JP2019013275A - Curved member for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a curved member for an endoscope which is inexpensive, disposable and sanitary, excellent in a curved characteristic, and has a small number of components; and to provide a manufacturing method of the curved member.SOLUTION: In a curved member 8 for an endoscope having a main lumen M and at least one sub lumen S, concerning the shape of the curved member 8, both end faces orthogonal in the axial direction of the curved member 8 have an approximately V-shaped projection 9 or recess formed of two faces, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an endoscope bending member used for a bending portion of an endoscope.

As a basic structure of the bending portion of the endoscope, a structure in which a plurality of metal cylindrical members called rings are connected is known. Each ring is connected by inserting a pin into a hole of a connecting portion provided in the ring. (For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2)

  However, a structure using a metal ring has a large number of parts, is expensive, and needs to be cleaned every time it is used repeatedly, and various problems are caused by insufficient cleaning.

JP-A-2-195931 JP 2012-61221 A

In view of the conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a bending member for an endoscope that has a small number of parts, is inexpensive, can be disposable, is hygienic, and has excellent bending characteristics.

The gist of the present invention is as follows.

(1) An endoscopic bending member having a main lumen and at least one sub-lumen,
With respect to the shape of the bending member, both end surfaces orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member each have a substantially V-shaped convex portion or concave portion formed from two surfaces.
(2) As one form of the bending member, both end surfaces orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member have substantially V-shaped convex portions formed from two surfaces.
(3) As one form of a bending member, the substantially V-shaped convex part formed from two surfaces has an arc-shaped notch when viewed from the peripheral side surface of the bending member.
(4) As one form of the bending member, both end surfaces orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member have substantially V-shaped convex portions formed from two surfaces, and the convex portion on one end surface is curved. The convex part of the other end surface is inclined so as to become higher toward the central axis of the bending member, and the convex part of the other end face is formed to be inclined toward the central axis of the bending member.
(5) The shape of the bending member is substantially line symmetric with respect to the axial direction of the bending member.
(6) The bending member has a hardness of 40 or more (based on JIS Z2246).
(7) The material of the bending member is a synthetic resin.
(8) The bending member is a disposable member.
(9) The bending structure of the bending portion is characterized in that a plurality of bending members are arranged in the axial direction in an independent state and are integrally connected by inserting an operation line into the sub-lumen. .
(10) The bending structure of the bending portion has an elastic cylindrical body between the bending members.

According to the present invention, the excellent effects described below can be expected.

(1) The shape of the bending member of the present invention minimizes the bending angle of the endoscope bending portion and has excellent bending characteristics.
(2) The bending members of the present invention are independent one by one and are integrally connected by inserting an operation line into the sub-lumen, so that the metal ring or the connection is made as in the conventional case. Since no member such as a pin is required, the number of parts is small compared to the prior art, and the cost is low.
(3) Since the number of parts is small compared to the prior art, assembly is easy (simplification) and production costs can be saved.
(4) When the bending member of the present invention is made of a high-hardness synthetic resin, the bending member can be obtained at a lower cost, so that it can be disposable and is hygienic.
(5) It contributes to weight reduction of the endoscope as compared with the metal made of a large number of parts in the prior art.
(6) Since the hardness of the bending member is 40 or more, it is lightweight and excellent in durability.
(7) If it is the shape of the bending member of this invention, the shift | offset | difference of the contact part between bending members will be reduced, and shakiness will become small.
(8) In the case of a bending structure in which an elastic cylindrical body is provided between the bending members, the load on the operation line at the contact portion between the bending members is reduced, and the bending characteristics are improved.

It is an example of the schematic diagram of an endoscope. It is an example of the external view which shows the shape of the bending member of this invention. It is another example of the external view which shows the shape of the bending member of this invention. It is another example of the external view which shows the shape of the bending member of this invention. It is another example of the external view which shows the shape of the bending member of this invention. It is an example of the bending structure using the bending member of this invention. It is an example of the bending structure of a prior art.

Hereinafter, the bending member for endoscope of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an endoscope 1. The endoscope 1 has an insertion part 2 to be inserted into a patient's body and an operation part 3 operated by an operator. The bending member for endoscope of the present invention is used in the bending portion 5 of the insertion portion 2.

2-5 is a figure which shows the shape of the bending member 8 of this invention. In the figure, (a) is a perspective view, and (b) and (c) are views seen from the peripheral side surface of the bending member 8. (B) is the figure which rotated (c) 90 degree | times to the circumferential direction.

FIG. 2 shows that the end surface orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member is a substantially V-shaped convex portion formed from two surfaces.

FIG. 3 shows that the end surface orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member is a substantially V-shaped recess formed from two surfaces.

FIG. 4 shows a substantially V-shaped convex part in which an end surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the bending member is formed from two surfaces, and the convex part is an arc-shaped notch as viewed from the peripheral side surface of the bending member. It has shown that.

FIG. 5 shows that both end surfaces orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member have substantially V-shaped convex portions formed from two surfaces, and the convex portion on one end surface is directed toward the central axis of the bending member. It indicates that the convex portion on the other end surface is inclined so as to be lowered, and is formed so as to be inclined toward the central axis of the bending member.

FIG. 6 illustrates the bending structure of the bending portion 5. A plurality of bending members 8 are arranged in the axial direction in a state where they are independent of each other, and an operation line is inserted into the sub-lumen so as to be integrated. Connected.

The bending member 8 of the present invention has a main lumen M and at least one sub-lumen S. The main lumen M is a large hole mainly located at the center of the bending member 8. The sub-lumen S is a small hole embedded in the periphery of the main lumen M, that is, in the thick portion of the bending member 8.

The number of holes in the bending member 8 sub-lumen S is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 4 or more from the viewpoint of operability. If the number of holes is four, the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 can be operated up and down and left and right through the operation line, which is most preferable from the viewpoints of operability and productivity.
When the number of holes in the sub-lumen S is one, it is possible to bend only in one direction. In this case, a structure in which the bending members near the side opposite to the hole through which the operation line is inserted is preferably connected.

The positions of the holes in the sub-lumen S are not particularly limited, but when a plurality of sub-blooms S are applied, it is preferable that the sub-lumen S be equally disposed in the thick portion of the bending member 8.
More preferably, it is preferably in the vicinity of a substantially V-shaped convex portion or concave portion (9 to 13) formed from two surfaces, or a position rotated 90 degrees from these (intermediate position of the convex portion or concave portion). (Figures 2 to 5 (a))
In the case where the sub-lumen S has a shape where the curved members are in contact with each other, when the operation line is inserted into the sub-lumen S and connected together, the connection between the members becomes stronger and the contact portion shifts. It is more preferable because sticking hardly occurs.

The dimensions of the bending member 8, that is, the inner diameter, the outer diameter, the wall thickness, and the like of the main lumen and the sub-lumen are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to the application.

About the shape of the bending member 8 of this invention, the end surface orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member 8 has the substantially V-shaped convex part 9 or the recessed part 10 formed from two surfaces. (Fig. 2, Fig. 3)
The shape in which the end surface is the substantially V-shaped convex part 9 or concave part 10 contributes to a reduction in the bending angle when the endoscope is curved, as shown in FIG.

When both end faces have a substantially V-shaped convex part 9 formed from two faces, the bending angle during bending of the endoscope can be further reduced, and it can be said that it is excellent in terms of bending characteristics. (Fig. 6 (a))

As another aspect, the end surface orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member 8 has a substantially V-shaped convex portion formed from two surfaces, and the convex portion is a circle as viewed from the peripheral side surface of the bending member. It has an arc-shaped notch 11. (Fig. 4)
The shape of the arc-shaped cutout portion 11 is not particularly limited, and may be only a part of the convex portion, but from the viewpoint of bending characteristics, a shape applied to the entire thick portion as shown in FIG. 4 is preferable.
The size of the notch is not particularly limited.

As another aspect, both end surfaces orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member 8 have substantially V-shaped convex portions formed from two surfaces, and the convex portion 12 (inclined portion) on one end surface is Inclined so as to be lower toward the central axis of the bending member (FIG. 5A), and the convex portion 13 (inclined portion) on the other end surface is inclined so as to be higher toward the central axis of the bending member. Formed. (Fig. 5 (b))

In this case, when the endoscope is bent, the convex portions of the bending member 8 do not come into contact with each other, and wrap (overlap) when viewed from the peripheral side surface of the bending member 8. Can be said to be a more preferable embodiment. (Fig. 6 (d))

The shape of the bending member 8 is preferably substantially line symmetric with respect to the axial direction of the bending member 8. (Figures 2-5 etc.)
That is, the substantially V-shaped convex portions or concave portions (9 to 13) formed from two surfaces, which are respectively formed on both end surfaces, are located at both ends of the surface orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member 8, and the both ends. A line connecting the convex portion or the corner portion of the concave portion is provided so as to intersect the central axis of the bending member 8.
When it is substantially line symmetric, it can be bent at a smaller bending angle when the endoscope is bent, which is a preferable mode.

The hardness of the bending member 8 is preferably 40 or more. More preferably, it is 50-70. Most preferably, it is 50-60.
Hardness conforms to JIS Z2246 (Shore hardness test method). When it is 40 or more, durability not inferior to that of a metal bending member is obtained, and the flexibility and productivity of the bending member are also excellent.

The material of the bending member 8 is not particularly limited, and a metal can be used, but a synthetic resin is more preferable. Although it does not specifically limit as a synthetic resin, A crystalline thermoplastic resin, for example, a fluororesin, a polyester resin, an aromatic polyether ketone, etc. are preferable at the point which is high hardness. In view of heat resistance, durability, chemical resistance, etc., a fluororesin is particularly preferable. Although the kind of fluororesin is not specifically limited, Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferable from the viewpoint of tube moldability having subluene.

For the purpose of improving the quality of the bending member 8 such as wear resistance, increasing strength and hardness, or improving the price, a filler may be added as appropriate in addition to the synthetic resin described above. Also, there is no particular limitation.
For example, the hardness may be 40 or less unless a problem such as wear resistance occurs in the use of the endoscope by adding a filler.

In addition, when using a synthetic resin such as a fluororesin, the bending member 8 can be used as a disposable member because it is cheaper and easier to assemble than a conventional metal. When it is disposable, it is not necessary to perform a cleaning operation every use, and it is excellent in terms of hygiene.

A feature of the bending structure of the present invention is that a plurality of bending members 8 are arranged in the axial direction in an independent state and are integrally connected by inserting an operation line 14 into the sub-lumen S.

Since they are integrated by inserting the operation line 14, the number of parts can be reduced and an inexpensive bending structure can be obtained as compared with the conventional bending structure (FIG. 7).

About the bending structure of this invention, you may have the elastic cylindrical body T between the bending members 8. FIG. (Fig. 6 (c))
The material of the elastic cylindrical body T is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyvinyl chloride and silicone rubber.
Although it does not specifically limit about the hardness of the elastic cylindrical body T, 25-70 are preferable. More preferably, it is 40-55.

The elastic cylindrical body T is disposed between the cutout portions 11 of the bending member 8 particularly in the case of the bending member 8 (FIG. 4) having the arcuate cutout portion 11 when viewed from the peripheral side surface of the bending member at the convex portion. It is preferable.
The size of the elastic cylindrical body T is not particularly limited, but is preferably a size that does not compress the elastic cylindrical body T from the viewpoint of bending characteristics.
In this bending structure, when the endoscope is bent, the load on the operation line at the bending portion between the bending members 8 is reduced, and rattling due to the displacement of the contact portion is less likely to occur. I can say that. (Fig. 6 (c))

The manufacturing method of the bending member 8 of the present invention is not particularly limited and includes various methods such as compression molding, insert molding, and the like. After the long member having the main lumen M and at least one sub-lumen S is molded, It is preferable to form the length member by cutting it into the shape of a curved member.
By continuously cutting the long member into the shape of the curved member 8, the productivity is remarkably improved, and it can be manufactured at low cost.

Here, regarding the bending member 8, combinations of the shapes of both end faces will be described.

As described above, when both end surfaces have the substantially V-shaped convex portion 9 formed from two surfaces, the bending angle at the time of bending of the endoscope can be reduced, which is excellent in terms of bending characteristics. I can say that.
Furthermore, when the lines connecting the corners of the substantially V-shaped convex portions 9 are formed so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the bending member 8, the endoscope is vertically and horizontally Can be bent in four directions. (Fig. 6 (a))
On the other hand, in each end face, when the line connecting the corners of the substantially V-shaped convex portion 9 is formed so as to overlap (parallel) to each other as viewed from the axial direction of the bending member 8, the endoscope is Bending in the vertical and horizontal directions is possible.

As another combination, even when the one end surface has a substantially V-shaped convex portion 9 formed of two surfaces and the other end surface has a concave portion 10, the bending angle during bending of the endoscope can be reduced, and the viewpoint of the bending characteristics Is excellent.
In this case, the bending characteristics are slightly inferior to those in the case where both end surfaces have the convex portions 9 described above. However, in the method of cutting the long member to produce the bending member 8, the end member of the long member is generated. Excellent in that there is no wasteful disposal loss.
Further, in each end face, when the lines connecting the corners of the substantially V-shaped convex part 9 or the concave part 10 are formed so as to overlap (parallel) to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the bending member 8, The endoscope can be bent in four directions, up, down, left, and right. (Fig. 6 (b))
On the other hand, when the lines connecting the corners of the substantially V-shaped projections 9 are formed so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the bending member 8, the endoscope is The curve is in the left and right directions.

Regarding the bending characteristics, the bending R can be made smaller when bending in two directions than the combination bending in four directions. Therefore, when the bending characteristics are more important than the directionality of the bending, it is preferable to adopt a combination bending in two directions.

In addition to the combination described above, both end faces may have a substantially V-shaped recess 10 formed from two faces. (No figure)
It is not limited to the combinations shown here, and can be combined as appropriate within the concept of the present invention.

The dimension of the bending member is not particularly limited and conforms to the specification of the endoscope, but may be limited by the removal rate of each end face.
Here, the removal rate is a value indicating the ratio of the length X removed in the axial direction to the total length L in the axial direction of the bending member. (Fig. 6)

Removal rate (%) = length X (one end) removed in the axial direction / total length L × 100 in the axial direction of the bending member

The smaller the removal rate, the better the bending characteristics, while the larger the removal rate, the better the effect as a protective material and the better the durability. The removal rate of each end face is preferably 10% to 60%, more preferably 20% to 60%, and most preferably 30% to 50%, in that both the characteristics of bending and durability are combined.
Although the removal rate may be different at both ends of the bending member, it is preferable that both ends are the same from the viewpoint of bending characteristics.

As an index for evaluating the bending characteristic, an inner length Y at the time of bending can be mentioned. (Fig. 6)
When compared with bending members having the same diameter, it can be said that the smaller the inner length Y during bending, the smaller the bending angle and the better the bending characteristics.

With various shapes of curved members and combinations thereof, it is possible to freely design a curve in a desired direction and angle, and a curved structure corresponding to the application can be obtained.

Hereinafter, although the Example is given and it demonstrates more concretely about the bending member 8 for endoscopes of this invention, about the range and manufacturing method of this invention, it is not limited to these.

(Examples 1-6)
About the structure of the bending member 8 of Examples 1-6, both the end surfaces orthogonal to the axial direction of a bending member have the substantially V-shaped convex part 9 formed from two surfaces.
The bending member has an outer diameter D of 11 mm and an overall length L of 10 mm.
Among these, in Example 1, the positions of the sublumen are two places on both ends of the thick portion, and when the operation line is inserted and integrated, the bending member 8 can be bent in two directions.
The removal rate is 40%.

In Example 2, the position of the sublumen in Example 1 is four in the thick portion, and when the operation line is inserted and integrated, the bending member 8 is bent in four directions, up, down, left, and right. It becomes possible.
The removal rate is 10%.

In Example 3, the removal rate of Example 2 is 20%.

In Example 4, the removal rate of Example 2 is 30%.

In Example 5, the removal rate of Example 2 is 40%.

In Example 6, the removal rate of Example 2 is 50%.

(Examples 7 and 8)
Regarding the structure of the bending member 8 of Examples 7 and 8, the one end surface orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member 8 is a substantially V-shaped convex portion 9 formed from two surfaces, and the other end surface is formed from two surfaces. A substantially V-shaped recess 10 is provided.
Similar to Examples 1 to 6, the bending member 8 has an outer diameter D of 11 mm and an overall length L of 10 mm.
The positions of the sub-lumen in Example 7 are two positions on both ends of the thick portion, and when the operation line is inserted and integrated, the bending member 8 can be bent in two directions.
The removal rate is 40%.

In the eighth embodiment, the sub-lumen has four positions in the thick portion of the seventh embodiment. When the operation line is inserted and integrated, the bending member 8 is bent in four directions, up, down, left, and right. It becomes possible.

About Examples 1-8, a curve characteristic, durability, etc. were evaluated and the result is shown in Table 1.

(Table 1)

As shown in Table 1, all of Examples 1 to 8 according to the present invention were able to confirm the superiority with respect to the bending characteristics.
Regarding the bending characteristics, when the removal rate of the bending member 8 is increased, the inner length Y during bending is reduced, and a smaller bending angle is possible. On the other hand, the smaller the removal rate, the greater the shielding ratio by the bending member 8, and therefore the durability (strength) as the bending member 8 tends to be large. Example 5 is particularly excellent in that it is excellent in durability and is also excellent in bending characteristics.
Even with the same removal rate, the bending R is smaller in the two directions than in the four bending directions.
Therefore, although Example 7 is curved in two directions, it is excellent in durability and excellent in bending characteristics.

As in Examples 7 and 8, one end surface orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member 8 is a substantially V-shaped convex portion formed from two surfaces, and the other end surface is a substantially V-shaped projection formed from two surfaces. When it has a recessed part, when forming by cut | disconnecting the elongate member used as the material of the bending member 8, a discard loss can be decreased.

The above embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and various modifications and applications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the present invention.

The bending member for endoscopes according to the present invention is excellent in bending characteristics, inexpensive, disposable and hygienic, and thus various uses are expected in a wide range of industries as a bending member for medical use and industrial use.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope 2 Insertion part 3 Operation part 4 Tip part 5 Bending part 6 Flexible part 7 Forceps port 8 Bending member 9 Convex part 10 Concave part 11 Notch part 12, 13 Inclination part 14 Operation line M Main lumen S Sublumen T Elastic cylindrical body L Total length D of bending member Outer diameter X of bending member Removal length Y Inner length at the time of bending

Claims (10)

An endoscopic bending member having a main lumen and at least one sub-lumen,
A bending member for an endoscope, wherein both end surfaces of the bending member orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member have substantially V-shaped convex portions or concave portions formed from two surfaces.
Both end surfaces orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member have substantially V-shaped convex portions formed from two surfaces,
The bending member for endoscopes according to claim 1.
The substantially V-shaped convex portion formed from two surfaces on the end surface of the bending member has an arc-shaped notch as viewed from the peripheral side surface of the bending member.
The bending member for endoscopes according to claim 1 or 2.
Both end surfaces orthogonal to the axial direction of the bending member have substantially V-shaped convex portions formed from two surfaces, and the convex portion on one end surface is lowered toward the central axis of the bending member. The convex portion on the other end surface is formed so as to be inclined toward the central axis of the bending member,
The bending member for endoscopes according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The shape of the bending member is substantially line symmetric with respect to the axial direction of the bending member,
The bending member for endoscopes according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The bending member has a hardness of 40 or more,
The bending member for endoscopes according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The material of the bending member is a synthetic resin,
The bending member for endoscopes according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The bending member is a disposable member,
The bending member for endoscopes according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The bending member for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A plurality of them are arranged in the axial direction in an independent state, and are integrally connected by inserting an operation line into the sub-lumen of the bending member,
The bending structure of the bending member for endoscopes.
The bending member for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A plurality of them are arranged in the axial direction in an independent state, and have an elastic cylindrical body between the bending members,
The bending structure of the bending member for an endoscope according to claim 9.

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