 41, and the connecting portion 42 having different diameters as described above. The main body portion 40 is formed with a screw receiving portion 68 that protrudes in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface 24a, and the screw receiving portion 68 is formed with an insertion hole 67 through which the screw 65 is inserted.

  The insertion hole 67 has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the screw portion, which is a portion where the male screw of the shaft portion of the screw 65 is formed, and smaller than the outer diameter of the head portion. Further, the central axis of the insertion hole 67 is parallel to the central axis of the tip sleeve 24.

  The inner diameter of the main body portion 40 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the distal end portion main body 22, and when the distal end sleeve 24 is fixed to the distal end portion main body 22, the distal end sleeve 24 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion main body 22 from the proximal end side. The front end side of the main body portion 40 is fitted, and the screw receiving portion 68 is brought into contact with the proximal end surface of the front end portion main body 22 as shown in FIG. Further, the position of the insertion hole 67 of the screw receiving portion 68 is aligned with the position of the screw hole 66 of the distal end portion main body 22.

  As a result, the distal end sleeve 24 is fitted into the distal end portion main body 22, and the distal end sleeve 24 is disposed on the proximal end side of the distal end portion main body 22. The central axis of the tip sleeve 24 is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 6 and the central axis of the tip body 22, and the insertion hole 67 of the screw receiving portion 68 is coaxial with the screw hole 66, that is, The central axis (see FIG. 8) of the insertion hole 67 and the central axis (see FIG. 6) of the screw hole 66 are arranged substantially coaxially. As shown in FIG. 3, the screw receiving portion 68 is disposed between the proximal end surface 22 a of the distal end portion main body 22 and a rib portion 69 described later.

  In addition, when the tip sleeve 24 is fitted to the tip portion main body 22, a joint portion thereof is previously connected to at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion main body 22 and the inner peripheral surface 24 a of the tip sleeve 24. A sealing material is applied in a range. For example, silicone RTV (room temperature vulcanization) rubber whose initial state is liquid at normal temperature can be used as the sealing material.

  As a result, a gap generated between the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion main body 22 and the inner peripheral surface 24a of the distal end sleeve 24 and the joining portion is shielded by the sealing material, and the high sealing performance of the fitting portion between the distal end portion main body 22 and the distal end sleeve 24 is ensured. Secured.

  Note that the sealing material may be applied so as to seal the joint portion between the distal end portion main body 22 and the distal end sleeve 24 after fitting. The sealing material may be either a liquid material that is cured under predetermined conditions after coating or a material that is not cured. Further, a sealing material whose initial state is solid may be used. However, the fitting portion between the tip portion main body 22 and the tip sleeve 24 may not be shielded by the sealing material.

  After the distal end sleeve 24 is fitted to the distal end portion main body 22 in this way, the screw portion formed on the shaft portion of the screw 65 inserted through the insertion hole 67 of the screw receiving portion 68 as shown in FIG. Screwed into the screw hole 66 of the main body 22. Then, the screw 65 is tightened, and the screw receiving portion 68 is pressed against the proximal end surface of the distal end portion main body 22 with the head of the screw 65. As a result, the tip body 22 and the tip sleeve 24 are fastened and fixed via the screw 65.

  On the other hand, when removing the tip sleeve 24 from the tip portion main body 22, the screw threaded portion 64 causes the tip portion main body 22 and the tip sleeve 24 to be separated by rotating the screw 65 in a direction to loosen the screw 65 with a screwdriver. 22 has a jack-up mechanism that jacks the tip sleeve 24 against the tip sleeve 22 or the tip portion main body 22 with respect to the tip sleeve 24.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the inner peripheral surface 24 a of the distal end sleeve 24 has a rib portion that protrudes at a substantially constant protruding amount except for both end portions along the radial direction from the screw receiving portion 68 to the proximal end side. 69 is provided. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the distal end sleeve 24 from the proximal end side, and the rib portion 69 is illustrated from the proximal end side. In the figure, for the balloon connected to the screw 65 inserted through the insertion hole 67 of the screw receiving portion 68 and the balloon air supply port 63 (see FIG. 4) formed in the main body portion 40 of the tip sleeve 24. An air supply tube 51 is also shown.

  FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the screw threaded portion 64 in FIG. This figure is a cross-sectional view of the screw threaded portion 64 cut along a plane including the central axis of the tip sleeve 24 and the central axis of the insertion hole 67 of the screw receiving portion 68. As shown in FIG. , Provided at a position intersecting with the plane, for example, having a symmetrical shape with respect to the plane. In other words, the rib portion 69 is formed at a position where the center position thereof coincides with the center axis of the insertion hole 67 of the screw receiving portion 68 with respect to the direction (circumferential direction) around the center axis of the tip sleeve 24. In the state where the tip body 22 and the tip sleeve 24 are fixed, the center axis of the insertion hole 67 and the center axis of the screw hole 66 and the center axis of the screw 65 screwed into the screw hole 66 are substantially coaxial. Placed on top.

  The rib portion 69 has a protrusion amount Hr (height in the radial direction) with respect to the inner peripheral surface 24 a of the tip sleeve 24 (main body portion 40) and a head 65 a of the screw 65 screwed into the screw hole 66 and the tip sleeve 24. It has a shape that is larger than the length Hs of the gap between the inner peripheral surface 24a.

  Therefore, if the screw 65 is linearly moved in the direction of the central axis of the screw hole 66, the head portion 65 a of the screw 65 comes into contact with the rib portion 69.

  Further, in a state where the screw portion 65c, which is a portion where the male screw of the shaft portion 65b of the screw 65 is formed, is screwed to the screw hole 66 to the first position as shown in FIG. When the screwing length with the screw portion 65c is Lp and the distance in the axial direction of the screw hole 66 between the head portion 65a of the screw 65 and the rib portion 69 is Ls, the rib portion 69 is in a position satisfying Lp> Ls. Is provided.

  That is, when the screw 65 is rotated in the loosening direction (counterclockwise direction) and moved straight in the direction of the central axis of the screw hole 66, the screw hole 66 and the screw portion 65c of the screw 65 are completely engaged. A rib portion 69 is formed at a position where the head portion 65a of the screw 65 abuts before being released.

  Here, the first position is a state in which the distal end surface of the screw receiving portion 68 is in close contact with the proximal end surface 22a of the distal end portion main body 22 and the head portion 65a of the screw 65 is in close contact with the proximal end surface of the screw receiving portion 68. When the screw 65 is tightened in the screw hole 66 until it becomes, that is, in a state where the screw hole 66 and the screw portion 65c of the screw 65 are screwed up to the maximum screwing range, The proximal end position of the screw portion 65c in the screwing range.

  The screwing length Lp is the length of the screwing range between the screw hole 66 and the screw part 65c of the screw 65 when the screw part 65c of the screw 65 is screwed into the screw hole 66 to the first position. Specifically, it refers to the length from the tip position of the screw portion 65c of the screw 65 screwed into the screw hole 66 to the opening position of the screw hole 66 (position of the base end surface 22a of the tip portion main body 22). Since the screw 65 shown in FIG. 10 is formed on the entire shaft portion 65b, the entire shaft portion 65b is a screw portion 65c. However, the screw part 65c may be formed in a partial range of the shaft part 65b.

  With this configuration, the screw threaded portion 64 having the rib portion 69 is rotated in the same direction after the head 65a of the screw 65 abuts against the rib portion 69 by rotating the screw 65 by a screwdriver as described later. A jack device is configured to jack up the tip end body 22 with respect to the tip sleeve 24 by rotating. The tip sleeve 24 can be easily detached from the tip portion main body 22 when the tip portion 10 is disassembled for maintenance or the like.

  In the above-described configuration, when the screw hole 66 and the screw portion 65c of the screw 65 are screwed together until the screwing range reaches the maximum screwing range, the base end position of the screw portion 65c in the screwing range is the first position. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and when the screwing range between the screw hole 66 and the screw portion 65c of the screw 65 is screwed in a range smaller than the maximum screwing range, Of these, the base end position of the screw portion 65c may be the first position. Also in this case, it is possible to configure a jack device that jacks up the distal end portion main body 22 with respect to the distal end sleeve 24. When the distal end portion 10 is disassembled for maintenance or the like, the distal end sleeve 24 can be easily removed from the distal end portion main body 22. It can be removed.

  Moreover, the rib part 69 should just be what the head 65a of the screw 65 contact | abuts before the screwing of the screw hole 66 and the screw part 65c of the screw 65 is cancelled | released completely. Therefore, the protrusion amount Hr of the rib portion 69 is not limited to the above-described condition of the present embodiment.

  That is, the rib portion 69 has a contact portion that overlaps at least a part of the head portion 65a when the head portion 65a of the screw 65 and the rib portion 69 are projected on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw hole 66. If it is.

  Next, a configuration example of the bending portion 11 will be described.

  In the bending portion 11 shown in FIG. 2, the rotation axis X extending in the first direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 11 and the rotation axis X of the two adjacent pieces 20 are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and the first The rotation axis Y extending in the second direction orthogonal to the direction has been described as being alternately provided, but one rotation axis of the rotation axis X and the rotation axis Y is shown in FIG. Can also be provided locally and continuously.

  The curved portion shown in FIG. 11 includes two types of pieces, a four-way piece 20A and a two-way piece 20B.

  As shown in detail in FIG. 12, the four-way piece 20 </ b> A includes an annular body 100, a pair of connecting pieces 101 connected to one of the adjacent pieces on both sides in the arrangement of the pieces, And a pair of connecting pieces 102 connected to the pieces.

  The pair of connecting pieces 101 are provided so as to extend from one end of the barrel 100 in the axial direction of the barrel 100, and are disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the barrel 100. The connecting piece 101 is formed in a flat plate shape so as to protrude on the outer diameter side with respect to the annular cylinder 100, and a step is provided between the connecting piece 101 and the cylinder 100. Hereinafter, the connecting piece 101 formed to protrude from the body 100 toward the outer diameter side is referred to as an outer connecting piece. The outer connecting piece 101 is formed with a through hole 130a through which the shaft member 21 that connects the pieces is inserted.

  The pair of connecting pieces 102 are provided so as to extend in the axial direction of the trunk 100 from the other end of the trunk 100, are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the trunk 100, and with respect to the pair of coupling pieces 101. It is arranged at a position rotated approximately 90 degrees around the central axis. The connecting piece 102 is formed in a flat plate shape by sinking toward the inner diameter side with respect to the annular cylinder 100, and a step is provided between the connecting piece 102 and the cylinder 100. Hereinafter, the connecting piece 102 formed by sinking to the inner diameter side with respect to the trunk 100 is referred to as an inner connecting piece. The inner connecting piece 102 is formed with a through hole 130b through which the shaft member 21 that connects the pieces is inserted.

  The four-way piece 20A further includes a pair of wire guides 27 into which one of the pair of wires 25 corresponding to the bending in the vertical direction or the pair of wires 26 corresponding to the bending in the left-right direction is inserted. In the illustrated example, the wire guide 27 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the trunk 100 in the vicinity of the outer connecting piece 101.

  As shown in detail in FIG. 13, the two-way piece 20 </ b> B includes an annular body 110, a pair of connecting pieces 111 connected to one of two adjacent pieces in the row of pieces, and the other And a pair of connecting pieces 112 connected to the pieces.

  The pair of connecting pieces 111 are provided so as to extend from one end of the barrel 110 in the axial direction of the barrel 110, and are disposed substantially symmetrically with the central axis of the barrel 110 interposed therebetween. The connecting piece 111 is formed in a flat plate shape so as to protrude on the outer diameter side with respect to the body 110, and a step is provided between the connecting piece 111 and the body 110. Hereinafter, the connecting piece 111 formed to protrude from the body 110 toward the outer diameter side is referred to as an outer connecting piece. The outer connecting piece 111 is formed with a through hole 130a through which the shaft member 21 for connecting the pieces is inserted.

  The pair of connecting pieces 112 are provided so as to extend in the axial direction of the cylinder 110 from the other end of the cylinder 110, are substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the cylinder 110, and each of the pair of connecting pieces 111. They are arranged next to each other with the trunk 110 interposed therebetween. The connection piece 112 is formed in a flat plate shape by sinking to the inner diameter side with respect to the body 110, and a step is provided between the connection piece 112 and the body 110. Hereinafter, the connecting piece 112 formed by sinking to the inner diameter side with respect to the body 110 is referred to as an inner connecting piece. The inner connecting piece 112 is formed with a through hole 130b through which the shaft member 21 that connects the pieces is inserted.

  The two-way piece 20B further includes a pair of wire guides 27 into which one of the pair of wires 25 corresponding to the vertical bending or the pair of wires 26 corresponding to the horizontal bending is inserted. In the illustrated example, the wire guide 27 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the trunk 110 between the outer connecting piece 111 and the inner connecting piece 112 that are arranged adjacent to each other.

  For example, the four-way piece 20A and the two-way piece 20B are formed by cutting out a molding material having an approximate shape of a piece from a tube having a circular cross-section by laser cutting or the like, and pressing a portion corresponding to the connecting piece in the molding material into a flat plate shape. Can be produced. The wire guide 27 is individually joined to the body of the press-molded piece by resistance welding or the like. In the press molding, a concave guide receiving portion may be formed at a location where the wire guide 27 is joined on the inner peripheral surface of the piece cylinder. According to this, temporary fixing of the wire guide 27 at the time of joining becomes easy. Further, after the wire guide 27 is joined by resistance welding, it may be further fixed by brazing or the like.

  In the part where the four-direction pieces 20A are continuously arranged, the inner connection of the other four-direction piece 20A is arranged on the inner diameter side of each of the pair of outer connection pieces 101 of the four-direction piece 20A. The shaft member 21 is inserted into the through hole 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through hole 130b of the inner connecting piece which are overlapped with each other. Two adjacent four-way pieces 20 </ b> A are rotatably connected by a pair of shaft members 21.

  Since the pair of outer connecting pieces 101 and the pair of inner connecting pieces 102 of the four-way piece 20A are arranged at positions rotated about 90 degrees around the central axis of the trunk 100, the four-way pieces 20A are continuously arranged. In the region, as a rotation axis of two adjacent pieces, a rotation axis X extending in a first direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion and a rotation extending in a second direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and orthogonal to the first direction. The moving axis Y is provided alternately. In other words, the four-way piece 20A is connected to a piece adjacent to one side so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis X, and is connected to a piece adjacent to the opposite side so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis Y. .

  On the other hand, at the part where one or more two-way pieces 20B are arranged in the four-way piece 20A, adjacent to the inner diameter side of each of the pair of outer connection pieces 111 of the two-way piece 20B and the outer connection piece 111 side. The inner connecting piece 102 of the matching four-way piece 20A or the inner connecting piece 112 of the other two-way piece 20B is overlapped, and the shaft member 21 is placed in the through hole 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through hole 130b of the inner connecting piece. It is inserted. The two-way piece 20B and another piece adjacent to the outer connecting piece 111 side of the two-way piece 20B are rotatably connected by a pair of shaft members 21.

  Further, on the outer diameter side of each of the pair of inner connecting pieces 112 of the two-way piece 20B, the outer connecting piece 101 of the four-way piece 20A adjacent to the inner connecting piece 112 side or the outer connecting piece of another two-way piece 20B. 111 is overlapped, and the shaft member 21 is inserted into the through hole 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through hole 130b of the inner connecting piece, respectively. The two-way piece 20B and another piece adjacent to the inner connecting piece 112 side of the two-way piece 20B are rotatably connected by a pair of shaft members 21.

  Since the pair of outer connecting pieces 111 and the pair of inner connecting pieces 112 of the two-way piece 20B are arranged adjacent to each other with the body 110 interposed therebetween, one or more two-way pieces 20B of the four-way piece 20A are interposed. In the mounted part, one rotation axis of the rotation axis X and the rotation axis Y is continuously provided as the rotation axis of two adjacent pieces. That is, the two-way piece 20B is connected to each of two pieces adjacent to both sides so as to be rotatable around one of the rotation axes X and Y.

  Two or more two-way pieces 20B are arranged in the four-way piece 20A and, for example, the rotation axis X is continuously provided, so that the two opposite directions are based on the rotation of the two adjacent pieces around the rotation axis X. With respect to the bending of the bending portion, the radius of curvature at the portion where the two-way piece 20B is interposed can be reduced. Thereby, the bending operation | movement of the bending part in a narrow place can be made easy.

  When the two pieces are connected by the shaft member 21, as described above, the two pieces are positioned with respect to each other so that the connecting pieces of the two pieces overlap each other. A plurality of positioning holes are provided in the trunk 100 of the four-way piece 20A and the trunk 110 of the two-way piece 20B.

  The body 100 of the four-way piece 20A is provided with a set of three first positioning holes 120 at a predetermined position with respect to the pair of outer connecting pieces 101, and also includes a set of three first positioning holes 120. A pair of three second positioning holes 121 are provided at a position obtained by rotating the first positioning hole 120 about 90 degrees around the central axis of the body 100.

Preferably, a set of three first positioning holes 120 are arranged at equal angles around the central axis of the cylinder 100, and a set of three second positioning holes 121 are also set around the central axis of the cylinder 100. Are arranged at equal angles. Further, preferably, as in the example shown in the figure, the set of three first positioning holes 120 is symmetrically set with respect to the central axis of the barrel 100 (in the drawing, each subscript “ ₁ ” or “ ₂ ”are provided, and the set of three second positioning holes 121 is also symmetrically set with respect to the central axis of the trunk 100 (in the figure, each set has a subscript“ ₁ ”or“ ₂ "is provided).

  The body 110 of the two-way piece 20B is also provided with a set of three first positioning holes 120 at a predetermined position with respect to the pair of outer connecting pieces 111, similarly to the body 100 of the four-way piece 20A. In addition, a set of three second positioning holes 121 is provided at a position where the set of three first positioning holes 120 is rotated approximately 90 degrees around the central axis of the body 110. .

  A rivet is used as the shaft member 21. As shown in FIG. 14, the shaft portion 131 of the rivet is inserted from the inner diameter side into the through hole 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through hole 130b of the inner connecting piece, and then the tip portion of the shaft portion 131 is caulked. It is done. The overlapped outer connecting piece and inner connecting piece are sandwiched and held between the rivet head 132 and the crimped tip of the shaft 131.

  In the illustrated example, the through hole 130a of the outer connecting piece is formed with a smaller diameter than the through hole 130b of the inner connecting piece. The shaft portion 131 inserted through the through hole 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through hole 130b of the inner connecting piece has a large diameter portion 133 provided on the head 132 side and a small diameter portion 134 provided on the tip end side. The large-diameter portion 133 is accommodated in the through-hole 130b of the inner connecting piece, and the small-diameter portion 134 is accommodated in the through-hole 130a of the outer connecting piece except for the tip portion to be crimped.

  Preferably, each of the through holes 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through holes 130b of the inner connecting piece has a tapered edge on the shaft insertion side opening, and has a tip end of the shaft 131 and a shoulder of the large diameter portion 133. The part is also formed in a tapered shape. This facilitates the insertion of the shaft member 21 into the through hole 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through hole 130b of the inner connecting piece.

  Preferably, the shaft member 21 is formed of a magnetic material. Although it depends on the type of endoscope, the piece is a small member having a diameter of about several millimeters, and the shaft member 21 that connects the pieces is smaller than the pieces. It can be attracted and held by magnetic force, and the shaft member 21 can be easily inserted into the through hole 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through hole 130b of the inner connecting piece. In this case, the piece is preferably formed of a non-magnetic material so that the piece is not attracted to a jig or the like that attracts and holds the shaft member 21 by magnetic force.

  The curved portion shown in FIG. 15 includes two types of pieces, a four-way piece 20C and a two-way piece 20D.

  As shown in detail in FIG. 16, the four-way piece 20 </ b> C is configured in the same manner as the above-described four-way piece 20 </ b> A except that the body 100 is provided with a pair of flat plate portions 103 and a pair of flat plate portions 104. Yes.

  The flat plate portion 103 is provided adjacent to the outer connecting piece 101, and is formed in a flat plate shape so as to protrude to the outer diameter side with respect to the annular body 100, similar to the outer connecting piece 101. The flat plate portion 103 extends across the body 100 in the axial direction with a width greater than that of the outer connecting piece 101. The outer connecting piece 101 extends from the flat plate portion 103 without a step.

  The flat plate portion 104 is provided adjacent to the inner connecting piece 102, and is formed in a flat plate shape by sinking to the inner diameter side with respect to the annular body 100, similar to the inner connecting piece 102. The flat plate portion 104 extends across the body 100 in the axial direction with a width greater than that of the inner connecting piece 102. The inner connecting piece 102 extends from the flat plate portion 104 without a step.

  The four-way piece 20C cuts out a molding material having an approximate shape of a piece from, for example, a tube having a circular cross section, and a portion corresponding to the outer connecting piece 101 and the flat plate portion 103 that supports the outer connecting piece 101 in the molding material, and the inner connecting piece. The part corresponding to the flat plate part 104 which supports 102 and the inner connection piece 102 can be produced by press-molding into flat form for every part. In this case, the expansion and contraction of the material in the flat plate portion 103 and the flat plate portion 104 is substantially aligned in the circumferential direction of the barrel 100, and the inclination of the outer connecting piece 101 and the inner connecting piece 102 with respect to the central axis of the barrel 100 is suppressed, so The molding accuracy of the 101 and the inner connecting piece 102 is improved. When the molding material is cut out from the tube material by laser cutting, the distance from the laser light source to the tube material is constant, and adjustment of the focal depth of the laser light source is not necessary.

  The four-way piece 20C can also be produced by directly cutting out from a pipe formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the trunk. According to this, the press molding for every piece becomes unnecessary and productivity improves.

  The wire guides 27 are individually joined by resistance welding or the like to the body 100 of the piece that is press-molded or directly cut out from the pipe material. Here, in the four-way piece 20 </ b> C, the flat plate portion 103 is provided adjacent to the outer connecting piece 101, and the wire guide 27 is provided on a flat surface on the inner diameter side of the flat plate portion 103. When the joining portion of the wire guide 27 is a flat surface, the temporary fixing of the wire guide 27 at the time of joining is further facilitated. When the four-way piece 20C is manufactured by press molding, a concave guide receiving portion may be formed on the flat surface on the inner diameter side of the flat plate portion 103 to which the wire guide 27 is joined during press molding. Good.

  As shown in detail in FIG. 17, the two-way piece 20 </ b> D is provided in a ring-shaped cylinder 110, and is provided to extend from one end of the cylinder 110 in the axial direction of the cylinder 110. A pair of outer connecting pieces 111a disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to each other, extending from the other end of the body 110 in the axial direction of the body 110, substantially symmetrically about the center axis of the body 110, and Each of the pair of outer connecting pieces 111a and a pair of outer connecting pieces 111b arranged adjacent to each other across the body 110 are included.

  The body 110 is provided with a pair of flat plate portions 113. The flat plate portion 113 is provided between the outer connecting piece 111a and the outer connecting piece 111b that are arranged adjacent to each other, and has an outer diameter with respect to the annular body 110 as with the outer connecting piece 111a and the outer connecting piece 111b. It protrudes to the side and is formed in a flat plate shape. The flat plate portion 113 extends across the body 110 in the axial direction with a width greater than that of the outer connecting piece 111a and the outer connecting piece 111b. The outer connecting piece 111a and the outer connecting piece 111b extend from the flat plate portion 113 without any step.

  Similarly to the four-way piece 20C, the two-way piece 20D cuts out a molding material having an approximate shape of a piece from a tube having a circular cross-section, and a portion corresponding to the outer connecting piece and the flat plate portion that supports the outer connecting piece in the molding material, Each part can be produced by press-molding into a flat plate shape, and in this case, a press-molding die common to the four-way piece 20C can be used. Further, the two-way piece 20D can also be produced by directly cutting out from a pipe material formed in the same cross-sectional shape as each of the cylinders, like the four-way piece 20C.

  The wire guide 27 is individually joined by resistance welding or the like to the body 110 of the piece that is press-molded or cut directly from the pipe material. Here, in the two-way piece 20D, the flat plate portion 113 is provided between the outer connecting piece 111a and the outer connecting piece 111b, and the wire guide 27 is provided on a flat surface on the inner diameter side of the flat plate portion 113. When the joining portion of the wire guide 27 is a flat surface, the temporary fixing of the wire guide 27 at the time of joining is further facilitated. When the two-way piece 20D is manufactured by press molding, a concave guide receiving portion may be formed on the flat surface on the inner diameter side of the flat plate portion 113 to which the wire guide 27 is joined during press molding. Good.

  When one two-way piece 20D of the four-way piece 20C is interposed, the four-way piece 20C adjacent to the outer connecting piece 111a side on the inner diameter side of each of the pair of outer connecting pieces 111a of the two-way piece 20D. The inner connecting pieces 102 are stacked. In addition, the inner connecting piece 102 of the four-way piece 20C adjacent to the outer connecting piece 111b is overlaid on the inner diameter side of each of the pair of outer connecting pieces 111b of the two-way piece 20D. The shaft member 21 is inserted into the through-hole 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through-hole 130b of the inner connecting piece that are overlapped, and the two-way piece 20D and the four-way piece 20C and the outer connecting piece 111b adjacent to the outer connecting piece 111a side. The four-direction piece 20 </ b> C adjacent to the side is rotatably connected.

  The pair of outer connecting pieces 111a and the pair of outer connecting pieces 111b are replaced with the two-way pieces 20D arranged adjacent to each other with the body 110 interposed therebetween, and as shown in FIG. 18, the pair of inner connecting pieces 112a and the pair of outer connecting pieces You may use the two-way piece 20E in which the inner connection piece 112b was arrange | positioned adjacently on both sides of the trunk | drum 110. FIG. Hereinafter, the two-way piece 20D is referred to as a first two-way piece, and the two-way piece 20E is referred to as a second two-way piece.

  A pair of flat plate portions 114 is provided on the body 110 of the second two-way piece 20E. The flat plate portion 114 is provided between the inner connection piece 112a and the inner connection piece 112b that are arranged adjacent to each other, and is on the inner diameter side with respect to the annular body 110 like the inner connection piece 112a and the inner connection piece 112b. To form a flat plate shape. The flat plate portion 114 extends across the body 110 in the axial direction with a width greater than that of the inner connecting piece 112a and the inner connecting piece 112b. The inner connecting piece 112a and the inner connecting piece 112b extend from the flat plate portion 114 without a step. The wire guide 27 is provided on a flat surface on the inner diameter side of the flat plate portion 114.

  When one second two-way piece 20E is arranged between the four-way pieces 20C, the inner connection piece 112a side is arranged on the outer diameter side of each of the pair of inner connection pieces 112a of the second two-way piece 20E. The outer connecting pieces 101 of the four-way pieces 20C adjacent to each other are stacked. Further, the outer connecting piece 101 of the four-way piece 20C adjacent to the inner connecting piece 112b side is overlaid on the outer diameter side of each of the pair of inner connecting pieces 112b of the second two-way piece 20E. The shaft member 21 is inserted into the through hole 130a of the outer connecting piece and the through hole 130b of the inner connecting piece which are overlapped, and the second two-way piece 20E and the four-way piece 20C adjacent to the inner connecting piece 112a side and the inner The four-way piece 20C adjacent to the connecting piece 112b is rotatably connected.

  FIG. 19 shows a modified example of the first two-way piece 20D described above. A pair of flat plate portions 114 formed into a flat plate shape sinking to the inner diameter side sandwich the central axis of the drum 110. And approximately symmetrically and at a position rotated about 90 degrees around the central axis with respect to the pair of flat plate portions 113.

  FIG. 20 shows a modified example of the above-described second two-way piece 20E. The barrel 110 has a pair of flat plate portions 113 which are formed in a flat plate shape so as to protrude on the outer diameter side. It is provided substantially symmetrically across the axis and at a position rotated about 90 degrees around the central axis with respect to the pair of flat plate portions 114.

  In the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E formed as described above, the cross-sectional shapes of the cylinders 110 are the same as each other, and the cylinder 100 of the four-way piece 20C shown in FIG. The cross-sectional shape is the same. Thereby, when the first two-way piece 20D, the second two-way piece 20E, and the four-way piece 20C are produced by being directly cut out from the pipe material, a common pipe material can be used. When manufactured, a common press mold can be used.

  The width W1 of the flat plate portion 113 and the width W2 of the flat plate portion 114 in the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E may be the same, or one may be larger than the other. . Similarly, the width of the flat plate portion 103 and the width of the flat plate portion 104 in the four-way piece 20C may be the same, or one may be larger than the other.

  Up to this point, the wire guide 27 of the four-way piece 20 </ b> C has been described as being provided on the flat plate portion 103 that protrudes to the outer diameter side with respect to the trunk 100, but the flat plate portion 104 that sinks to the inner diameter side with respect to the trunk 100. It may be provided. In addition, for the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E, the wire guide 27 may be provided on the flat plate portion 113 that protrudes to the outer diameter side with respect to the body 110, or the inner diameter side. It may be provided on the flat plate portion 114 that has settled down.

  The curved portion shown in FIG. 21 is configured such that the four-way piece 20C, the first two-way piece 20D, and the second two-way piece 20E are alternately and continuously arranged.

  For example, in the bending portion shown in FIG. 15, the first two-way piece 20D of the four-way piece 20C is interposed, and in this case, the pair of outer connecting pieces 101 or the pair of the four-way piece 20C is provided. Paying attention to the direction of the inner connecting piece 102, the direction of the four-way piece 20C is reversed across the first two-way piece 20D. Similarly, when one second two-way piece 20E is interposed between the four-way pieces 20C, the direction of the four-way piece 20C is reversed with the second two-way piece 20E interposed therebetween.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, the first two-way piece 20D is arranged at one end of the array of the first two-way pieces 20D and the second two-way pieces 20E that are alternately and evenly continuous. The second two-way piece 20E is disposed at the other end. In this case, the four-way piece 20C adjacent to the first two-way piece 20D arranged at one end is connected to the first two-way piece 20D by the pair of inner connection pieces 102 as described above. The four-way piece 20C adjacent to the second two-way piece 20E disposed at the other end is connected to the second two-way piece 20E by the pair of outer connecting pieces 101 as described above. The pair of inner connecting pieces 102 of 20C is directed in the same direction as the pair of inner connecting pieces 102 of the four-way piece 20C connected to the first two-way piece 20D.

  In this way, by arranging the four-way piece 20C, the first two-way piece 20D, and the second two-way piece 20E alternately and evenly in succession, it is possible to align the directions of the four-way piece 20C. it can. This facilitates the supply of the four-way piece 20C when the bending portion is assembled.

  Preferably, the continuous arrangement of the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E is composed of one first two-way piece 20D and one second two-way piece 20E. Preferably, the axial length L1 of the first two-way piece 20D and the axial length L2 of the second two-way piece 20E are made smaller than the axial length L3 of the four-way piece 20C. Thereby, the increase in the length of a bending part is suppressed. The axial lengths of the first two-way piece 20D, the second two-way piece 20E, and the four-way piece 20C are opposite to the center line of the through holes of the pair of connecting pieces provided on one side of the piece. The distance to the center line of the through-hole of a pair of connecting piece provided on the side shall be said.

  Here, the pair of wire guides 27 of the four-way piece 20 </ b> C are typically disposed on a plane including the central axis of the trunk 100 and parallel to the rotational axis X, or including the central axis of the trunk 100. They are arranged on a plane parallel to Y, and are arranged symmetrically across the central axis of the trunk 100. The pair of wire guides 27 of the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E are also typically disposed on a plane including the central axis of the cylinder 110 and parallel to the rotation axis X, or 110 are arranged on a plane including the central axis 110 and parallel to the rotation axis Y, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the body 110.

  From the viewpoint of facilitating the supply of the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E when assembling the bending portion, as shown in FIG. 22, the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E. Each of the pair of wire guides 27 of the direction piece 20E is formed symmetrically across a plane S1 that is orthogonal to the central axis of the cylinder 110 and equally divides the cylinder 110 in the axial direction.

  Thereby, the first two-way piece 20D is inverted and the pair of outer connecting pieces 111a and the pair of outer connecting pieces 111b are exchanged, and the second two-way piece 20E is inverted and the pair of inner connecting pieces 112a and Even when the pair of inner connecting pieces 112b are replaced, the positional relationship of the pair of wire guides 27 with respect to both adjacent pieces does not change. Therefore, it is not necessary to pay attention to the orientation of the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E, and the supply of the pieces at the time of assembling the bending portion is facilitated.

  The configuration of this example is applicable to any of the configuration examples of the bending portion illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 21.

  On the other hand, from the viewpoint of securing an accommodation space for accommodating built-in objects such as the light guide, the electric wire group, and the channel, the first two-way piece 20D, the second two-way piece 20E, and the four-way piece 20C are paired. One of the wire guides 27 may be shifted from the symmetrical position.

  In the example shown in FIG. 23, in the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E, the pair of wire guides 27 are provided on the flat plate portion 114 that sinks to the inner diameter side with respect to the body 110. One wire guide 27 is disposed on a plane S2 including the central axis of the cylinder 110 and parallel to the rotation axis X (or a plane including the central axis of the cylinder 110 and parallel to the rotation axis Y). The wire guide 27 is biased to one side with respect to the surface S2, and is disposed out of the symmetrical position. In this case, a relatively large accommodation space is secured on the side opposite to the side where the wire guide 27 is biased.

  When one wire guide 27 is biased, as shown in FIG. 24A, the width Wa of the flat plate portion 114 provided with one biased wire guide 27 is set to the flat plate portion 114 provided with the other wire guide 27. The width Wb may be larger than the width Wb, and according to this, the wire guide 27 can be more largely biased within the range of the relatively wide flat plate portion 114. Further, the outer shape of the cylinder 110 is asymmetrical, and the side on which the biased wire guide 27 is present can be easily discriminated from the outside of the cylinder 110, so that the workability when arranging pieces is improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24B, a wire guide 27 may be provided in an arc portion of the trunk 110 adjacent to the flat plate portion 114, and this can also bias the wire guide 27 more greatly. Then, as shown in FIG. 24C, a flat plate portion 115 adjacent to the flat plate portion 114 may be provided, and the wire guide 27 may be provided on the flat plate portion 115. According to this, the joining portion of the wire guide 27 becomes a flat surface. The wire guide 27 can be temporarily fixed at the time of joining.

  In the first two-way piece 20D and the second two-way piece 20E, the pair of wire guides 27 is described as an example provided on the flat plate portion 114 that has settled on the inner diameter side with respect to the body 110. Even when the pair of wire guides 27 are provided on the flat plate portion 113 raised to the outer diameter side, one of the wire guides 27 can be similarly biased.

  Also in the four-way piece 20C, one wire of the pair of wire guides 27 provided on the flat plate portion 104 settling on the inner diameter side with respect to the trunk 100 or provided on the flat plate portion 103 raised on the outer diameter side. The guide 27 can be similarly biased.

  The configurations shown in FIGS. 23 and 24A to 24C can be applied to any of the configuration examples of the bending portions shown in FIGS. 15 and 21, respectively.

  Next, a configuration example of a connection portion between the bending portion 11 and the flexible portion 12 will be described.

  FIG. 25 is an external perspective view of an example of a connection portion between the bending portion 11 and the flexible portion 12. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the connection location of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the proximal end piece 20a positioned closest to the flexible portion 12 of the bending portion 11 is connected to the distal end side connection ring 29 provided at the distal end portion of the tubular body 28 of the flexible portion 12, and the bending portion 11 and the soft part 12 are connected.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the distal end side connection ring 29 is inserted into the proximal end piece 20a, and the proximal end piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 are fitted to each other. A connecting portion 400 that is fitted into the proximal end piece 20a is provided at the end portion. In addition, a joint portion 401 to which the tube body 28 is joined is provided at the other end portion of the distal end side connection ring 29. As described above, the tube body 28 is configured by covering the outer periphery of the screw tube with a mesh tube or the like, and the joint portion 401 is externally fitted to the tip portion of the screw tube and joined to the screw tube. The inner diameter of the joining portion 401 into which the distal end portion of the screw tube is inserted is formed larger than the inner diameter of the connecting portion 400, and the outer diameter of the joining portion 401 is the outer diameter of the proximal piece 20a into which the connecting portion 400 is inserted. It is formed smaller than.

  A notch 217 is provided in the base piece 20a disposed on the outer side of the fitting. The notch 217 includes an introduction portion 217a extending from one end of the piece 20 in the axial direction of the proximal end piece 20a, and an engaging portion 217b extending in the circumferential direction of the proximal end piece 20a. In this example, two notches 217 are provided symmetrically across the central axis of the base piece 20a.

  A protrusion 201 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 400 of the distal end side connection ring 29 disposed inside the fitting. The protrusion 201 is formed integrally with the distal end side connection ring 29 by a punching process or the like. In this example, two protrusions 201 are provided symmetrically across the central axis of the distal end side connection ring 29.

  FIG. 27A to FIG. 27D and FIG. 28 show a connection process between the bending portion 11 and the flexible portion 12.

  First, the connecting portion 400 of the distal end side connection ring 29 is inserted into the proximal end piece 20a. The protrusion 201 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 400 is inserted into the introduction portion 217a of the notch 217 of the proximal end piece 20a along with the insertion of the connecting portion 400 into the proximal end piece 20a, and subsequently the base piece 20a. The end piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 are inserted into the engaging portion 217b of the notch 217 by being relatively rotated about the axis. The head 212 of the protrusion 201 inserted into the engaging portion 217b of the notch 217 in the state where the proximal end piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 are fitted is around the notch 217 of the proximal end piece 20a. It is crimped to the outer peripheral surface of the.

  The protrusion 201 engages with the engaging portion 217b of the notch 217 of the base end piece 20a in the axial direction against the axial pull acting on the base end piece 20a and the front end side connection ring 29 fitted to each other, The relative movement in the axial direction between the proximal piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 is prevented.

  In addition, the head piece 212 of the protrusion 201 and the base piece 20a to which the head portion 212 is tightened against the torsion around the axis acting on the proximal piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 that are fitted to each other. Due to the friction with the outer peripheral surface around the notch 217, relative rotation about the axis between the base piece 20 a and the distal end side connection ring 29 is prevented.

  A protrusion 201 that engages with the notch 217 of the base piece 20a to prevent relative movement in the axial direction between the base piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 and relative rotation around the axis is formed integrally with the distal end side connection ring 29. By doing so, there is no possibility that the protrusion 201 is separated from the distal end side connection ring 29, and the proximal piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 can be firmly connected.

  When the proximal piece 20a and the distal connection ring 29 are separated, the head portion 212 of the protrusion 201 crimped to the outer peripheral surface around the notch 217 of the proximal piece 20a is removed by, for example, grinding. . By removing the head portion 212, the proximal piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 can be rotated relative to each other around the axis, and the protrusion 201 is caused by the relative rotation between the proximal end piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 around the axis. Is moved to the introduction part 217a of the notch 217. The protrusion 201 moved to the introduction part 217a of the notch 217 does not restrict the axial movement of the distal end side connection ring 29 in the direction to be removed from the proximal piece 20a, and thus only removes the head 212. Thus, the proximal piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 can be easily separated.

  As shown in FIG. 29, a recess 218 is provided on the outer peripheral surface around the notch 217 of the base piece 20a to which the head 212 of the protrusion 201 is crimped, and at least a part of the head 212 is accommodated in the recess 218. May be. Thereby, protrusion of the head 212 from the outer peripheral surface of the base end piece 20a can be suppressed, and the diameter of the bending portion 11 can be reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 30, a recess 218 is provided only around the engaging portion 217b of the notch 217, and the outer peripheral surface around the introduction portion 217a of the notch 217 of the base end piece 20a and the periphery of the engaging portion 217b. You may form the level | step difference 219 between the outer peripheral surfaces. The head 212 accommodated in the recess 218 abuts against the step 219 against the twisting about the axis acting on the proximal piece 20a and the distal connection ring 29 that are fitted to each other, and the proximal piece 20a and the distal side Relative rotation around the axis with the connecting ring 29 is prevented. As a result, the connection strength between the proximal end piece 20a and the distal end side connection ring 29 against torsion around the axis is increased.

  Next, a configuration example of the soft part 12 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the flexible portion 12 includes a flexible tube 28 that houses a light guide, a group of electric wires, a channel, and the like, as described above, and the tube 28 is a screw tube (also referred to as a flex) 300. And a mesh-like tube (also referred to as a blade or a net) 302 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the screw tube 300, and an elastomeric outer skin 303 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the mesh-like tube 302.

  The screw tube 300 is formed flexibly by winding a band plate material with a certain diameter with a gap in a spiral shape. Although illustration is omitted, the screw tube 300 may have a double-winding structure, that is, the same as the first screw tube in which the strip plate material is wound with a certain diameter with a gap in a spiral shape. A strip plate is spirally wound with a constant diameter and has a second screw tube having a spiral direction opposite to the first screw tube, and the first screw tube and the second screw tube. May be arranged coaxially. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the diameter of the soft part 12 or expanding the internal space without changing the outer diameter of the soft part 12, the screw tube 300 has a single winding structure as in the example shown in FIG. It is preferable that

  The material for forming the screw tube 300 is not particularly limited as long as the mechanical strength for preventing the tube body 28 from being crushed is secured, and a metal such as stainless steel can be used. Alternatively, engineering plastics such as polycarbonate or engineering plastics reinforced with glass fibers, carbon fibers, or the like may be used to form a screw tube by injection molding or the like.

  The mesh tube 302 covers the outer peripheral surface of the screw tube 300 and serves as a reinforcing material that enhances the rigidity of the tube body 28, and also serves as a shield for the electric wire group accommodated in the flexible portion 12. It is. The mesh tube 302 is formed flexibly by braiding a wire bundle 305 in which a plurality of strands 306 are bundled in a belt shape.

  The material for forming the wire 306 is not particularly limited as long as the mechanical strength is ensured for the mesh tube 302 to serve as a reinforcing material. For example, a metal such as stainless steel can be used. In addition, a resin such as aramid can be used instead of a metal for some of the strands, but considering the role of the mesh tube 302 as a shield, it is preferable to use only a metal such as stainless steel.

  The outer skin 303 is a flexible tube made of elastomer, and covers the outer peripheral surface of the mesh tube 302 and plays a role of protecting the inside of the tube body 28.

  The elastomer forming the outer skin 303 is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the living body when the endoscope 2 is inserted into the body. Polyurethane resin, vinyl chloride, nylon, polyester, Teflon (registered trademark) ) And other synthetic resins, polystyrene resins, polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, polyamide resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, fluorine resins, and mixtures thereof are preferred examples. As mentioned.

  An example of a method of manufacturing the tube body 28 will be described. The melted elastomer in a state where the screw tube 300 is inserted into the mesh tube 302 and the core material is inserted into the screw tube 300 inserted into the mesh tube 302. The elastomer is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the reticular tube 302 with a uniform thickness by a known extruder or the like, and the elastomer attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reticular tube 302 is immediately cooled, so that the outer peripheral surface of the reticular tube 302 is coated on the outer peripheral surface. 303 is directly molded. For example, an adhesive is dispersed and applied to the outer peripheral surface of the mesh tube 302 in the form of a spot in the pre-process of forming the skin 303, and the mesh tube 302 and the skin 303 are joined by this adhesive.

  As another example of the manufacturing method of the tube body 28, the melted elastomer is uniformly applied to the outer peripheral surface of the mesh tube 302 by a known extruder or the like while the core material is inserted into the mesh tube 302. The outer shell 303 is directly formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mesh tube 302 by immediately cooling the elastomer adhered to the outer surface of the mesh tube 302 and cooling it. Then, the core material inserted into the mesh tube 302 is pulled out from the mesh tube 302, and the screw tube 300 is inserted into the mesh tube 302 from which the core material is removed. The mesh tube 302 and the skin 303 may be bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the mesh tube 302 in the form of a spot in the pre-process of forming the skin 303, and joined by the adhesive, or An anchor portion that engages the mesh tube 302 from the inner diameter side of the mesh tube 302 may be formed in the outer skin 303 and joined by the anchor portion.

  32 and 33 show a configuration example of the anchor portion of the outer skin 303 that joins the mesh tube 302 and the outer skin 303.

  Each of the plurality of strand bundles 305 constituting the mesh tube 302 is alternately arranged at one or more strand bundles 305 (every two strand bundles 305 in the illustrated example), on the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side of the mesh tube 302. It intersects with another wire bundle 305. The gap P is surrounded by four wire bundles 305, which are two wire bundles 305 extending in parallel and adjacent to each other, and two wire bundles 305 intersecting and extending in parallel with each other. It has been broken. An anchor portion 310 that engages the mesh tube 302 from the inner diameter side of the mesh tube 302 is provided in the outer shell 303 for each gap P.

  In the anchor portion 310, the resin forming the outer skin 303 enters between the mesh tube 302 and the core material inserted into the mesh tube 302 through the gap P, and the infiltrated resin is solidified and formed integrally with the skin 303. ing. And the anchor part 310 has overlapped with the edge of the strand bundle 305 located in the outer diameter side of the mesh tube 302 among the two strand bundles 305 which mutually cross | intersect in each corner Pc of the clearance gap P, and this edge The portion is engaged from the inner diameter side of the mesh tube 302.

  The overlap margin between the anchor portion 310 and the edge portion of the wire bundle 305 can be appropriately adjusted by the pressure applied to the elastomer when the outer skin 303 is extruded, for example.

  As described above, the plurality of anchor portions 310 that are provided for each gap P of the mesh tube 302 and are integrally formed with the outer skin 303 are engaged with the edge of the wire bundle 305 from the inner diameter side of the mesh tube 302, thereby The tube 302 and the outer skin 303 are joined.

  FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 show another configuration example of the anchor portion of the outer skin 303.

  The anchor portion 311 of the outer skin 303 shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 is provided for each gap P of the mesh tube 302 similarly to the anchor portion 310 shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, and the surrounding anchor portion 311 is further provided. Are connected to each other via a bridge 312. The bridge 312 is formed so as to straddle the wire bundle 305 sandwiched between two anchor portions 311 connected to each other by the bridge 312.

  The location where the bridge 312 is formed can be appropriately set depending on the pressure applied to the elastomer, for example, when the outer skin 303 is extruded. In the example shown in FIG. 34, the bridge 312 is between two strands 305 that are adjacent and extend in parallel, and each of the two strands 305 is located on the inner diameter side of the mesh tube 302. Further, between two strands 305 that are adjacent and extend in parallel, one of the two strands 305 is positioned on the inner diameter side of the mesh tube 302, and the other is the mesh tube 302. It can also form in the location located in the outer-diameter side (refer the bridge | bridging 312 shown with a broken line in FIG. 34).

  When the wire bundle 305 straddling the bridge 312 is sandwiched between the outer skin 303 and the bridge 312, the bonding strength between the mesh tube 302 and the outer skin 303 is increased.

  36 and 37 show another configuration example of the anchor portion of the outer skin 303.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the anchor portion 313 of the outer skin 303 is provided individually for each gap P of the mesh tube 302, similarly to the anchor portion 310 shown in FIGS. Is engaged with the edge of the wire bundle 305 surrounding the wire. Among the plurality of strands constituting the strand bundle 305, some strands are arranged at the edges on both sides of the strand bundle 305, and one or more strands 306a from the end It has a smaller diameter than the strand 306b.

  Since the strand 306a at the edge of the strand 305 is formed with a relatively small diameter, a gap is generated between the strand 306a and the core material inserted into the mesh tube 302, thereby forming the outer skin 303. The elastomer easily enters between the wire 306a and the core material through the gap P, and the overlapping portion of the anchor portion 313 with the edge of the wire bundle 305 is more reliably formed. Furthermore, the anchor portion 313 is not only the edge of the strand bundle 305 positioned on the outer diameter side of the mesh tube 302 out of the two strand bundles 305 intersecting each other at each corner portion Pc of the gap P, but also the mesh tube. It is also formed so as to overlap with the edge of the wire bundle 305 positioned on the inner diameter side of 302. Thereby, the joint strength between the mesh tube 302 and the outer skin 303 is increased.

  Further, since the strand 306b at the center of the strand 305 is formed to have a relatively large diameter, the strand 306b is disposed so as to protrude from the anchor portion 313 to the inside diameter side of the mesh tube 302, and is made of an elastomer. Contact between the anchor portion 313 and the screw tube 300 inserted into the mesh tube 302 after the core material is removed is suppressed. Thereby, the friction which arises between the mesh-like tube 302 and the outer skin 303, and the screw tube 300 can be reduced, and the softness | flexibility of the soft part 12 can be improved.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, a configuration example of a joint portion between the tubular body 28 of the flexible portion 12 and the distal end side connection ring 29 will be described.

  As described above, the flexible portion 12 is connected to the bending portion 11 via the distal end side connection ring 29 joined to the distal end portion of the tube body 28. The distal end side connection ring 29 is secured to the connecting portion 400 connected to the proximal piece 20a of the bending portion 11, the joint portion 401 joined to the screw tube 300 of the tube body 28, and the mesh tube 302 of the tube body 28. A fixing portion 402.

  Although not shown, the connecting portion 400 is provided with the protrusion 201 (see FIG. 26) used for connecting to the base piece 20a of the bending portion 11 as described above.

  The joint portion 401 is externally fitted to the distal end portion of the screw tube 300. For example, the inner peripheral surface of the joint portion 401 and the outer peripheral surface of the screw tube 300 are welded by laser welding or resistance welding, and the joint portion 401 is screwed. 300 is joined.

  The fixing portion 402 to which the mesh tube 302 is fixed is provided between the connecting portion 400 and the joint portion 401. The mesh tube 302 extends further than the distal end portion of the screw tube 300 fitted in the joint portion 401 and covers the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 402 beyond the joint portion 401. The tip portion of the mesh tube 302 covering the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 402 is exposed without being covered with the outer skin 303 of the tube body 28.

  A caulking ring 403 is attached to the outer periphery of the exposed end portion of the mesh tube 302. When the outer shell 303 is directly formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mesh tube 302 by a known extruder or the like, the crimping ring 403 may be attached to the tip of the mesh tube 302 before the outer shell 303 is molded. Alternatively, after the outer skin 303 is formed, it may be attached to the tip of the mesh tube 302. When the caulking ring 403 is attached to the distal end portion of the mesh tube 302 before the outer shell 303 is formed, the base end side edge of the caulking ring 403 can be covered with the outer skin 303.

  By tightening the crimping ring 403 attached to the outer periphery of the tip of the mesh tube 302, the tip of the mesh tube 302 is clamped by the fixing portion 402 and the crimping ring 403, and the mesh tube 302 is fixed to the fixing portion 402. It is fixed. The mesh tube 302 fixed to the fixing portion 402 is electrically connected to the screw tube 300 via the distal end side connection ring 29. As a result, the function of the mesh tube 302 as a shield is enhanced.

  The adhering portion 402 to which the caulking ring 403 is caulked is formed to have a smaller diameter than the connecting portion 400 and the joint portion 401, and is an annular concave portion on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end side connection ring 29. A taper portion 404 having a diameter reduced toward the fixing portion 402 is provided at a boundary portion between the joint portion 401 and the fixing portion 402.

  The thickness of the fixing portion 402 is t1, and the thickness of the caulking ring 403 is t2, and preferably t1> t2. By setting the outer diameter of the caulking ring 403 to be constant and t1> t2, the force required for caulking the caulking ring 403 can be made smaller than when t1 ≦ t2, and the caulking ring 403 is caulked. It is also possible to suppress the deformation of the distal end side connection ring 29 due to the above.

  Further, the taper portion 404 reduces the shearing force acting on the tip of the mesh tube 302 held between the fixing portion 402 and the caulking ring 403, and the strands constituting the mesh tube 302 are cut by the shearing force. It is what suppresses being done. From the viewpoint of reducing the shearing force, the inclination angle of the taper portion 404 (extension of the contour line of the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 402 appearing on the cut surface including the central axis of the distal end side connection ring 29 and the contour line of the outer peripheral surface of the taper portion 404 are considered. Is preferably θ ≦ 45 °, and more preferably θ ≦ 30 °.

  Moreover, since the front end side connection ring 29 becomes a hard part which cannot be bent in the soft part 12 comprised flexibly, the axial direction length of the front end side connection ring 29 is so preferable that it is small. From the viewpoint of reducing the axial length of the distal end side connection ring 29, an anti-slip structure that suppresses the slip of the mesh tube 302 is provided on at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 402 and the inner peripheral surface of the crimping ring 403. It is preferable to be provided. Examples of the anti-slip structure include irregularities composed of a plurality of grooves or a plurality of dimples.

  By providing a non-slip structure on at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 402 and the inner peripheral surface of the caulking ring 403, the fixing strength of the mesh tube 302 can be maintained and the axial length of the fixing portion 402 can be reduced. As a result, the axial length of the distal end side connection ring 29 can be reduced. Assuming that the width of the strip material constituting the screw tube 300 is W3 and the axial length of the fixing portion 402 is L4, preferably L4 ≦ W3 × 1/2 within a range in which the fixing strength of the mesh tube 302 is maintained. .

  FIG. 40 shows another configuration example of a joining portion between the tube 28 of the flexible portion 12 and the distal end side connection ring 29. And a joint portion 405 that abuts the screw tube 300 of the tube body 28 in the axial direction. The end face of the joint portion 405 butted with each other and the end face of the screw tube 300 are welded by, for example, friction welding, and the joint portion 405 is joined to the screw tube 300.

  By abutting and joining the distal end side connection ring 29 to the screw tube 300 in the axial direction, the axial length of the distal end side connection ring 29 is reduced as compared with the case where the distal end side connection ring 29 is joined by being externally fitted to the screw tube 300. That is, the hard part of the flexible part 12 comprised flexibly can be shortened.

  FIG. 41 shows another configuration example of the joining portion between the tube body 28 and the distal end side connection ring 29 of the flexible portion 12. 40 has the joint 405 shown in FIG. A caulking ring 403 is caulked to the fixing portion 402, the joint portion 405, and the screw tube 300.

  A part of the caulking ring 403 is covered with the screw tube 300, and the tip of the mesh tube 302 is sandwiched between the fixing portion 402 and the joining portion 405 and the screw tube 300 and the caulking ring 403. The axial length of the fixing portion 402 can be reduced while maintaining the fixing strength. Thereby, the axial direction length of the front end side connection ring 29 can be made still smaller, that is, the hard part of the flexible part 12 comprised flexibly can be shortened further. Further, since the crimping ring 403 is crimped to both the joint portion 405 and the screw tube 300 which are abutted in the axial direction and joined, the joint portion of the joint portion 405 and the screw tube 300 is joined by the crimping ring 403. It can also be reinforced.

  So far, the mesh tube 302 of the tube body 28 has been described as being fixed to the distal end side connection ring 29 by the crimping ring 403, but the method of fixing the mesh tube 302 is not limited to the crimping ring 403.

  FIG. 42 shows another configuration example of the joining portion between the tube body 28 and the distal end side connection ring 29 of the flexible portion 12, and the distal end portion 302 a of the mesh tube 302 exposed without being covered with the outer skin 303 is laser-welded. Alternatively, it is welded to the outer peripheral surface (fixed portion) of the distal end side connection ring 29 by resistance welding or the like.

  According to the welding in which the materials of the distal end side connection ring 29 and the mesh tube 302 are fused together, the distal end side connection ring 29 and the distal side connection ring 29 are compared with the case where the same fixation strength is obtained by the fixation based on friction using the caulking ring 403. The contact area with the mesh tube 302 can be reduced, and the axial length of the portion where the mesh tube 302 is welded to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end side connection ring 29 can be shortened. Thereby, the axial direction length of the front end side connection ring 29 can be reduced, that is, the hard portion of the flexible portion 12 configured to be flexible can be shortened. Further, since the caulking ring 403 is omitted, the diameter of the flexible portion 12 can be reduced.

  In the example shown in FIG. 42, the joint portion of the distal end side connection ring 29 joined to the screw tube 300 of the tube body 28 is the joint portion 401 shown in FIG. However, the joint portion 405 shown in FIG.

  Next, a configuration example of a joint portion between the tubular body 28 of the flexible portion 12 and the proximal end side connection ring 30 will be described.

  43 and 44 show a configuration example of a joint portion between the tubular body 28 of the flexible portion 12 and the proximal end side connection ring 30. FIG.

  As described above, the flexible portion 12 is connected to the operation portion 7 via the proximal end side connection ring 30 joined to the proximal end portion of the tubular body 28. The proximal end side connection ring 30 includes an inner ring 500 that is inserted into the proximal end portion of the screw tube 300 of the tube body 28, and an outer ring 501 that accommodates the inner ring 500. As a material for forming the inner ring 500 and the outer ring 501, a metal such as stainless steel can be used in the same manner as the tip side connection ring 29.

  The outer ring 501 is between the inner ring 500 inserted into the proximal end portion of the screw tube 300, the mesh tube 302 covering the outer periphery of the screw tube 300, and the outer periphery of the mesh tube 302. The covering outer skin 303 is sandwiched and the inner ring 500 is crimped. The inner ring 500 and the outer ring 501 crimped to the inner ring 500 integrally sandwich the screw tube 300, the mesh tube 302, and the outer skin 303. Thereby, the base end side connection ring 30 is joined to the tubular body 28.

  The inner surface of the outer ring 501 is provided with irregularities made up of a plurality of grooves or a plurality of dimples. When the outer ring 501 is caulked, a part of the outer skin 303 becomes part of the inner surface of the outer ring 501. The convex portion 503 on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 501 bites into the outer shell 303. Thereby, the joint strength between the tubular body 28 and the proximal end side connection ring 30 is increased.

  FIG. 45 shows another configuration example of the joint portion between the tubular body 28 of the flexible portion 12 and the proximal end side connection ring 30, and the proximal end portion of the screw tube 300 sandwiched between the inner ring 500 and the outer ring 501 A plurality of projections 504 projecting toward the outer diameter side, that is, the mesh tube 302 side are provided. When the outer ring 501 is crimped, the plurality of protrusions 504 are pierced into the mesh tube 302 and the screw tube 300 and the mesh tube 302 are electrically connected. Thereby, the function as a shield of the mesh tube 302 can be enhanced. The protrusion 504 is preferably formed to be sharper than the convex portion 503 on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 501.

  FIG. 46 shows another configuration example of the joint portion between the tubular body 28 of the flexible portion 12 and the proximal end side connection ring 30, and the distal end of the proximal end portion of the mesh tube 302 held between the inner ring 500 and the outer ring 501. 302 b is exposed without being covered by the outer skin 303. By tightening the outer ring 501, the screw tube 300 covering the inner ring 500 and the exposed end 302b of the proximal end of the mesh tube 302 come into contact, and the screw tube 300 and the mesh tube 302 are electrically connected. The Thereby, the function as a shield of the mesh tube 302 can be enhanced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope system 2 Endoscope 3 Light source unit 4 Processor unit 5 Monitor 6 Insertion part 7 Operation part 8 Universal cord 9 Connector 10 Tip part 10a Tip surface 11 Bending part 12 Flexible part 13 Treatment tool insertion port 20 Piece 20a Base end Piece 20b Tip piece 20A Four-way piece 20B Two-way piece 20C Four-way piece 20D First two-way piece 20E Second two-way piece 21 Shaft member 22 Tip portion main body 22a Base end surface 23 Protective cover 24 Tip sleeve 24a Inner peripheral surface 25 Wire 26 Wire 27 Wire guide 28 Tube 29 Tip side connection ring 30 Base end side connection ring 40 Main body part 41 Recess 42 Connection part 43 Hole 44 Balloon mounting groove 45 Balloon 46 Fixing ring 47 Electric wire group 48 Channel 49 Light guide 50 Air supply tube 51 Air supply tube 52 for balloon Space part 53 Space part 54 Space part 55 Intermediary portion 56 Imaging device 57 Observation window 58 Solid-state imaging device 59 Pipe 60 Treatment instrument outlet 61 Illumination window 62 Air / water supply nozzle 63 Balloon air supply port 64 Screw screwing portion 65 Screw 65a Head portion 65b Shaft portion 65c Screw portion 66 Screw Hole 67 Insertion hole 68 Screw receiving portion 69 Rib portion 100 Body 101 Outer connection piece 102 Inner connection piece 103 Flat plate portion 104 Flat plate portion 110 Body 111 Outer connection piece 111a Outer connection piece 111b Outer connection piece 112 Inner connection piece 112a Inner connection piece 112b Inner connecting piece 113 Flat plate portion 114 Flat plate portion 115 Flat plate portion 120 First positioning hole 121 Second positioning hole 130a Through hole 130b Through hole 131 Shaft portion 132 Head portion 133 Large diameter portion 134 Small diameter portion 201 Protrusion 212 Head portion 217 Cutting Notch 217a Introducing portion 217b Engaging portion 218 Recessed portion 219 Step 300 Screw tube 302 Reticulated tube 30 a distal end portion 302b base end portion end 303 outer sheath 305 strand bundle 306 strand 306a strand 306b strand 310 anchor portion 311 anchor portion 312 bridge 313 anchor portion 400 connecting portion 401 joint portion 402 fixing portion 403 caulking ring 404 taper portion 405 Joint 500 Inner ring 501 Outer ring 502 Recess 503 Projection 504 Protrusion A Spot welding location H Projection height Hr Projection amount Hs Gap length La Extension length Lb Extension length Lp Screwing length Ls Distance L1 Axial length Length L2 Axial length L3 Axial length P Clearance Pc Corner S1 Surface S2 Surface t1 Adhering part thickness t2 Clamping ring thickness W1 Width W2 Width Wa Width Wb Width X Rotation axis Y Rotation axis θ Inclination angle

Claims (5)

It has a plurality of annular pieces arranged in a row, and a curved portion in which two adjacent pieces are rotatably connected to each other, and a base piece placed at one end of the curved portion. A flexible portion having a connecting ring, and an insertion portion including
The connection ring has a connecting portion that fits into the base piece,
The base end piece is provided with at least one notch having an introduction portion extending in the axial direction from an end of the base end piece and an engagement portion extending in the circumferential direction connected to the introduction portion,
At least one protrusion inserted into the engaging portion of the notch is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion,
An endoscope in which a head of the protrusion is crimped to an outer peripheral surface around the notch of the base piece. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein
A concave portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface around the notch of the base piece,
An endoscope in which at least a part of the head of the protrusion is housed in the recess. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein
The recess is provided only around the engaging portion of the notch,
An endoscope in which a step is formed between an outer peripheral surface around the introduction portion of the notch of the base end piece and an outer peripheral surface around the engaging portion of the notch of the base end piece. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The soft part has a tube body including a flexible screw tube made of a strip plate wound spirally,
The connection ring has a joint portion that is fitted around one end of the screw tube,
An endoscope in which an inner diameter of the joint portion is larger than an inner diameter of the connecting portion. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein
An endoscope in which an outer diameter of the joint portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the proximal end piece.

Images