JP4142308B2 - Endoscope tube manufacturing method and endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an endoscope tube.andThe present invention relates to an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
To insert / use a treatment instrument such as forceps and a liquid in the body cavity inside the insertion portion of the endoscope (a long and narrow part to be inserted into the body cavity). A plurality of channels (passages) such as a suction channel, an air supply channel for supplying air into the body cavity, and a water supply channel for supplying water into the body cavity are provided. Conventionally, each of the plurality of channels is formed by separate tubes installed in the endoscope insertion portion.
[0003]
However, the endoscope insertion part has a limit (limit) on the outer diameter when inserted into a body cavity, and the endoscope insertion part has a channel other than the tube forming each channel described above. For example, since it is necessary to install a light guide (optical fiber bundle), a wire, an electric cable, etc., there exists a problem that the magnitude | size (width) of each channel cannot fully be ensured.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope tube manufacturing method capable of forming each of a plurality of channels in a large size by efficiently using an internal space of an endoscope insertion portion.andAn object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Such purposes are as follows (1) to (6This is achieved by the present invention.
[0006]
  (1) By extruding the material, a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole positioned so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole extend along the longitudinal direction. An endoscope tube manufacturing method for manufacturing a formed endoscope tube,
  The extrusion molding machine that performs the extrusion molding includes a die in which an extrusion passage through which a material passes is formed, a main core that forms the main hole, and a sub-hole that forms the sub-hole. With a mandrel,
  The sub-core isThe cross-sectional shape is substantially circular, each of which is formed by arranging a plurality of rod-like bodies having different outer diameters,Opposing to the main coreBetween the rod-shaped bodies,Almost V-shaped grooveIs configured to formAn endoscopic tube manufacturing method characterized by the above.
[0007]
  Thereby, the manufacturing method of the tube for endoscopes which can utilize each internal space of an endoscope insertion part efficiently and can form each of a some channel large can be provided.
In addition, the sub-core bar is formed by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, whereby the manufacturing cost of the sub-core bar can be reduced. In addition, the main hole and the sub hole can be made larger by including those having different outer diameters.
[0010]
  (2The cross-sectional shape of the extrusion passage is substantially circular or elliptical (1) For producing an endoscope tube.
[0011]
As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the endoscope tube can be made substantially circular or elliptical, so that the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion can be utilized with higher efficiency, and the main hole and the sub-hole can be made more efficient. Can be bigger.
[0012]
  (3)By extruding the material, a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole positioned so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole were formed along the longitudinal direction. An endoscope tube manufacturing method for manufacturing an endoscope tube,
The extrusion molding machine that performs the extrusion molding includes a die in which an extrusion passage through which a material passes is formed, a main core that forms the main hole, and a sub-hole that forms the sub-hole. With a mandrel,
The main core bar is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage,
The sub-core is composed of a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters, and a gap between the extrusion passage and the main core increases due to the eccentricity. The plurality of rod-like bodies are arranged at positions where the outer diameters are arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in the direction in which the gap between the extrusion passage and the main core bar becomes smaller, thereby facing the main core bar. An endoscopic tube manufacturing method, characterized in that a substantially V-shaped groove is formed between the rod-shaped bodies.
[0013]
Thereby, the manufacturing method of the tube for endoscopes which can utilize each internal space of an endoscope insertion part efficiently and can form each of a some channel large can be provided.
Also,The main metal core is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage, and the sub-core metal is installed at a position where a gap between the extrusion passage and the main metal core is large due to the eccentricity.Further, the sub-core is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters, and the plurality of rod-shaped bodies are formed between the extrusion passage and the main core metal. By arranging in order of increasing outer diameter in the direction of decreasing gapThe main hole and the sub hole can be made larger.
[0014]
  (4) By extruding the material, a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole positioned so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole are formed along the longitudinal direction. An endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an endoscope tube,
  A die formed therein with an extrusion passage through which the material passes;
  A main metal core which is installed in the extrusion passage and forms the main hole and a sub metal core which forms the sub hole;
  The sub-core isThe cross-sectional shape is substantially circular, each of which is formed by arranging a plurality of rod-like bodies having different outer diameters,Opposite to the main core,Between the rodsHaving at least one groove formed along the longitudinal directionIs configured asAn endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus characterized by that.
[0015]
  Thereby, it is possible to provide an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus capable of forming each of the plurality of channels in a large size by efficiently using the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion.
In addition, the sub-core bar is formed by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, whereby the manufacturing cost of the sub-core bar can be reduced. In addition, the main hole and the sub hole can be made larger by including those having different outer diameters.
[0018]
  (5The cross-sectional shape of the extrusion passage is substantially circular or elliptical (4The endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1).
[0019]
As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the endoscope tube can be made substantially circular or elliptical, so that the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion can be utilized with higher efficiency, and the main hole and the sub-hole can be made more efficient. Can be bigger.
[0020]
  (6)By extruding the material, a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole positioned so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole were formed along the longitudinal direction. An endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an endoscope tube,
A die formed therein with an extrusion passage through which the material passes;
A main metal core which is installed in the extrusion passage and forms the main hole and a sub metal core which forms the sub hole;
The main core bar is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage,
The sub-core is composed of a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters, and a gap between the extrusion passage and the main core is increased due to the eccentricity. The plurality of rod-shaped bodies are arranged at positions so as to be arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in a direction in which the gap between the extrusion passage and the main core bar becomes smaller, thereby facing the main core bar. An endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus, comprising: at least one groove formed along the longitudinal direction between the rod-shaped bodies.
[0021]
Thereby, it is possible to provide an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus capable of forming each of the plurality of channels in a large size by efficiently using the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion.
Also,The main metal core is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage, and the sub-core metal is installed at a position where a gap between the extrusion passage and the main metal core is large due to the eccentricity.Further, the sub-core is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters, and the plurality of rod-shaped bodies are formed between the extrusion passage and the main core metal. By arranging in order of increasing outer diameter, toward the direction of decreasing the gap,The main hole and the sub hole can be made larger.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Endoscope tube manufacturing method of the present inventionandBefore describing the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus, a comparative example will be described first in order to easily understand the operation and effect of the present invention.
[0038]
7 is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion passage, a main core metal, and a sub-core metal of an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus (extrusion molding machine) in a comparative example, and FIG. 8 is an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view of the tube for endoscopes manufactured by this.
[0039]
As an effective method for efficiently using the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion having a restriction (limit) on the outer diameter and making each of the plurality of channels (passages) as large (wide) as possible, one of them An endoscope tube (multi-lumen tube) having a plurality of holes (lumen) in the endoscope tube is installed in the endoscope insertion portion, and the plurality of holes of the endoscope tube are respectively used as channels. Can be considered.
[0040]
As this multi-lumen type endoscope tube, for example, when an endoscope tube having three holes of one main hole 210 and two auxiliary holes 220 and 230 is manufactured by extrusion molding, this extrusion molding is performed. It is conceivable that the die (die) of the extrusion molding machine that performs is simply as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, an extrusion passage 110 having a circular cross section is formed inside the die 100, and the main core 120, the sub-core 130, 140 are installed.
[0041]
The main metal core 120 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and is disposed eccentrically from the center of the extrusion passage 110 to the lower side in FIG. The main metal core 120 is for forming a main hole 210 used as a treatment instrument insertion channel for inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps.
[0042]
Each of the sub-cores 130 and 140 has a cross-sectional shape that is half the crescent shape, and is installed on the upper side of the main core 120 in FIG. The two sub-holes 220 and 230 formed by the sub-cores 130 and 140 are used as an air supply channel and a water supply channel, respectively. Therefore, there is a problem even if the cross-sectional shape is not circular. Absent.
[0043]
However, when the extrusion is actually performed by using the die 100, the main core 120, and the sub-cores 130 and 140 as shown in FIG. 7, the gap 150 between the main core 120 and the sub-core 130, or the main core 120 Since the gap 160 between the sub core metal 140 is narrow, no material can enter the gaps 150 and 160. Therefore, in the molded endoscope tube 200, as shown in FIG. 8, the partition wall 240 that separates the main hole 210 and the sub hole 220 and the partition wall 250 that separates the main hole 210 and the sub hole 230 are not formed. It will be missing.
[0044]
If such a defect of the partition wall 240 or the partition wall 250 occurs in a part of the entire length of the endoscope tube, air supply and water supply are hindered. Therefore, the partition walls 240 and 250 need to be completely formed over the entire length. is there.
[0045]
Further, if the gaps 150 and 160 are made large (wide) so that the material can enter, the thickness of the partition walls 240 and 250 increases, and the purpose of making the main hole 210 and the sub-holes 220 and 230 large (wide) is sufficient. Can not be achieved.
[0046]
  On the other hand, according to the present invention, the above problems can be solved. Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the tube for endoscopes of the present inventionandAn endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0047]
  1 is a sectional side view showing an embodiment of an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional side view showing a die of the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an endoscope tube according to the present invention.Endoscope tubes manufactured with manufacturing equipmentFIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view showing a state in which the endoscope tube shown in FIG. 4 is deformed, and FIG. 6 is a transverse view showing another configuration example of the sub-core in the present invention. FIG. In the following description, the left side in FIGS. 1 and 2 is referred to as a “base end”, and the right side is referred to as a “tip”.
[0048]
  First, based on FIG. 4, the tube for endoscope of this inventionEndoscope tubes manufactured with manufacturing equipmentThe embodiment will be described.
  The endoscope tube 8 shown in FIG. 4 is used by being installed in an endoscope insertion portion (elongated portion to be inserted into a body cavity) (not shown), and has a main hole 81 having a substantially circular cross section. And sub-holes 82 and 83 located so as to cover a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole 81 (total three holes (lumen)).
[0049]
  In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the endoscope tube 8 is substantially circular. Thereby, the internal space (outer diameter) of the endoscope insertion portion can be utilized with higher efficiency while ensuring the main hole 81 and the sub holes 82 and 83 large (wide). The present inventionEndoscope tubes manufactured atThen, although the cross-sectional shape of the tube 8 for endoscopes is not limited, It is preferable that it is substantially circular or elliptical.
[0050]
The main hole 81 is formed at a position eccentric from the center of the endoscope tube 8 to the lower side in FIG. The main hole 81 is used as a treatment instrument insertion channel for inserting various treatment instruments (inspection instruments) such as forceps in an endoscope to which the endoscope tube 8 is applied. The inner diameter of the main hole 81 is not particularly limited. For example, when the outer diameter (average outer diameter) of the endoscope tube 8 is about 3.6 mm, the inner diameter of the main hole 81 is 1.8-2. About 2 mm is preferable, and when the outer diameter (average outer diameter) of the endoscope tube 8 is about 4 mm, the inner diameter of the main hole 81 is preferably about 2 to 2.8 mm. In other words, when the outer diameter (average outer diameter) of the endoscope tube 8 is 1, the inner diameter of the main hole 81 is preferably about 0.45 to 0.75, and 0.5 to 0. More preferably, it is about .7. The main hole 81 may also be used as a suction channel for sucking and discharging liquid in the body cavity.
[0051]
The sub-holes 82 and 83 are respectively formed at portions thickened by the eccentricity of the main hole 81, that is, above the main hole 81 in FIG. The auxiliary holes 82 and 83 are used as an air supply channel and a water supply channel for sending air and water into the body cavity in an endoscope to which the endoscope tube 8 is applied, respectively. The sub hole 82 or the sub hole 83 may be used as a suction channel.
[0052]
In the present embodiment, the sub-holes 82 and 83 are formed symmetrically in FIG. The cross-sectional shape of the sub-hole 82 located on the left side in FIG. 4 is a shape in which a plurality of (three in the illustrated configuration) circles are arranged. On the side of the sub-hole 82 of the partition wall 84 that separates the main hole 81 and the sub-hole 82 by the boundary between the circles, ridges 841 and 842 having a substantially cross-sectional shape are formed along the longitudinal direction, respectively. Has been. Similarly, on the inner wall opposite to the partition wall 84, ridges 861 and 862 having a substantially mountain-shaped cross section are formed along the longitudinal direction. The ridges 861 and 862 are respectively formed on the ridges 841 and 862, respectively. 842 is located opposite.
[0053]
Thus, the partition wall 84 has a portion where the thickness is locally increased in the circumferential direction of the main hole 81 due to the formation of the ridges 841 and 842.
[0054]
  Since the sub-hole 82 is used as a fluid flow path as described above, the cross-sectional shape thereof is the present invention.Endoscope tubes manufactured atThere is no problem even if it is not circular as shown in FIG. On the contrary, since the sub-hole 82 is formed in the cross-sectional shape as described above, the space (outer diameter) in the endoscope tube 8 is efficiently used, and the cross-sectional area of the sub-hole 82 is further increased. Widely secured.
[0055]
Also, the three circles constituting the shape of the sub-hole 82 have different outer diameters, and the thickness of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole 81 (the inner peripheral surface of the main hole 81 and the outer peripheral surface of the endoscope tube 8) Are arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in the direction in which the distance) decreases. Thereby, the main hole 81 and the subhole 82 can be made larger (wider) by using the space in the endoscope tube 8 with higher efficiency.
[0056]
The sub-hole 83 is similarly formed with a symmetrical shape and position with respect to the sub-hole 82. That is, on the side of the sub-hole 83 of the partition wall 85 that separates the main hole 81 and the sub-hole 83, ridges 851 and 852 having a substantially cross-sectional shape are formed, respectively. Strips 871 and 872 are respectively formed.
[0057]
The constituent material of the endoscope tube 8 is not particularly limited. For example, polyolefin such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate, and the like. Polyester, polyurethane, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and other synthetic resin materials such as polyimide. Although it can be used in combination of two or more species, among these, it is preferable that the main component is a fluororesin, particularly PTFE. Thereby, the friction coefficient of the inner peripheral surface of the main hole 81 is small, and excellent slidability of the treatment instrument is obtained. In addition, excellent heat resistance is also obtained.
[0058]
Such an endoscope tube 8 can be manufactured by extrusion molding using the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0059]
The endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 manufactures an endoscope tube 8 by extruding a material 9 and is extruded from the extruder 2 and the extruder 2. A heating furnace 11 for firing the molded body 10 and a take-up device 12 for taking up the endoscope tube 8 obtained by firing the molded body 10 are provided.
[0060]
The extrusion molding machine 2 includes an extruder 3 having a cylinder 31 and a piston 32 inserted into the cylinder 31, and a die (base) 4 installed on the front end side of the extruder 3.
[0061]
The melted or softened material 9 is supplied and filled in the lumen of the cylinder 31 of the extruder 3, and this material 9 is transferred into the die 4 by moving the piston 32 in the distal direction. The extruder 3 is not limited to the piston type as shown in the figure, and may be a screw type that transfers the material 9 by a screw that is rotationally driven, for example.
[0062]
Of the materials listed above as the constituent material of the tube 8 for endoscope, the fluorine-based resin such as PTFE does not flow even when heated, and usually cannot be extruded, but these fine powders It is possible to perform extrusion molding by adding an auxiliary agent (for example, an organic solvent such as naphtha) to form a paste, and after molding, the auxiliary agent is volatilized and then fired to obtain a product. be able to. In this embodiment, a case where this method is used will be described.
[0063]
A heater 13 is installed on the outer periphery of the cylinder 31 and the die 4, and the material 9 is heated by the heater 13 as necessary.
[0064]
Inside the die 4, there are provided an extrusion passage 41 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and a substantially constant inner diameter, and a tapered portion 42 formed on the proximal end side of the extrusion passage 41 and having an inner diameter gradually decreasing in the distal direction. It has been. The inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 31 and the extrusion passage 41 are smoothly connected via a tapered portion 42.
[0065]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a main core bar (mandrel) 5 and two sub-core bars (mandrels) 6 and 7 are inserted and installed in the extrusion passage 41 of the die 4. The main core bar 5 and the sub-core bars 6 and 7 are supported by a support portion 14 provided at the base end portion thereof, and are fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the cylinder 31 (or the taper portion 42).
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 1, the material 9 transferred into the die 4 by the extruder 3 enters the extrusion passage 41 while being pressurized and accelerated through the taper portion 42, and enters the main core 5 in the extrusion passage 41. These are molded by the sub-cores 6 and 7 and extruded from the tip of the extrusion passage 41 as the molded body 10.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 3, the main metal core 5 is composed of a round bar (bar-shaped body) having a substantially circular cross section, and is installed at a position eccentric from the center of the extrusion passage 41 to the lower side in FIG. Has been. The main core 5 forms a main hole 81 of the endoscope tube 8.
[0068]
Although the outer diameter of the main metal core 5 is not particularly limited, when the inner diameter of the extrusion passage 41 is 1, it is preferably about 0.45 to 0.75, and is about 0.5 to 0.7. Is more preferable.
[0069]
The sub-cores 6 and 7 are located at positions where the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the extrusion passage 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the main core 5 is large due to the eccentricity of the main core 5, that is, in FIG. 5 is installed on the upper side.
[0070]
The sub-core bar 6 is formed by juxtaposing a plurality (three in the illustrated configuration) of round bars (rod-like bodies) 61, 62, and 63 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The round bar 61 is located in the vicinity of the portion where the gap (distance) between the inner peripheral surface of the extrusion passage 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the main core bar 5 is maximized, and the round bar 62 is shown in FIG. The round bar 63 is located adjacent to the lower left diagonal side of the round bar 62 in FIG. With such a configuration, the sub-core bar 6 has a cross-sectional shape in a portion facing the main core bar 5 by the boundary part between the round bar 61 and the round bar 62 and the boundary part between the round bar 62 and the round bar 63. V-shaped grooves 64 and 65 are respectively formed along the longitudinal direction.
[0071]
In the present invention, since the grooves 64 and 65 are provided, the partition wall 84 of the endoscope tube 8 can be reliably formed with a relatively thin average thickness. This is due to the following reason. In the locations where the grooves 64 and 65 are formed, since the gap is relatively wide in a substantially triangular shape, the material 9 can easily enter the vicinity of the grooves 64 and 65. And while the material 9 advances in the taper part 42 and the extrusion channel | path 41, while the material 9 which entered into the groove | channels 64 and 65 vicinity joins, the material which entered these and the A part and B part in FIG. 9 is joined, and the material 9 that has entered the gap between the main metal core 5 and the sub metal core 6 continues. In this way, the partition wall 84 is reliably formed without being lost.
[0072]
In particular, when the material 9 is a paste obtained by adding an auxiliary agent to a fine powder of fluororesin such as PTFE as described above, the viscosity thereof is relatively high. In the method of the comparative example, the partition wall 84 is used. However, in the present invention, the partition wall 84 can be reliably formed even in this case.
[0073]
The partition wall 84 formed in this manner has a relatively thick thickness locally at the ridges 841 and 842, but the thickness can be relatively thin at other portions, and the average thickness can be reduced. Can be made relatively thin. Thereby, in this invention, the internal diameter of the main hole 81 and the cross-sectional area of the subhole 82 can be formed comparatively large.
[0074]
The round bars 61, 62, and 63 of the sub-core bar 6 have different outer diameters, and the relationship is such that the outer diameter of the round bar 61> the outer diameter of the round bar 62> the outer diameter of the round bar 63. That is, the round bars 61, 62, and 63 are arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in the direction in which the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the extrusion passage 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the main core bar 5 decreases. Thereby, the space of the clearance gap between the inner peripheral surface of the extrusion channel | path 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the main metal core 5 can be utilized more efficiently, and the subhole 82 with a larger cross-sectional area can be formed.
[0075]
The sub-core 7 is configured symmetrically with the sub-core 6 in FIG. That is, the sub-core bar 7 is formed by juxtaposing three round bars (rod-like bodies) 71, 72 and 73 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters, like the sub-core bar 6. , Grooves 74 and 75.
[0076]
This sub-core 7 can obtain the same effect as described for the sub-core 6. That is, by providing the grooves 74 and 75, the partition wall 85 can be reliably formed with a relatively thin average thickness, and thus the inner diameter of the main hole 81 and the cross-sectional area of the sub-hole 83 are formed relatively large. be able to.
[0077]
Further, the sub-cores 6 and 7 can be configured by combining existing round bars, and do not need to be designed and manufactured exclusively, thereby contributing to cost reduction.
[0078]
The molded body 10 formed by the die 4, the main core metal 5, and the sub-core bars 6 and 7 and extruded from the tip of the extrusion passage 41 passes through the heating furnace 11. When the molded body 10 is heated in the heating furnace 11, the auxiliary agent is volatilized and baked to form the endoscope tube 8.
[0079]
The endoscope tube 8 exiting the heating furnace 11 enters the take-up device 12. The take-up device 12 is a caterpillar-type take-up device, and the endoscope tube 8 is drawn by the take-up device 12 in the distal direction at a constant speed while regulating (holding) dimensions and shape. In the present invention, the take-up device 12 is not limited to a caterpillar type, but may be a roll type, a belt type, or the like.
[0080]
In addition to the above-described effects, the endoscope tube 8 as described above also exhibits an effect that it is possible to prevent the auxiliary holes 82 and 83 from being completely closed even in a curved state. For example, in the state where the tube 8 for the endoscope is curved, the portion that is on the inside of the curve is compressed or interferes with other built-in objects of the endoscope insertion portion, as shown in FIG. A case where the sub-hole 83 is deformed so as to be crushed can be considered. Even in this case, as shown in the figure, the ridges 851, 852, 871, and 872 become like columns to prevent the sub-hole 83 from being completely closed. Thus, in the endoscope to which the endoscope tube 8 is applied, even when the insertion portion is in a curved state, the air supply channel and the water supply channel constituted by the auxiliary holes 82 and 83 are crossed. Although the area is reduced, there is no risk of complete blockage, and necessary air supply and water supply can be ensured.
[0081]
In addition, the round bars 61, 62 and 63 constituting the sub-core bar 6 and the round bars 71, 72 and 73 constituting the sub-core bar 7 may not be installed in contact with each other as shown in the figure. The material 9 may be spaced apart from each other so that the material 9 does not enter.
[0082]
Further, the round bars 61, 62 and 63 constituting the sub-core metal 6 and the round bars 71, 72 and 73 constituting the sub-core metal 7 are mutually connected by a method such as brazing, welding, bonding with an adhesive or the like. It may be fixed (fixed). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sub-core 6 may be such that the round bars 61, 62 and 63 are fixed to each other by a brazing material (fixing material) 66 by brazing.
[0083]
In the present invention, the number of sub-holes and sub-cores is not limited to two and may be one or three or more. For example, when there is one sub-hole, the round bar 61 and the round bar 71 are arranged in contact or close to each other, and the sub-cores 6 and 7 are used as one sub-core, thereby forming a substantially crescent-shaped sub-hole. Can be formed.
[0084]
Further, the number of round bars constituting the sub-core is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more.
[0085]
  As mentioned above, the manufacturing method of the tube for endoscopes of this inventionandAlthough the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus has been described with respect to the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the partition wall separating the main hole and the sub-hole can be reliably formed with a relatively thin average thickness, and thus each of the main hole and the sub-hole is formed large. An endoscope tube is obtained. When this endoscope tube is installed in the endoscope insertion portion, the internal space of the endoscope insertion portion can be used with high efficiency, and a wide variety of channels (passages) can be secured. It is also advantageous when the diameter of the endoscope insertion portion is reduced.
[0087]
Moreover, even if it is a curved state, the tube for endoscopes which can prevent a subhole being completely obstruct | occluded is obtained.
[0088]
Further, when the sub-core is configured by arranging a plurality of rod-like bodies having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing an embodiment of an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.
2 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a die of the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.
FIG. 4 shows an endoscope tube according to the present invention.Endoscope tubes manufactured with manufacturing equipmentIt is a cross-sectional view showing the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the endoscope tube shown in FIG. 4 is deformed.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the sub-core in the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion passage, a main core bar, and a sub-core bar of an endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus (extrusion molding machine) in a comparative example.
FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the endoscope tube manufactured by the endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1. Endoscope tube manufacturing equipment
  11 Heating furnace
  12 Picking device
  13 Heater
  14 Supporting part
  2 Extruder
  3 Extruder
  31 cylinders
  32 piston
  4 die
  41 Extrusion passage
  42 Taper
  5 Main metal
  6 Sub-core
  61, 62, 63 Round bar
  64, 65 groove
  66 Brazing material
  7 Sub-core
  71, 72, 73 round bars
  74, 75 groove
  8 Endoscope tube
  81 Main hole
  82, 83 minor holes
  84 Bulkhead
  85 Bulkhead
  841, 842, 851, 852, 861, 862, 871, 872
  9 Material
  10 Molded body
  100 dies
  110 Extrusion passage
  120 Main metal
  130,140 Sub-core
  150, 160 clearance
  200 Endoscope tube
  210 Main hole
  220, 230 minor hole
  240, 250 Bulkhead

Claims (6)

By extruding the material, a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole positioned so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole were formed along the longitudinal direction. An endoscope tube manufacturing method for manufacturing an endoscope tube,
The extrusion molding machine that performs the extrusion molding includes a die in which an extrusion passage through which a material passes is formed, a main core that forms the main hole, and a sub-hole that forms the sub-hole. With a mandrel,
The sub-core is substantially circular in cross-sectional shape, and is formed by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having different outer diameters, and between the rod-shaped bodies facing the main core , A method for manufacturing an endoscope tube, characterized in that a substantially V-shaped groove is formed . The method for manufacturing an endoscope tube according to claim 1 , wherein a cross-sectional shape of the extrusion passage is substantially circular or elliptical. By extruding the material, a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole positioned so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole were formed along the longitudinal direction. An endoscope tube manufacturing method for manufacturing an endoscope tube,
  The extrusion molding machine that performs the extrusion molding includes a die in which an extrusion passage through which a material passes is formed, a main core that forms the main hole, and a sub-hole that forms the sub-hole. With a mandrel,
  The main core bar is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage,
  The sub-core is composed of a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters, and a gap between the extrusion passage and the main core increases due to the eccentricity. The plurality of rod-like bodies are arranged at positions where the outer diameters are arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in the direction in which the gap between the extrusion passage and the main core bar becomes smaller, thereby facing the main core bar. An endoscopic tube manufacturing method, characterized in that a substantially V-shaped groove is formed between the rod-shaped bodies. By extruding the material, a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole positioned so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole were formed along the longitudinal direction. An endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an endoscope tube,
A die formed therein with an extrusion passage through which the material passes;
A main metal core which is installed in the extrusion passage and forms the main hole and a sub metal core which forms the sub hole;
The sub-core bar is formed by arranging a plurality of bar-shaped bodies each having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters, and between the bar-shaped bodies facing the main core bar. An endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus comprising at least one groove formed along a longitudinal direction. The endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein a cross-sectional shape of the extrusion passage is substantially circular or elliptical. By extruding the material, a main hole having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and at least one sub-hole positioned so as to cover at least a part of the outer peripheral portion of the main hole were formed along the longitudinal direction. An endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an endoscope tube,
  A die formed therein with an extrusion passage through which the material passes;
  A main metal core which is installed in the extrusion passage and forms the main hole and a sub metal core which forms the sub hole;
  The main core bar is installed eccentrically with respect to the center of the extrusion passage,
  The sub-core is composed of a plurality of rod-shaped bodies having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and different outer diameters, and a gap between the extrusion passage and the main core is increased due to the eccentricity. The plurality of rod-shaped bodies are arranged at positions so as to be arranged in order of increasing outer diameter in a direction in which the gap between the extrusion passage and the main core bar becomes smaller, thereby facing the main core bar. An endoscope tube manufacturing apparatus, comprising: at least one groove formed along the longitudinal direction between the rod-shaped bodies.

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